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

Car keys have evolved with the advancement of automobiles. Nowadays, the majority of automobiles have electronic key fobs, and a few still have the old-fashioned turn-key ignition.

Losing your keys can be frustrating and stressful. It can also leave your vehicle vulnerable to unauthorised access if a person finds the vehicle and uses it for a period of time.

1. Call the police

The first thing to do if your car key has been stolen is to call the police. They can assist you with the creation of an investigation and will let you know whether they have found your key or gives it back. It is best to act quickly because if you put off for too long, someone else could use your car without your permission. This could result in fines from the municipality.

The police might also be able to give you tips about keeping your car safe and secure. They will also provide you with a crime reference number that you can use to track your case. This is crucial if you are planning to file a claim with your insurance company for the theft.

Make sure you always have your spare car keys in your bag. Keys can be hidden in places that are easy to access like your purse or wallet or even with your family or friends. You can also check with your local dealer to see whether it is able to reprogram the factory key fob.

Double-check any possible locations where you might have lost your car keys. If possible, ask your friends or family to check too. You can also call local libraries or restaurants to see if they have discovered any keys missing. A lot of people forget where they've put their keys, so it's crucial to double-check obvious locations before looking in less common ones.

Even even if you have a spare, it's still worth calling the police to report the theft. This will deter anyone from attempting to steal your car, and may assist them in locating your key prior to them doing. The police may also be able to offer you tips on how to protect your vehicle, for instance using a wheel lock.

In certain cases, the police might be able to tell you that your car key was turned in at a police station. You can then visit the police station and get it. The process could be more difficult if you have a modern vehicle that uses an electronic key fob.

2. Call a Locksmith

A car key stolen is an incredibly stressful and frustrating experience. Whether it was lost, left somewhere else and forgotten, or stolen by someone who was just seeking an opportunity to steal your car, it can be a devastating experience. Contact the police to let them know that your keys to your car are missing. This will help them keep an eye out for the key, and help you get control of your vehicle if it is stolen.

The next step is to call an experienced locksmith. The type of locksmith you need to call depends on the model of car you own. If your vehicle has mechanical keys that are standard and ignition system, then the locksmith will replace your existing key. However, if your vehicle has a key fob or is an older model that only utilizes a traditional turn-key system the locksmith will have to have access to the vehicle's IMEI number (which can be found on the key or on the dashboard display). They will also need to be able to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle using documents such as your registration or title.

In some instances, the locksmith may be able to erase the "memory of the car" and stop the key from working again in the future. However, this will typically require you to bring your vehicle to the dealership in order to do so. You'll need a spare or be willing to pay a significant amount of money for this service.

In the end, it's recommended to look over your insurance policy for home insurance to determine if they cover car key loss and theft. Many policies provide this protection and could be a great option to cover the cost of replacing car keys and lock replacements.

Car keys stolen from cars are not uncommon. If you're a responsible driver and take all the necessary precautions there is a lower chance that your car will be taken.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Reporting the theft of your car keys to your insurance company is crucial. This will help to track the culprit and provide you with peace of mind. This will also protect you against identity theft. The criminals will look through social media sites to find detailed information on their victims. This includes address, workplace and other personal information. Notifying a car key that was stolen as soon as you discover it missing could prevent this from happening.

Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The exact terms and conditions may differ, so you click here should contact your provider to discuss your coverage. Some companies may offer additional benefits, like free replacements or coverage for rental cars.

You'll have to visit your dealer or automaker to order a replacement set of keys if the ones you have are missing from the ignition. This involves removing the old keys and reprogramming new ones for the vehicle. Based on the type of keys used, it could be costly and can cost between $200 and $500 per key.

The thieves might try to drive the car after stealing the keys. This could result in costly damage, like damaged doors and windows. It is also possible that the person who stole your keys is penalized for driving without a license or violating traffic laws. If you report the loss of your keys at a young stage, your insurance company will cover any damages resulting from this crime.

It is crucial to confirm the keys are indeed missing after reporting their loss. This will prevent you from creating a false report and getting hit with extra charges. Begin by looking through your bags, pockets, and any other places where you keep your keys. Then, walk back through your day to think about what you might have done that led to them being lost. For example, did you put them on the table in your car after coming home from work? Or did you accidentally drop them while reaching into your purse to take out your phone?

It's a good idea to call the police if you discover your keys. This will stop thieves from using your stolen keys to gain access to other vehicles and commit more criminal acts.

4. Schedule an Inspection

Car theft is a massive issue. Every 32 seconds it costs Americans more than $8 billion per year. Thankfully, modern vehicles have advanced security features that make it difficult for thieves to steal them. Older vehicles and those with keyless entry require additional security. Think about a steering lock or tire lock with brakes to guard your car from theft. These locks are simple to install and make it impossible for a thief to drive your vehicle away.

It is imperative to immediately report the theft of your car keys to the police immediately. This will help them track down the thief and possibly recover your car. The police will also provide you with an identification number that can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.

You can also go to the dealership of your car's manufacturer and have new keys made. You'll need to have the existing keys scanned, and the new ones will have to be programmed using your vehicle's computer. This process could take several days, and it will be costly.

In addition to the cost of a new key, you will need to pay for towing as well as any damage caused by the theft while driving off with your car. Make sure your car is in a place which is well-lit, and in a safe parking area. Keep your keys in a safe place and never leave them in the ignition.

The OBD port is usually located under the dashboard. This is a way that thieves steal modern cars. They can then utilize this information to figure the code of your key fob, and then start the vehicle. This is known as "relay theft." To prevent this from happening, you should install an OBD port lock or park in a secure parking area with cameras and guards.

You can also try to prevent your car keys from being taken by storing them in a screened pouch. These pouches stop the signal that thieves can amplify with devices referred to as "relay transmitters." You can also purchase a device called a "relay deactivator" that can be plugged into your car's OBD port to block keys that have been stolen.