What to Do If Car Keys Are Stolen

The loss of your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. Replacing them can be expensive. Fortunately, some insurance policies cover the cost of replacements.

First keep your cool. Retrace your steps, and hopefully, you will discover them. If you cannot find them then contact your local dealership for cars.

Report the theft to the police

The first thing you should do if you suspect that your keys to your car were stolen is contact the police. This might appear to be a formality, however it can make a an enormous difference in your chances of recovering the keys. Police can declare your vehicle a crime scene, thereby alerting other departments in the area and increasing the chance that your keys will be found. They can also review CCTV footage or employ ANPR technology to track the vehicle's movements.

It's also a good idea to inform your insurance company. This will allow you to pay the cost of replacing your keys in the event that they aren't recovered. Certain insurance policies also cover the cost of the purchase of a new lock fitted to your vehicle if you report it before.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the person who steals your car may know what kind of key you have. It is important to keep your car keys visible. It's also recommended to remove valuables from your car or put them in a safe place away from view. If you have an extra car key, request that your dealer deactivate it, to ensure that the person who took your key won't be able to use it.

Next, you must go back through your steps. Check all the bags and pockets you've used throughout the day. Look in places you might not normally look, like under the car or inside of the trash can.

If you're still unable to locate your keys it's a good idea to get in touch with a locksmith. They can create a replacement key for you, usually without having the original in hand. However, if your car is older and uses an alternative type of key, you might need to contact a dealer service department to have the locks reset.

You can also track your keys with a variety of smartphone applications. They include Tile and AirTag that use GPS technology to ring your key or display its last location on a map. These devices are only functional when they're in range of your smartphone.

Contact your insurance company

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You might have left them in the cupholder or hidden them under your visor and walked to the shop, thinking you'd return in a few minutes. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle the process of replacing them can be lengthy and costly. To avoid this scenario it's recommended to purchase an extra set of keys and keep them in a secure location. This will help you lower the risk of your car getting stolen through accident, and also help you avoid needing to submit an insurance claim to get a new set of my keys were stolen.

Many insurance companies offer optional protection against key theft and loss. Budget Insurance, for example has a national locksmith network that can offer keys replacement and reset an immobiliser without the need to make an insurance claim. Check the terms and conditions to see what options you have.

Once you've reported the theft to the police The next step is to call your insurance company. This will allow your insurance company to begin searching for your keys, and will also provide tips on how to replace keys.

The exact steps that you'll need to follow depend on the type of key you have, and whether it's an electronic key fob or a standard turn-key ignition. You'll need to visit the local dealer to purchase an electronic key fob. The dealership will need to be aware of the car's model and make so that they can create a key that matches the current fob. If your car is equipped with an older key, you'll need to talk to a locksmith to replace the lock barrel and cylinder inside your car stolen after losing keys.

Notifying any item as soon the item is taken away, no matter how small or insignificant it may appear at the time is crucial. Doing this can help prevent the items from being used in criminal activity, and it may even result in the recovery of your stolen car keys. The key is to remain calm and concentrate on involving the police as quickly as possible.

Create a new set of keys

In the past the loss or misplacement of your keys to your car wasn't a big deal. You might have a spare car key stolen set made at your local hardware store, or even be able use the key fob in your wallet to start your car. The process is becoming more complicated and if you don't have a spare key in your possession, it can get expensive to make one.

Getting a new key made will vary depending on the kind of car you own, and whether or your roadside assistance plan covers it. Many insurance companies will pay car dealerships and automotive locks to make traditional keys. If you have a smart key or electronic fob for your key it is more complicated.

If you have a key that is electronic and utilizes a remote, an auto dealer will have to reprogram the locks and ignition of your car. In general, this could cost you a few hundred dollars. You can also buy a new remote and get it programmed to your car. This is more affordable, but not cheap.

The report of your car key theft immediately is important, as the thief might have already started the car with keys and then walked away. The thief may leave scratches on the doors or a mess in the ignition when this happens. If you report it before the crime is reported your insurance company will be able to cover the cost of replacing the ignition and the locks on your car.

If your house keys were also lost with your car keys It's recommended to inform your home security system of the incident. Your alarm provider will be able to tell you if anyone is at your home and will be able to call the police on your behalf. This will reduce the chances that the person who took your car keys will return to steal something else later. If they do police will be on the lookout for them and may even arrest them for breaking into your home.

Take steps to prevent the same theft from occurring again.

Not just is losing your car keys a major inconvenience however, it can also be incredibly scary. There are steps you can follow to ensure your vehicle is secure and prevent thefts from repeating themselves. First, you should notify the police about the theft to ensure they put an alert on your name. This will help stop any person from stealing your vehicle or using it for other crimes. It is also recommended to inform your insurance company so that they can assist you in finding your car and submit a claim.

Then, you must change your locks. If you suspect someone is using your key fob, make sure they don't have access to your office or home. It's more difficult for them to steal in your vehicle if you don't provide them with the code. It's also an excellent idea to create a fraud alert on your credit report. This will alert companies that try to open an account under your name to check for fraudulent activity.

If you've lost your key fob, you should examine the pockets of any jackets or purses that you were wearing when you last used it. You may also contact your dealership if you're in the region. They might be able to reactivate your key fob, and remove the immobilizer to stop it from being used to unlock your vehicle.

Certain insurance companies will offer the use of a car as your locks are being changed. This depends on your policy and insurer. You may want to consider adding a crucial coverage plan to your current policy. This could cost as much as a few hundred dollars.

Car thieves are always looking for opportunities, so it's essential to be alert for anything that could give them an advantage. It's recommended not to leave your key fob in the ignition, because this could increase the likelihood of theft. These precautions can go a long ways to keeping your vehicle and belongings safe.