What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen

If you lose your car keys, it could be very frustrating. It's important to stay calm and not get stressed.

First, try to retrace your steps. This will help determine if your car keys were stolen or lost. Call your insurance company. You might be able to file an insurance claim, based on the circumstances.

Inform the police

The first thing to do if your car keys are stolen is to report it to the police. You will receive a crime reference code that can be used to track your keys and your vehicle. The police can also provide suggestions on how to secure your vehicle, such as using a wheel lock.

The next step is to find the keys. Make sure you check every pocket, bag, and other places you might have them. Also, make sure you look in places that you wouldn't normally go, such as under the seat or in your shoes. You can also make use of an app to locate your keys such as Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring the key or display its last known location however only if your keys are within the range of your phone's.

If you have a traditional car key (think older keys without any fancy chips) then you can easily get a replacement at the local locksmith. However, if you own a smart key or remote start, you'll need to go to the dealership to purchase. It is a good idea to find out if your insurance covers the cost of replacing a lock and key.

Car thefts triggered by people keeping their left keys in car and it was stolen inside are on the rise and it is essential to ensure their security at all times. The thieves can use an instrument called relay attack which copies the signal from the key fob of the car. They then wait for a partner to arrive with the equipment to open the car. This is a typical method of car theft in cities, where the thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key outside of your vehicle. It is also not a good idea to leave your insurance documents or your license in your car, as these are valuable tools for identity thieves. If you have lost your keys, contact your insurance provider and the police immediately.

Contact your insurance company

If you have comprehensive insurance on your car It is crucial to inform your insurance company as soon as possible about the missing keys. This will help ensure your safety and also stop other people from using your vehicle. Most policies will reimburse the cost of a car locksmith or dealer to create new keys.

It can be extremely stressful to lose your car keys but the most important thing you want is for someone else to have the keys! Contact your local locksmith and ask them to create a duplicate key. They can also program the replacement keys so that the key you stole will not work anymore.

It is recommended to report your keys stolen keys what to do as soon as possible to the police, particularly in the case of smart keys or a standard turn-key ignition. The police can give you an identification number for the crime and offer further guidance on how to keep your car safe, such as installing wheel locks. They may also be able to advise you on where to purchase an additional key.

You should examine your bags and pockets carefully before making contact with your insurance company. You can easily lose the car key if it's lost or if your keys get tossed out of your bag when you reach in to take something. If you have searched and still cannot find your keys, it's time to contact your insurer.

The decision to submit an insurance claim following losing a car key depends on the type of key you have and the amount of your deductible. The majority of mechanical keys made in the past are cheap and can be repaired at a locksmith for less than your deductible. However, modern keys are typically more expensive and must be ordered from the manufacturer or dealer. In some cases, a new car key could exceed your maximum deductible.

It's also important to note that if you're in serious debt, an insurance company might conduct a credit investigation to determine if there's an opportunity for fraud. This could lead to your claim being rejected or investigated this is why it's vital to report your keys stolen immediately.

Get a new set of keys

It is essential to remain in a state of calm and plan what are going to do when you lose your my car key Was stolen key. There are a variety of options to obtain new keys. Most options are cheaper than you think. You can also use Bluetooth key trackers to keep your keys safe and easily accessible. This option is especially helpful if you tend to lose your car keys frequently. They are available online or in most electronics stores.

The first thing you need to do is determine the type of key you have. If you have a traditional or mechanical key you can replace it with one from the locksmith or hardware store. These types of keys do not have special features or chips, and are used only to lock and unlock the vehicle. If you have transponder keys, a more advanced type of key that is usually placed in the key fob or chain, you might have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer to purchase an alternative.

In the United States, most vehicles produced after 1990 are fitted with a chip inside the key that is connected to the computer in the vehicle. You will require the VIN number of your vehicle to obtain the new key. A dealership can create keys for your car however the cost may be higher than going to locksmith.

Regardless of what happens if your car keys are stolen type of car key you own, you should always have a spare in the event that you lose one. This way, you will be able to return to the road without having to wait for a locksmith's arrival. You will also be free of the cost of tows and call roadside assistance.

It is crucial to examine the pockets of your clothes before leaving and also to look in places where you would not typically search for keys for example, in your shoes if you're wearing them, or in the fridge if have had a drink. You can also leave an extra key with a family member or trusted friend. If you're looking to keep your car keys secure and easily accessible you might want to consider a Bluetooth tracker.

Get your car repaired

There are a variety of ways to go about it if your car keys are stolen. You could make an insurance claim to cover the cost of a replacement key fob and get your car locks replaced in the event that you don't have a spare, or you can purchase the new key from a hardware store for much less than what it might cost you to file an insurance claim.

You may have to go to your dealer to change the key, depending on whether your vehicle is equipped with an electronic fob or a standard turn-key ignition. The dealer will likely need to purchase a new key chip and then pair it with your vehicle, which can be a bit expensive. According to Reina, your roadside coverage could cover the cost of towing your car to a dealer or service shop where a new key can be made.

Be cautious when dealing with locksmiths since there are scammers who try to charge you for services that your car insurance or dealership already covers. Additionally, some people have been caught using a technique called "key phishing," where they try to fool the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer is sending them a message asking them to reset their keyless entry code. These scams are difficult to detect however you can stay clear of them by entering your code only on the website or app of the car manufacturer.

While you're at it you should check with your insurance company for home insurance to see if they have any additional insurance for lost car keys. American Family's home insurance for instance, covers keys to your garage and for dwelling openers without charging for a minimum deductible. The coverage isn't offered from all insurers. It's worth to determine if the current provider offers it or if you can add it to your existing policy.