What Keys Stolen Could Be Your Next Big Obsession?
What Keys Stolen Could Be Your Next Big Obsession?
Blog Article
What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be very frustrating to lose your car keys. But, it's essential to remain calm and not get stressed.
First, try to retrace your steps. This will help to determine if the keys to your car were stolen or lost. Next, call your insurance company. You may be able to submit an insurance claim based on the situation.
Inform the police
Reporting the theft of your car keys to the police is the first step. This will give you a crime reference number, which you can use to trace the keys and your vehicle. The police can also offer advice on how to protect your vehicle, for example by using a lock on your wheel.
The next step is to try and locate the keys. Make sure to check every bag, pocket and other places you may have them. Be sure to look in places you wouldn't normally look, like underneath the seat or in your shoes. You can also use an application to locate your keys. Examples include Tile and AirTag. These apps can ring the keys or show its last known location but only if the keys are within the range of your phone's.
If you have a traditional car key (think old keys with no fancy chips) then you can obtain a replacement from the local locksmith. However, if you own a smart key or remote start, then you'll need to go to the dealership to purchase. It is important to see if your insurance covers the cost of replacing a lock and key.
Car thefts caused by people who leave their keys in their car are on the rise, and it is essential to ensure they are secure at all times. The thieves could employ the device, known as a relay attack, which copies the signal from the car's keyfob. They then wait for a partner to arrive with a piece of equipment to open the car. This is a very common method of car theft in large cities, where thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. You should always leave an extra set of keys in a different location than in your vehicle. It is also not a good idea to leave your insurance card or your license in your car, as these are essential tools for identity thieves. If you lose your keys, be sure to call your insurer and the police as soon as you can.
Contact your insurance company
If you have comprehensive insurance on your car, it is important to notify your company right away about the missing keys. This will help keep you secure, and prevent others from using your vehicle. Most policies will pay for the cost of a car dealer or locksmith to make new keys.
While it is very stressful to lose your car keys, the worst thing you'd want to do is for someone else to use keys! It's a good idea contact your local locksmith as soon as you can and ask them to make a duplicate key for you. They can also program the keys to ensure that the key you stole will not work anymore.
Reporting your keys stolen to the police as soon as you can is a good idea, especially when they are an electronic key. Police can provide you with an identification number for the crime and offer further guidance on how to keep your vehicle secure, including installing wheel locks. They may be able to offer advice on where to buy an additional key.
You should check your bags and pockets thoroughly before contacting your insurance company. It's easy to lose the car key if it's dropped or if the keys are thrown out of your bag when you reach in to grab something. If you've looked everywhere but still can't find the keys, it's likely time to call your insurance company.
The choice to file an insurance claim for a lost vehicle key will depend on the type of key you have and your deductible amount. The majority of mechanical keys for cars are cheap, and can be easily replaced by a locksmith for a cost less than your insurance deductible. Modern keys, however, are more costly and require to be ordered directly from the dealer or manufacturer. In some instances the purchase of a new car key could cost more than your deductible.
You should also be aware that an insurance company might run a credit check to determine if fraud is possible. This could result in your claim being denied or even a probe. It's therefore important to immediately report your keys as soon as you find them.
Buy a new set keys
It is crucial to remain at ease and plan what you will do next when you website lose your car keys. There are a variety of options to get new keys. Most options are cheaper than you think. You can also make use of Bluetooth key trackers to keep your keys secure and easily accessible. This is a great choice in case you lose your car keys often. These devices are available on the internet or in a lot of electronic stores.
The first step is to determine what kind of key you own. If you own a traditional or mechanical key you can replace it with one from the locksmith or hardware store. The keys aren't equipped with any unique features, and are only used to lock or unlock your vehicle. If you own transponder keys, a more advanced type of key that is typically installed inside the key fob or key chain, you may need to go to an auto locksmith or dealer to obtain a replacement.
Most vehicles in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 include a chip in their keys that is tied to the computer in the vehicle. You will require the VIN number of your vehicle to get the new key. A dealership can also make a new key for your vehicle, however it could cost more than calling locksmith.
No matter what kind of car key you have regardless of the type, you should always have a spare in case you lose one. You'll be able to get back on the roads without having to wait around for an locksmith. You'll also be free of the cost of tows and call roadside assistance.
Look in your pockets and other places where you may not usually search for keys, such as in your shoes if they are on or in the refrigerator when you've consumed a beer. You could leave an extra key with a trusted friend or family member, and you can even think about using a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys safe and easily accessible.
Get your car repaired
There are several options if your car keys get stolen. You could make an insurance claim to pay the cost of a new key fob, and then have your car's locks changed in the event that you don't have a spare or you can purchase a new key at hardware stores for less than what it might cost to file an insurance claim.
You may need to go to your dealer to change the key, depending on whether your vehicle is equipped with an electronic fob or a conventional turn-key ignition. The dealer may need to purchase the key chip and then pair it to your vehicle. This can be expensive. However your roadside assistance insurance could cover towing the vehicle to a dealership or service shop that can make an entirely new key, as per Reina.
You should always be careful when dealing with locksmiths, since there are scammers that will try to overcharge you for services that your car insurance or dealer already covers. Some locksmiths have also been known to use "key phishing," a technique where they make the owner believe that their car's manufacturer sent them a request asking them to reset their codes. These scams are hard to detect however, you can stay clear of them by entering your code only via the website or app of the manufacturer.
While you're at it you should also contact your insurance company for home insurance to see if they offer any additional coverage for lost car keys. American Family, for instance offers protection for garage door openers as well as keys for your dwelling without any cost-sharing. The coverage isn't offered from all insurers. It's worth checking if your current provider offers it or if you are able to add it to your existing policy.