Keys Stolen: It's Not As Difficult As You Think
Wiki Article
Four Steps to Prevent Car Keys From Being Stolen From an Unlocked House
There are several ways to secure your car keys in the event that you keep them at home. Some simple tricks include putting your key fob in a metal container such as an aluminium tin or your grandmother's biscuit tin, or even using an old-fashioned pouch.
It is also advisable to check your insurance policy for your home to see if they provide coverage for car keys that are stolen from an unlocked house.
Check Your Keys
When you're in a rush or are just forgetful keys can vanish without any trace. Don't panic. It's a frustrating experience. Here are four ways to handle your keys disappear.
Retrace your steps. It's easy to overlook the last place you put your keys when you're trying to keep them separate from other items in your hand. Try the pockets of the pants or jacket that you wore when you left, or the bag you took home. Be sure to search for places where you'd think your keys wouldn't be, like the bottom of your purse or inside the shoes you put on when running.
You may also want to consider using a smartphone app to help you locate your keys. These apps, like Tile and AirTag connect to your keys and use GPS technology to locate them. However, these apps only work if you have your phone on you, and they won't aid you in finding your keys if you've lost them.
If you still can't find your keys, contact police. You'll be provided with a crime report which you can forward to your insurer. Additionally, they may be able to offer additional tips around protecting your car, such as locking the steering wheel, and using the wheel lock.
It is also advisable to contact your locksmith to find out whether they can help get you back into your car, even in the event that your keys have been stolen. A reliable locksmith can cut a new key in-person and block the keys that were stolen so that they're no longer needed. They can also rekey your locks so you can't accidentally be locked out in the future. This can help you avoid having to purchase a brand new set! This is one of the best ways to protect yourself from car thieves. These tips will reduce the chance that you'll ever lose your car keys once more!
Contact the police
It's been a long day and you're eager to go home, change into your comfy sweatpants, have some pizza and binge watch a movie. But you make one last stop before you head home and you reach into your bag or pocket to find your keys only to discover they're gone!
Report the theft to your local police. This will help create an account of the incident and increase the chances of getting your keys back or getting them back from the person who stole them.
Asking family and friends to help you find your keys is an excellent alternative if your not comfortable calling the police. They'll be glad to help you, and they will be grateful that you are being responsible in keeping your possessions safe.
Double-check all suspected places for your keys, even inside the car. It's easy to forget you've left something behind when you're moving things in and out of your car So, be sure to give everything a good review before deciding to give up and calling the police.
If you have left a spare with someone in your family or a friend, ask when you can get it. Check with your employee to determine whether they can find the spare key that you gave them. You can also call your local locksmith who might be able to cut you a new key or give you advice on how you can avoid losing your keys in the future.
You should also consider keeping your car keys on various rings so that they're less likely to be stolen or lost in the future. While this may be annoying to carry around, it's better than having them all on the same ring, and could leave your entire home at risk of burglary if only one set of keys goes missing or stolen. It's all dependent on your personal security and insurance policies, so check with your insurance provider for more information. They'll be able tell you if filing an insurance claim for stolen or lost keys is worth it or not.
Get a New Key
If you lose your sole set of keys, it could be a huge hassle and expensive. But, it's not difficult to get back into your car or home by following the correct steps. It's best to start by retracing your steps, and looking for your keys in obvious places. Examine all windows and doors especially those on the floors. You may also want to check with friends or at a restaurant in case you gave them your keys. If you are still unable to find them, you need to call the locksmith.
Most locksmith companies will require identification and serial number to make new keys. This will ensure that the key they're making is identical to the one you lost. They'll also give you a an estimate of the cost prior to beginning the work.
The locksmith will then cut a new ignition key and then install it once they have all the details required. This is a cheaper alternative to buying a new key from the dealer and you don't need to have your vehicle towed.
Certain cars have electronic keys that the dealer programs. These keys are also known as smart keys or transponder key and they communicate with the computer in the car using a small chip. The chip transmits a message to the engine control unit in the car, thus preventing theft.
To replace a smart key the locksmith must take an impression of your car lock and cut you a replacement key based on the information. This process may take a while, but it's less expensive than purchasing a replacement key from a dealership.
It's a bit more difficult for those who own a standard, turn-key vehicle. The ignition and locks of the car will require replacement and this is an expensive process. But, it's cheaper than having the car replaced by a burglar. If you have to lock the car and have it changed to a new key, it's recommended to call your insurance provider to determine whether this is covered under your policy.
Rekey Your Locks
Rekeying your locks will give you peace of peace of mind, whether you've lost a car key or just purchased a home and are concerned that the previous owners might have duplicate keys. It is incredibly easy and cost-effective. Rekeying is a procedure performed by a professional locksmith that involves changing your lock's keyway so the same key will unlock it. It's also a great way to prevent your car from being stolen from your home.
Rekeying is an affordable and quick service that's worth the cost. Most home warranty plans cover the cost, so it's an excellent option for homeowners to have in their toolbox. If you decide to do it yourself it could be a rewarding undertaking and can teach you new skills.
A rekey kit will include everything you need to begin, from the c-clip removal tool, which is attached to your existing cylinder plug to the rekey pins and springs. Follow these steps after you've got your tools to take out the old plug from the cylinder.
There are a few other things you can do to protect your car and keep it from being stolen from an unlocked house, including storing the keys in a signal-blocking bag or container. There's some advice appearing on social media, which suggests you should put your key fob in a microwave or freezer to keep it from being stolen, but this is not advisable because it could damage the key.
You can also put in a steering lock that is physically operated to deter thieves from taking your car. These devices are sold at a variety of auto parts shops for an affordable price and can slow down thieves and make them think twice before they attempt to take your vehicle. You should also contact the police more info if you suspect you have been the victim of theft from your car or home. This will aid investigators to find the culprits and pursue them. You'll also be able to file a claim with your insurance company, depending on the type of insurance you have.