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 a hassle to lose your car keys. It is important to remain calm and not get overwhelmed.
Retrace the steps you took. This will help you determine if your car keys are actually stolen or just lost. Next, contact your insurance company. You might be able to file an insurance claim, based on the circumstances.
Inform the police
Reporting the theft of your car keys to police is the first step. You will receive a reference code that you can use to track your keys and your vehicle. The police can also provide suggestions on how to secure your vehicle, such as by using a lock on your wheel.
The next step is to locate the keys. Be sure to search every bag, pocket and other places where you may have them. Also, make sure to check places you would not normally look, like under the seat or inside your shoes. You could also use an application to locate your keys. Examples include Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring the keys or display its last known location however only if your keys are within your phone's range.
If you have a conventional car key (think older keys without any fancy chips) then you can easily get a replacement at the local locksmith. If you have a remote or smart key, you'll have to visit the dealership. It is worth checking to find out if your insurance covers the cost of replacing a lock and key.
Car thefts that are caused by who leave their keys in their car are increasing, and it is essential to ensure their security at all times. The thieves could employ the device, known as relay attack, which copies the signal from the key fob of the car. They then wait for a partner to arrive with the equipment to unlock the vehicle. This is a very common method of car theft in large cities, where thieves have access to sophisticated equipment. Always keep a spare key outside of your car. Never leave your license or insurance card in your car, as they are valuable tools for identity thieves. If you lose your keys, call your insurance company as well as the police immediately.
Contact your insurance company
If you're a comprehensive vehicle insurance policy owner it is crucial to inform your company immediately about the keys that are missing. This will ensure your safety, and prevent others from using your vehicle. Most policies will reimburse you for the cost of a locksmith, or even the dealer who will create a new set keys.
Although it can be very stressful to lose your car keys and car keys, the worst thing you'd want to do is for someone else to have the keys! It is a good idea to contact your local locksmith immediately and ask them to create a duplicate key for you. They will also be able to program the replacement key to ensure that the stolen pair no longer works.
Reporting the theft of your keys to the police as quickly as you can is always recommended, especially in the case of smart keys. Police can provide you with an identification number for the crime and offer additional advice on how to keep your vehicle secure, including installing wheel locks. They may be able to give you advice on where to buy keys to replace.
Before contacting your insurer before contacting your insurer, make sure that you've checked your bags and pockets for the keys. It's easy to lose keys if you drop it in a place or you reach inside your bag to grab something and take your keys from it. If you've looked everywhere but aren't able to locate keys, it's time to call your insurance company.
The decision to file an insurance claim for the loss of a car key will depend on the type of key used and the amount of your deductible. The majority of old-style mechanical keys for cars are cheap and can be replaced by a locksmith at a cost less than your insurance deductible. However, modern keys are typically more expensive and require a purchase from the manufacturer or dealership. In some cases, a new car key may cost more than your deductible.
You should also be aware that an insurance company may conduct a credit check to determine if fraud is possible. This can lead to your claim being rejected or scrutinized this is why it's important to report your keys stolen as soon as possible.
Purchase a new set of keys
It is important to stay in a state of calm and plan what will do if you lose your car keys. There are a variety of ways to obtain a new set of keys, and the majority options are less expensive than you think. You can also use a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys secure and easy to find. This option is especially helpful if you tend to 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 have an older traditional or mechanical key you can easily replace it by locksmith. The keys aren't equipped with any special features, and they can only be used to lock or unlock the vehicle. You may require an auto locksmith or dealer to replace the transponder, which is a key that is more advanced and usually installed in the key fob.
Most vehicles in the United States that are manufactured after 1990 have a chip embedded in the keys that is connected to the computer in the vehicle. You will need the VIN number of your vehicle to obtain a new key. A dealership could make keys for your vehicle, but the cost may be higher than going to locksmith.
No matter what type of key you have, it is always a good idea to have a spare just in case. You will be able return to the road without having to wait for locksmith. In addition, you will be in a position to not have to pay for a tow or call for roadside assistance.
It is essential to check the pockets of your clothes before leaving and to check places you would not typically look for keys such as in your shoes if you're wearing them, or in the fridge if you were drinking a beer. You can also leave an extra key with a family member or trusted friend. If you wish to keep your keys in a safe place and easy to locate you might want to consider a Bluetooth tracker.
Get your car repaired
There are several options if your car keys get stolen. You can file an insurance claim to pay the cost of a replacement key fob and get your car locks replaced if you don't have a spare, or you can purchase an alternative key from a hardware store for much less than what it would cost you to make an insurance claim.
It is possible to go to your dealer to replace the key, depending on whether your car has an electronic fob or a standard key ignition. The dealer will likely have to purchase a new key chip and connect it to your vehicle, which could be expensive. According to Reina the roadside insurance could be able to cover the cost of towing your vehicle to a dealer or service shop where a new key can be made.
You should always be careful when dealing with locksmiths, since there are scammers that will try to overcharge you for services that your insurance or dealership already covers. There are also those who have been known to use "key phishing," a technique where they make the owner believe that their car manufacturer sent them a request asking them to reset their code. These scams are difficult to detect however, you can ward off them by entering your code only through the website or app of the manufacturer.
Check with your home insurer to see if there is any additional insurance coverage available for lost car keys. American Family's home insurance for instance, offers coverage for dwelling keys and garage door openers, without requiring a cost-sharing. The coverage isn't available to all insurance companies however it's worth a look to see if this coverage is available at your current provider here or if you're able to add it to your insurance policy.