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 a few still use the old-fashioned turn-key ignition.

Losing your car keys can be a stressful and stressful. If someone discovers your keys to your car and uses them for a period of time, it can expose you to unauthorized access.

1. Call the Police

Contacting the police is the first thing you should do if you suspect your car keys have been stolen. You can file an investigation report and they will let you know when the key is returned. You must report it promptly because if you put off you could allow someone to use your vehicle without permission. This could lead to penalties from the city.

The police may also be able to give you some tips on how to keep your vehicle safe and secure. You will also receive a crime reference code which can be used to track the investigation. This will be important in the event that you decide to submit an insurance claim to cover the theft.

Always keep your spare car keys in your bag. The keys can be tucked away in places that are easy to reach like your wallet or purse, or in the hands of family or friends. You can also inquire with your local dealership to see if it can reprogram your factory key fob.

Double-check every place you think your car key could be. Ask friends or family members to look it up if they can. You can also call local libraries or restaurants to see if they've found any keys that were lost. It's common for people to forget where they put their keys. Therefore, it's important to check the obvious locations first before proceeding to more obscure ones.

Even if you've got a spare key, it is still important to notify the police of an incident of theft. This will stop anyone from trying to steal your car, and it might assist them in locating your key prior to them doing. The police might also offer tips on how to secure your vehicle, such as using a wheellock.

In certain cases, you may be able learn from the police that your car keys were returned to the police station. Then, you can retrieve your car key at the police station. The process can be more difficult if your vehicle is an automobile that has an electronic key fob.

2. Call a Locksmith

A car key that was stolen is a terribly painful and stressful experience. If it was stolen or discarded in another location, neglected, or taken by someone who was just seeking an opportunity to take your car, it could be a devastating experience. Call the police to let them know that your keys to your car are missing. This will enable them to keep an eye on the key and help you gain possession of your car in case it does get stolen.

The next step is to contact an locksmith. The kind of locksmith you will need to contact will depend on the type of car you have. If your vehicle has an ordinary, mechanical key and ignition system, then the locksmith will simply replace your existing key. If your car is older and uses traditional turn key ignition, or it has a keyfob, the locksmith must have the IMEI number of your vehicle (which can be located on the dashboard or in the key display). They must also be able verify that you are the owner of the vehicle through documents such as your registration or title.

In certain situations, the locksmith may be able to erase the "memory of the car" and prevent the key from working in the future. However, this will typically require you to bring the car to the dealer in order to do so. You'll either need a spare or be willing to pay a lot of money for this service.

Review your home insurance policy for coverage of car key theft and loss. This coverage is included in a variety of policies and can be an excellent way to cover the cost of replacement keys and lock replacements.

Keys stolen from cars are not uncommon. If you are a diligent driver and take the appropriate precautions, there is a much lower chance that your car is stolen.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Reporting the theft of your car keys to your insurance provider is crucial. This will help you track the perpetrator and give you peace of mind. It also helps protect against identity theft. The criminals will look through social media sites to find detailed information about their victims. This includes address, workplace and other personal information. Notifying a lost car key immediately can help prevent this.

Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The exact terms and conditions may differ and you website should consult your provider to discuss your policy. Some companies may offer additional benefits, for example, free replacements or coverage for rental cars.

If your car keys are not in the ignition, you will have to visit your dealer or automaker to get a brand new set made. This involves removing the old keys and reprogramming new keys for your vehicle. This could be costly and cost between $200 and $500 per key, depending on the model.

A few thieves might try to drive your car after they've taken your keys. This can lead to expensive damage, like broken windows and doors. It is also likely that the thief could be punished for driving without a license or for violating traffic laws. Your insurance company will cover any damage caused by the theft when you report it before the deadline.

If you've reported the loss of your car keys, it's crucial to make sure they actually are missing. This will help you avoid creating a false report and getting hit with extra costs. Start by searching every bag, pocket, and other places that you usually keep your keys. Then, walk back through your day to consider what you might have done that could have led to them being lost. Did you, for example, put them on the table in your car when you got home from work? Or did you accidentally drop them when you reached in your purse to pull out your phone?

It is a good idea to call the police if you find your keys. This will prevent the thief from being able to use your stolen keys to access other vehicles and to commit further crimes.

4. Schedule an Inspection

Theft of cars is a major issue. Every 32 seconds it costs Americans more than $8 billion each year. Thankfully, modern vehicles have advanced security features that make it difficult for thieves to steal them. However, older cars and those that do not have keyless entry are still in need of protection. Consider installing a steering lock, or tire lock with brakes to guard your car from theft. These locks are simple to install and make it difficult for thieves to steal your car away.

It's important that you immediately report the theft of your car keys to police immediately. This will help them track down the thief and possibly recover your vehicle. The police will also give you a a crime reference number that can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.

You can also go to the dealership for your vehicle's manufacturer and have new key fobs created. You'll need to have your current keys scanned, and then the new ones will need to be programmed with your vehicle's computer. This process may take several days, and it will cost you money.

You'll also need to pay for any damage done by the thief as he drives off with your vehicle. Make sure that your car is in a place that is well-lit and in a secure parking lot. Also, keep your keys in a secure location and don't leave them in the ignition.

The OBD port is located usually under the dashboard. This is one way that thieves steal modern cars. They then use this information to find the code of your key fob and start the car. This is referred to as "relay theft." To stop this, you can install an OBD port lock or park in a secure parking area that has cameras and security.

You can also avoid having your car keys being taken by storing keys in a secure bag. These pouches block the signal that thieves are able to amplify using equipment called "relay transmitters." You could also purchase a device known as a "relay-deactivator" that you can plug into your vehicle's OBD port to deactivate the car key that was stolen.