Car Key Stolen But Not Car: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
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Car Key Stolen But Not Car
We all are aware that you should not put your keys in the car, but there are times when you forget. If you do, and your keys are stolen but the car is still there, here's what to do.
The first thing you'll want to do is contact the police. This will ensure that anyone who finds keys doesn't make use of them to commit a crime.
Buy a new set of keys
The loss of your car keys can be a hassle and a risk regardless of whether it's because of a moment of forgetfulness or when someone steals them. You'll not only be unable reach where you want to go, but you'll also have spend money and effort to replace your key. The good thing is that it's not as difficult or expensive to replace a key.
Check with your insurance company or warranty provider to determine if you are protected for the loss of your car key. If it is, bring proof of ownership along with you to the locksmith. They can then work with the number of your vehicle identification (commonly referred to as the VIN), which they can use to make a new key for your vehicle without the original.
The most straightforward type of car keys to replace is the standard or mechanical key. These keys can be made by a local locksmith and are typically cheaper than other kinds. However, if your vehicle is equipped with a transponder or chip you'll have to visit a dealer instead.
A transponder, a small chip in the car key, transmits an unique number each time it comes into contact with the vehicle. It is a safer method to start your vehicle and reduces the risk for theft. However, it's more complicated than cutting a regular car key.
Only the dealer can make you a new transponder key should you lose it. This is because they keep records of each car's security system and can locate the information within their system easily.
Unless you have spare keys, it is best to contact your dealership immediately. It's possible to purchase a new one immediately or may need to wait until a replacement arrives. This could take a few days but it's still less expensive than hiring an automotive locksmith to do the job. It's also less hassle than trying to find the keys you lost elsewhere.
Report the theft to police
It's not difficult to become distracted and forget your wallet, phone or keys in your car. The first thing to do if you suspect that this has happened is to contact the police. It may seem like a waste of time, but it could aid law enforcement in locating your item stolen. The police will want details about the incident, including the name of the perpetrator and any other items they might have found in the vehicle.
It might be beneficial to include any items that you may have at the time of the theft, like your license or credit cards. In certain instances in the event that the items are found in the wrong hands they could be used to commit other crimes.
After you've notified the police about the theft, you should notify your car insurance provider and file a claim. Depending on the type of coverage you have, your insurance might pay for replacing your keys. They will likely also advise that you install a car anti-theft device, such as an immobilizer or lock on the wheel to discourage thieves from targeting your car in the future.
You can also contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will update cars stolen with keyless entry your vehicle's title and registration information to indicate that it was taken. This will stop anyone else from driving your vehicle illegally and driving through red lights, parking tickets, or other offenses using it.
You might be able to add a property protection plan as an extra coverage for items that are stolen from your vehicle. This can protect you against the financial burden of items like laptops and phones that you might keep in your car. Find out whether your insurance provider provides this service by talking to a representative or visiting the website of your provider. You can also inquire from your agent about other ways to enhance the security of your vehicle. For instance, you could install an alarm system and then hide an extra set of keys in your vehicle or home.
Keep track of your keys using a smartphone app
In the past, losing your car keys was no big problem. You could create a duplicate key and you were in good shape. Modern automobiles require more advanced technology to function. This means that the cost of replacing lost or stolen car keys has increased dramatically.
There are two types of car keys which are electronic key fobs and traditional turn-key ignitions. The majority of cars today use electronic key fobs. However, a few remain with traditional ignitions that require the turning of a key to start the car.
One way to avoid worrying about your car keys when you're traveling is to purchase key trackers and attach it to your vehicle. There are many different devices available, but the most effective ones include:
To make use of the device, just connect it to your smartphone. Then, when you're on the go, the app can aid you in finding your car keys by making the sound of their location on a map. You can share the device with family members and friends to help them locate your keys.
You could be able to submit an insurance claim on your keys to your car that were stolen or lost according to the kind of policy you have and the details of your situation. For instance, if you've paid for property or comprehensive insurance coverage the policies could provide for the cost of replacing your lost keys.
It's also worth checking with your home insurance provider to see if they offer similar services. They may be able pay for the cost of replacing your car keys if you declare them lost or stolen promptly fashion.
If your car keys go missing, it's important to remain calm and develop an action plan. Contact the police as soon as you can to avoid other issues. They will provide you with suggestions on how to secure your vehicle and will provide you with a reference number. They might be able to give you new keys immediately.
Call an expert locksmith
In the past the loss of your car keys was a minor inconvenience. You might have a spare key hidden in a bag or the glove box, and your only concern was that you might not be able to access inside. But as automobiles have evolved technologically and so have keys, and are now much more costly to replace if stolen. It's therefore essential to have a spare key in your possession and to lock your car and keys securely.
You should also check whether personal property coverage in your home insurance policy will cover the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key. You may be able to save money by not having to pay for an auto locksmith.
Another thing that you should do when your keys are lost is to report them to police. The police will then be able to give you additional tips on protecting your car against theft, which includes the use of a lock for your wheel, and they'll give you a crime reference number that will help in locating the thief.
If you haven't yet completed this, it's an excellent idea to locate an experienced locksmith who is able to work on your type of vehicle and its key. Certain locksmiths can make keys for many different automobile models, whereas others are only able to repair and replace older vehicles using traditional turn-key ignitions.
You'll have to provide your vehicle registration information as well as other details to get a new car key made, however this is usually fairly quick. The dealership will make use of a computer to check the details of your car and create the key for you.
It is also worth considering having the keys reprogrammed so that previous owners cannot use the keys. This is a straightforward procedure which can be carried out at a locksmith, or even at a dealership. It's a great method to protect yourself from the possibility of your vehicle being stolen after you have purchased it second-hand.