Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?

Car keys have changed with the development of automobiles. Today, most autos use electronic key fobs, and a few still have the old-fashioned turn-key ignition.

Losing keys can be a source of frustration and stressful. It can also leave your vehicle vulnerable to unauthorized access if a person finds it and then uses it for a long time.

1. Contact the police

Notifying the police is the first thing you should do if you suspect that your car key has been stolen. They can assist you with the creation of an investigation and will notify you when they locate your car key or turns it in. It is important to do this right away since if you delay you could let someone else use your car without permission. This could lead to fines from the city.

You may also get some tips from the police regarding how to keep your vehicle secure. You will also receive an identification code for crime which can be used to track the case. This is important if you decide to file an insurance claim for the theft.

If you have a spare car key, ensure that you have it in your possession. Sometimes, keys are hidden in easy-to-access places, such as your wallet or purse, or they might be with friends or family members. You can also check with your local dealer to see whether it is able to reprogram your factory key fob.

Check for any possible places in which you may have lost your car key. Ask family members or friends to look it up if they can. You can also call local restaurants or libraries and ask if any keys have been found. Most of the time, people forget where they have put their keys, making it important to double-check the obvious locations before searching for less obvious ones.

Even even if you have a spare key, it's not a bad idea to call the police to report the theft. This will stop any person from trying to steal your car, and could help them locate your key. The police may also be able to offer you tips on how to protect your vehicle, for instance having a lock on your wheel.

In some cases you may to learn from the police that your car keys were returned to the police station. You can then visit the police station and get it. If you have electronic keys in your vehicle, the process may be more complicated.

2. Contact a locksmith

A stolen car key is an incredibly stressful and frustrating experience. If it was stolen or discarded in another location, forgotten or taken by someone looking for a way to take your car, it can be a devastating experience. Contact the police to let them know that your keys to your car have disappeared. This will allow them to keep an eye on keys, and also help you get control of your car if it is stolen.

The next step is to contact a professional locksmith. The type of locksmith that you need to call depends on the model of car you own. If your vehicle has an ordinary, mechanical key and ignition system, then the locksmith will replace your current key. If your car is older and uses a traditional turn key ignition, or it has a keyfob the locksmith needs to have the IMEI number of your vehicle (which can be found on the dashboard or in the key display). The locksmith will also have to verify that you own the car by presenting evidence like a registration or title.

In some cases locksmiths may be in a position to erase the vehicle's "memory" of the stolen key and prevent it from working again. However, this will typically require you to bring your car to the dealer to be able to do this. In this case, you'll need to either have a spare key or be willing to pay a substantial amount for the service.

Check your home insurance policy for coverage of car key theft and loss. Many policies do include this protection, and it could be a great option to cover the cost of your replacement car keys and lock changes.

Keys stolen from cars are not uncommon. If you drive cautiously and take the proper precautions, your car is less likely to be stolen.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

It's important to report the car key theft to your insurance company. This will assist you in tracking the perpetrator and give you peace of mind. This will also help protect you against identity theft. The thieves will search social media sites to find detailed information on their victims. This includes the address, work place as well as other personal details. Reporting missing car keys immediately can prevent this.

Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. However, the exact conditions and terms vary, so it's best to call your provider to discuss the specifics of your policy. Certain companies provide additional benefits, such as rental car coverage or replacements for free.

If your car keys are not in the ignition, you'll need to visit your dealer or the automaker to get a new set made. This involves removing the old keys and reprogramming new keys for your vehicle. This could be costly and can cost between $200 and $500 per key, based on the type.

Some thieves may attempt to drive your vehicle after they've taken your keys. This can cause expensive damage, such as damaged windows and doors. It's also likely that the burglar is punished for driving without a permit or violating traffic laws. Your insurance company will take care of any damages resulting from the theft when you report it before the deadline.

If you've reported the loss of your car keys, you need to verify that they are missing. This will prevent you from making false claims and getting charged extra. Start by searching your bags, pockets, and any other places you store your keys. Then, go back and reflect on your day and what you might have done to cause them to disappear. For instance, did it happen that you place them on the table in your car after coming 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 contact the police if you discover your keys. This will prevent the thief from using your stolen keys to access other vehicles and to commit further crimes.

4. Schedule an Inspection

The theft of vehicles is a major problem. Every 32 seconds it costs Americans more than $8 billion annually. Thankfully, modern vehicles have advanced security features that make it very difficult for thieves to take them. However, older vehicles or those with no keyless entry require additional security. Consider installing a steering lock, or tire lock with brakes to guard your car from theft. These devices are easy-to-install and make it impossible to take your car away.

It is crucial to inform the police about the theft of your car keys to police immediately. This will assist them in tracking the perpetrator and possibly recover your car. The police will also provide you with an identification number that can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.

You can also visit the dealership of your car's maker and get new keys made. It is necessary to have your existing keys scanned, and the new ones must be programmed using your vehicle's computer. This process could take several days, and it will be costly.

In addition to the cost of a new key, you will need to pay for towing and any damage caused by the thief who stole your car. It's important to ensure that your car is in a secure parking area and park in areas that are well-lit. Keep your keys in a safe place and do not put keys in the ignition.

One method that thieves use to steal cars of the present is by reading the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the OBD port typically located beneath the dashboard. They can then use this information to find out the code for your key fob and use it to start the car. This is referred to as "relay theft." You can prevent it by installing an OBD portlock or parking in a secure area with security cameras and guards.

You can also stop your car keys from being taken by storing them in a screened pouch. These pouches block signals that thieves make use of to read more amplify their signal using equipment called "relay transmitters." You could also purchase the device referred to as a "relay-deactivator" which you can connect to your vehicle's OBD port in order to block the car key that was stolen.