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

Car keys have changed with the advancement of automobiles. Today, most automobiles use electronic key fobs and some still use the old-fashioned turn-key ignition.

Losing your keys can be frustrating and stressful. If someone discovers your car keys and then uses them for a certain period of time, it could leave you vulnerable to unauthorized entry.

1. Contact the police

Notifying the police is the first thing you should do if you suspect that your car keys have been stolen. You can create an investigation report and they will let you know when the key is returned. It is important to act quickly since if you delay you could let someone else use your car without your permission. This could lead to fines from the city.

The police might provide you some tips on how to keep your car safe and secure. They will also provide you with the crime reference number you can use to follow your case. This is crucial if you are planning to submit a claim to your insurance company in the event of theft.

Always keep 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 they can reprogram your original key fob.

Make sure to check any possible locations in which you may have lost your car key. If you can, ask friends or family members to check too. You can also call local libraries or restaurants and inquire if keys have been discovered. It's common for people to forget where they put their keys. Therefore, it is important to check the obvious locations first before moving on to less obvious locations.

Even if you have a spare key, it's worth calling police to report a theft. This will stop anyone from trying your car and may assist them in finding your key. The police may be able to provide you tips on how to protect your vehicle, for instance using a wheel lock.

In certain cases the police may be able to tell you that your car key has been turned in at an officer station. You can then visit the police station to retrieve it. If you have electronic keys in your vehicle, the process could be more difficult.

2. Contact a locksmith

A car key that was stolen is a terribly frustrating and stressful experience. If it was stolen or discarded in another location, forgotten, or stolen by someone seeking an opportunity to steal your car, it could be a devastating experience. The first step is to call the police and inform them that your car keys are missing. This will allow them to keep an eye on the key and help you get your car back in the event that it is taken.

The next step is to call an experienced locksmith. The type of locksmith you'll need to call will depend on the type of vehicle you own. If your vehicle has a standard, mechanical key and ignition system, the locksmith will simply replace your current key. However, if your car has a key fob or is an older model that has a traditional turn-key ignition, the locksmith will need to access the vehicle's IMEI number (which can be found on the key or the dashboard display). The locksmith also needs to verify your ownership of the car by presenting proof like a registration or title.

In some instances, a locksmith may be in a position to erase the vehicle's "memory" of the stolen key and prevent it from working again. This will usually require you to take your vehicle to the dealer. You'll require a spare or willing to pay a large amount of money for this service.

Check your home insurance policy for coverage of car keys theft and loss. This coverage is covered in a lot of policies, and can be an excellent way to pay the cost of replacing keys and lock changes.

Car keys stolen from cars are not common. If you're a diligent driver and take the right precautions, there is a much smaller chance that your car will be taken.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

It is essential to report the car key theft to your insurance company. This will help you track the perpetrator and provide peace of mind. It also helps protect against identity theft. Thieves frequently browse social media to find detailed details about their victims, including address, work location and other personal details. Notifying a lost car key immediately can stop this from happening.

Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. However, the exact terms and conditions vary and it is recommended to contact your provider and discuss the details of your policy. Certain companies provide additional benefits like 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 have a new set made. This involves removing the keys that are in use and programming the new ones to the vehicle. Based on the type of keys used, this could be costly and can cost anywhere from $200 to $500 per key.

A few thieves might try to drive your car after they've taken your keys. This can result in costly damage, such as damaged doors and windows. The thief may also be fined when they drive without a permit or violate traffic laws. Your insurance company will cover any damage caused by the theft if you report it early.

After you've reported the loss of your car keys, you need to confirm that they are missing. This will stop you from making a false claim and being charged extra. Start by searching your pocket, bag, and other places that you usually keep your keys. Then, go back and think about your day and what you may have done to cause them to be lost. For instance, did you put them on the table in your car after getting home from work? Or did you accidentally drop them when reaching into your purse to pull out your phone?

If you discover your car keys, it's recommended to call the police. This will stop the thief from being able to use your stolen keys to access other vehicles and commit further crimes.

4. Schedule an Inspection

The theft of vehicles is a major issue. It occurs every 32 seconds and costs Americans over $8 billion a year. Thankfully, modern cars come with sophisticated security features that make it difficult for thieves to take them. Older cars and those with keyless entry need additional security. To safeguard your vehicle from theft, you should consider purchasing a steering wheel lock or a brake and tire lock. These locks are simple to install and will make it difficult for a thief to drive your car away.

If your car keys have been stolen, you must immediately report the theft to the police immediately. This will help them locate the culprit and possibly recover your vehicle. The police will also provide you with a a crime reference number that can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.

You can also visit the dealership of your vehicle's manufacturer to create new key fobs. It is necessary to have your current keys scanned and the new ones will need to be programmed by your car's computer. This process could take a few days and can be costly.

You'll also have to be responsible for any damage caused by the criminal as he takes off with your car. It's important to keep your car in a safe parking lot and park in well-lit areas. Also keep your keys in a secure location and don't put keys in the ignition.

The OBD port is usually located under the dashboard. This is a way that thieves steal modern cars. The criminals could use this information to obtain the code for the key fob, and then start the car. This is referred to as "relay theft." You can avoid it by installing an OBD portlock or parking in a secure location with security cameras and security.

You can also try to prevent your here car keys from being stolen by keeping keys in a pouch that is screened. The pouches will block the signal thieves can amplify using devices referred to as "relay transmitters." You can also purchase a device called"relay deactivator. "relay deactivator" that can be connected to your car's OBD port to disable a stolen key.