Car Keys Missing? Here's What to Do

Car keys are one of the most difficult things to lose. Particularly when you have your office or home keys on the same key ring.

Fortunately your personal property protection under your renters or homeowners policy typically covers keys stolen from cars. However, you might need to pay your deductible.

Retract Your Steps

You've had a long and tiring day. All you want to do when you get home is to change into your comfy clothes and eat pizza while you watching television. Then you find that your keys aren't where they should be, and your perfect evening is ruined. Anxiety sets in and you begin to think of the worst scenarios that could happen. It doesn't work. The best thing to do is to relax and breathe deeply. Once your rational side is in control, you can begin working on figuring out what to do next.

The first step is to go back your steps. Remember when you had your keys last in your hand and where you went when you took them. Following your steps will help you determine where they went missing and possibly find them. You should also call the police to inform them of the theft of your car keys. This will permit them to investigate and apprehend the culprits.

You should check in some odd places after returning to your footsteps. Keys can end up in locations that defy logic such as in the crease of a cushion on the couch or in a laundry pile. It's also worth contacting family members, as they may have a spare key that is hidden in a convenient place. If all else fails then you can call a locksmith to make a new one. It may cost a lot however it will safeguard your house and car from theft.

Call the Police

After a long day at work you're looking forward to getting home, put on your comfortable sweats, order some pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. Then you realize that your car keys are missing. What to do now?

It's easy to panic when you first notice the situation, but it's crucial to remain calm and think rationally. Calling the police is the first step.

The police department in your neighborhood may not be able to locate your keys to your car. However, filing a report creates an evidence trail that can help authorities track down the thief. Plus, many insurance companies require you to complete a police report before they will reimburse you for items stolen car keys replacement.

Give the police as many details as possible when you call. They will require the make and model of your vehicle as well as registration number and any distinctive features. They can also look up CCTV footage in the area or employ ANPR technology to track your car's movements.

Don't forget to report any valuable items that was in your car at the time of theft. Thieves are often looking for things they can sell or use to pay for their next crime.

Informing the police that you had your wallet with you when the theft took place is also a good idea. This can help in preventing identity fraud if thieves choose to make use of documents or financial information that they discover in your purse or wallet.

It's a good idea to also contact your homeowner or renters insurance company. Depending on your situation they might be able to pay for the costs of replacing your lost keys, or other items stolen along with them. They'll also be able to let you know what steps they'll need to follow to process your claim. For instance homeowners may need to employ a locksmith in order to replace their locks, while others might need to have their cars taken to a dealer or auto repair shop.

Contact Your Insurance Company

It is important to notify the police immediately you notice that your car keys are missing. This will create an evidence trail, and also make it more difficult for criminals to use your credit card and other personal information, particularly since identity theft is on the rise. Most insurance companies also require you to report theft.

Your insurance company may cover the cost of replacing your key fobs if you have comprehensive auto insurance, however, it is important to check with your provider prior to submitting an insurance claim. You will need to have your policy number in hand as well as the make and model of your car.

It may not be worth the hassle to submit an insurance claim in the event that your keys to your car are stolen, based on the amount of your deductible and the cost of the key fob. The majority of old mechanical keys cost less than the insurance deductible on a car and are easily replaced at any store that copies keys. Smart key fobs, on the contrary, require programming by the car dealership or manufacturer and could cost hundreds of dollars. If you file a claim it will remain on your record and increase your car insurance rates the next time you renew.

Certain insurance policies, such as homeowners, will cover your keys in the event they are Stolen car keys from House (auto-locksmiths44974.westexwiki.com). However, this is more complicated and is dependent on the policy's terms and conditions. The best way to guard yourself against losing your car keys is by always keeping spare car key stolen what to do keys located in a secure area outside of your home or at the office. You will have peace of mind should they are lost and you will not need to pay for a replacement them. Remember to never leave your keys inside the car. It's a recipe for trouble. It is also an excellent idea to change the locks at your office or home particularly if you've recently experienced a problem with theft.

Call a locksmith

If you've tried to backtrack your steps and still can't find your car keys, you need to call a locksmith. A reliable locksmith can assist you without damaging any of your belongings. They can also cut a spare key on-site so that you'll have one in the future.

It's best to call the police when you discover the keys are missing. This will stop the thief from having the chance to take the keys. It's also a good idea to contact the police immediately. This will provide them with a record of the incident, which can be helpful if you ever decide to file a claim with an insurance company.

If you call locksmiths to repair your lock, ensure you have the VIN number of your car and the type of keys it uses. This will allow them to determine what kind of key you require, and it will let them know how much programming your new key will require. They'll also have to confirm that you're the owner of the vehicle in order to ensure that they don't commit an act illegal.

You can lower the chance of losing your car keys in the future by making sure you keep spare keys at home or in your office. This is especially helpful if your car has to be parked in a parking lot because you're working late or for some other reason. You can even ask a locksmith to cut an extra and store it in a safe place that's hard to reach, like the drawer.

Losing your car keys stolen how to replace keys isn't fun however it's a reality that everyone experiences at some moment in their lives. By staying calm and taking the right steps you can minimize the damage caused to your property and life. Avoid using more violent or devious methods to gain entry into your car or home. These will only cause you more problems in the future. Locksmiths are just a one phone call away!