If Your Car Keys Got Stolen, What to Do

If you've lost your keys, it can be an extremely stressful experience. Take an exhale before you panic and take a walk to check if you can locate them. They might be in your pocket, or inside a bag that you took out of your car.

First and foremost, you should contact your insurance company. If you notify your insurance company of the loss of your car keys promptly they could cover the cost.

Call Your Insurance Company

The most frequent reason for car thefts is leaving keys in the vehicle. According to statistics, a car gets stolen every 32 seconds, costing Americans more than $8 billion every year. This statistic is why it's crucial to ensure that your key is kept in a secure place. It's also a good idea to invest in top quality locks and hide spare keys.

If you're unsure where your keys are it's a good idea to contact the police department. The officers can check their records and give you tips on how to safeguard your vehicle. In addition, they will be able to give you an identification number for crimes which is needed to file a claim with your insurance company.

The next step is to decide whether it's worth filing an insurance claim on your car for lost keys. The decision will be based on the kind of key you have and how much it would cost to replace it. For instance, some modern cars come with electronic key fobs or smart keys that are more expensive to replace than traditional turn-key ignitions.

Most auto insurance companies will pay for locksmiths to visit your vehicle if you've been locked out. They won't pay for the cost of making new keys for your car, so you will need to pay for that yourself. It's important to note that your insurance premiums are likely to increase when you file an insurance claim, therefore it's important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before doing so.

If your car has an enhanced key that needs to be re-sequenced with the computer in your car or re-paired with the barrels, you'll need to visit your auto dealership to do this. This could cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on your insurance policy and dealer. If you lose an upgraded key, you might want to make a claim if the policy covers comprehensive insurance. It's not worth the risk of the cost of your insurance rising and to do the extra work. If you don't have comprehensive insurance Contact an independent insurance agent to discuss adding it to your car insurance.

Contact the police

In the past the loss of your car key was not a major issue. You could contact locksmiths and have a new key made right on the on the spot. It can be expensive to replace keys that are lost or stolen in some cars because they have more advanced ignitions. There are two types of keys and ignitions available today: standard turn-key ignitions and electronic keys fobs, sometimes referred to as smart keys.

It's a good idea to know that a majority of insurance companies cover the cost of replacing stolen or lost keys to cars. This is true regardless if they're fob keys or a standard key. It's crucial to notify your insurance provider immediately so they can begin searching for your keys. You can also get a new set without having to pay out from your pocket.

If your car is on public property when you lose your keys, it's crucial to inform the police immediately. They could then stop other motorists from using your vehicle and could even be able to catch them in the act. If someone else uses your vehicle and is later questioned by the police, they could be fined, or even detained.

Inform your dealer about you've lost keys. Dealers are usually able to assist you quickly if they've replacement keys for your vehicle model. They can also rekey the lock and provide you with a key that disables the lock that was previously used, so it is no longer working.

If your car keys are stolen, it is possible that thieves have taken your wallet or purse. If this is the case, it's a good idea to call your bank and credit card to find out if they've had any suspicious activity on their records.

You can also use a smartphone application to locate your keys if they are lost or stolen. For instance, Tile and AirTag are well-known options that attach to your keys and employ GPS technology to locate them. You can also ring them to hear the car key in your vicinity or see their last known position on the map.

Call a Locksmith

Losing your car keys can be a major nightmare. It's already difficult enough to get to work or school without a vehicle, but when you lose your keys it can make things incredibly difficult. Fortunately, if your car keys get stolen, there are some steps you can take to stop the worst from occurring.

Contacting the police should be your first step. This will prevent thieves from stealing your car or using your vehicle to gain entry into your home. This will allow you to locate the person who has stolen the keys to your car.

The next step is calling a locksmith. A locksmith can repair your lost vehicle key. They will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle prior to being able to create a new key, so it is important to have your ID and registration in hand. The locksmith also needs to know the vehicle's name and VIN.

It is also advisable to contact your insurance provider. Review your policy to see if it covers the cost of replacing lost keys.

If you adhere to these tips, you can minimize the damage to your vehicle and avoid headaches. Remember to be patient, and search thoroughly before you give up! If your car keys are stuck in the ignition, do not attempt to remove them. This could cause more harm than good.

Most locksmiths can provide you with new keys even if you have an old-fashioned key. If you have a new key fob, such as one that is electronic, it may take a little longer. You will need to visit the dealership. If that's the case, ensure you bring proof that you are the car owner or an original registration or title. This will speed the process up. Locksmiths will probably charge you less than a dealership. It's always better to be secure rather than regretting!

Contact Your Car Dealer

Your car keys are a vital piece of equipment. Without them, your car won't check here start. It's not uncommon to have thieves to steal your keys in order to get into your vehicle. Luckily, there are things you can do to avoid this from happening.

Report the theft as soon as you can to police. This will assist police in tracking the thief and will give you a crime reference number to use in the future. You can also contact a locksmith or another mechanic to get a new key.

You may need to take your key fob to the dealership for deactivation when it is connected to the car's computer. If you have lost your keys in a public like a parking lot, or a shop, this will protect your vehicle from being stolen because the thief won't have a functioning key to gain access to your car.

Based on the model and manufacturer of your car, some dealerships will replace lost keys. Dealers can remove your old keys and pair the new key to the vehicle. It's more complicated to have a locksmith make the replacement key rather than go to the dealer.

If you notify the loss as quickly as you can, your insurance company may be able to assist. Some property insurance policies that include personal possessions insurance, may also provide for the cost of a set of new keys.