Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?

Car keys have evolved due to the advances in automobiles. Today, most autos use electronic key fobs, and a few still use the old-fashioned turn-key ignition.

Losing your car keys can be stressful and stressful. It also leaves your vehicle vulnerable to unauthorized access if someone discovers the vehicle and uses it for a while.

1. Contact the police

Notifying the police is the first step you need to do if you suspect that your car key has been taken. They can assist you with the creation of reports and let you know when they locate your key or if someone is willing to surrender it. You should do this immediately, as if you wait you could allow someone to use your vehicle without authorization. This could result in fines from the city.

The police may also be able to give you some tips on how to keep your vehicle secure and safe. You will also receive an incident reference number which can be used to track the case. This is crucial if you are planning to submit a claim to your insurance company in the event of theft.

Make sure that you have your spare car keys in your bag. Sometimes these keys are kept in easily accessible places, like your purse or wallet, or they could be in the possession of family or friends members. It's also worth talking to the local dealership for your car to find out if they're able to reprogram your factory key fob and give you an alternative.

Double-check all the places you believe your car key could be. If possible, ask your friends or family to check too. You can also contact local restaurants or libraries and inquire if keys have been discovered. Many times, people forget where they have put their keys, making it important to double-check the obvious places before you start looking in less common ones.

Even in the event that you have a spare key, it's still worth calling the police to inform them of the theft. This will deter anyone from attempting to steal your car and may assist them in locating your key before they do. The police may also be able to give you advice about protecting your car, such as the use of a wheel lock.

In some instances, you may be able to learn from the police that your car keys have been returned to the police station. You can then visit the police station and retrieve it. The process can be more difficult if you have a modern vehicle that uses an electronic key fob.

2. Contact for a locksmith

A stolen car key can be a very frustrating and stressful experience. It doesn't matter if it was stolen or lost, or left somewhere else. Call the police to let them know that your car keys have gone missing. This will enable them to keep an eye on the key, and help you regain control of your car if it is stolen.

The next step is to call a professional locksmith. The type of locksmith that you'll need to contact is contingent on the model of vehicle you own. If your car is equipped with mechanical keys that are standard and ignition system, then the locksmith will simply replace your existing key. If your car is older and has an old-fashioned turn key ignition, or if it has a keyfob, the locksmith should have the IMEI number of your vehicle (which can be located on the dashboard or in the key display). The locksmith will also need to verify your ownership of the vehicle by providing proof such as a registration certificate or title.

In some instances the locksmith might be capable of erasing the car's "memory" of the key that was stolen and stop it from working again. This is usually a requirement to take your vehicle to the dealer. In this case you'll have to have a spare key or be prepared to pay a large amount for the service.

It is also a good idea to check your home insurance policy to see if they cover the loss or theft of keys to your car. This coverage is provided in many policies, and is an excellent way to cover the cost of replacing keys and lock changes.

Keys stolen from cars are not uncommon. If you are a diligent driver and take the appropriate precautions there is a less chance that your vehicle is stolen.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Reporting the theft of your car keys to your insurance provider is essential. This will help track the culprit and give you peace of mind. It also helps protect you from identity theft. Thieves often look on social media for specific details about their victims, including address, work location and other personal information. Reporting a missing car key immediately can prevent this.

Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. However, exact terms and conditions vary, so it's best to contact your insurance provider to discuss the specifics of your insurance. Certain companies offer additional benefits such as rental car coverage or replacements for free.

If your car keys are not in the ignition, you'll have to go to your dealer or automaker to get a brand new set made. This involves removing the old keys and reprogramming new keys for your vehicle. This could be costly and cost between $200 and $500 per key, depending on the type.

A few thieves might try to drive your vehicle after they've taken your keys. This can result in costly damage, such as broken doors and windows. It is also likely that the burglar is penalized for driving without a permit or violating traffic laws. If you report the theft of your keys at a young stage the insurance company get more info will cover any damage caused by this crime.

After you've reported the loss of your car keys, it's important to verify that they are missing. This will ensure that you don't end up making a false claim and racking up additional charges. Start by searching your purses, pockets and other places you store your keys. Then, go back through your day to consider what you could have done that might have caused them to be lost. Did you, for example put them on your car's table after you returned from work? Did you drop them accidentally when you went to your purse to grab your phone?

It's a good idea to call the police if you find your keys. This will stop the thief from being able to use your stolen keys to access other vehicles and commit more crimes.

4. Schedule an Inspection

Theft of vehicles is a major problem. Every 32 seconds it costs Americans more than $8 billion each year. Thankfully, modern vehicles have sophisticated security features that make it hard for thieves to take them. However, older cars and those that do not have keyless entry require additional security. Consider installing a steering lock, or brake and tire locks to guard your car from theft. These devices are simple to install and make it impossible to take your car away.

If your car keys are stolen, you must report them immediately to the police. This will assist them in tracking the perpetrator and possibly recover your car. The police will also give you a a crime reference number that can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.

You can also go to the dealership of your vehicle's maker and create new key fobs. You'll have to scan your keys and program your new ones on the vehicle's computer. This process could take several days, and will be expensive.

You'll also have to be responsible for any damage caused by the thief who leaves with your vehicle. Keep your car in a location that is well-lit and in an area that is secure. Keep your keys in a secure place and do not leave them in the ignition.

One technique used by thieves to steal modern vehicles is to read the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the OBD port typically located under the dashboard. The criminals can use this information to obtain the code for the key fob, and then begin the vehicle. This is called "relay theft." You can prevent it by installing an OBD portlock or parking in a secure area with security cameras and security.

You can also prevent your car keys being stolen by keeping them in a screened bag. These pouches block the signal thieves are able to amplify using equipment called "relay transmitters." You could also purchase a device known as a "relay-deactivator" that you can connect to your vehicle's OBD port to disable the car key that was stolen.