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

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

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

1. Call the police

Contacting the police is the first thing you need to do if you suspect that your car keys have been stolen. You can create a police report, and they will let you know when someone returns your key. It is important to do this right away because if you put off you could let someone else use your vehicle without your permission. This can lead to fines from the municipality.

The police might provide you some tips on how to keep your vehicle safe and secure. You will also receive an identification code for crime which you can use to trace the investigation. This will be important should you decide to make an insurance claim for the theft.

Make sure that you have your spare car keys in your bag. The keys can be tucked away in places accessible to you, such as your wallet or purse, or with family or friends. You can also check with your local dealership to see if it can reprogram the factory key fob.

Check all the places you believe your car key could be. Ask friends or family members to look it up if they can. You can also try calling local restaurants or libraries to see if they've found any keys that were lost. Many times, people forget where they've put their keys, so it's essential to double-check the obvious locations before looking in less common ones.

Even if you have a spare key, it is still important to notify the police of an incident of theft. This will stop anyone from trying to steal your car, and could help them locate your keys before they do. The police might provide advice on how to protect your car, including using a wheellock.

In some cases, you may be able to learn from the police that your car keys have been returned to an officer station. You can then visit the police station and retrieve it. If you have electronic keys in your vehicle, the process may be more difficult.

2. Call for a locksmith

A car key that was stolen can be an incredibly difficult and stressful experience. It doesn't matter if the key was stolen or lost, it's just a matter of finding it in a different location. The first step is to call the police and inform them that your keys to your car are missing. This will help them keep an eye out for keys, and also help you regain control of your vehicle if it is stolen.

The next step is to contact a professional locksmith. The type of locksmith you will need to contact will depend on the type of car you have. If your car has a standard, mechanical key and ignition system, then the locksmith will replace your current key. However, if your car is equipped with a key fob or is an older model that only has a traditional turn-key ignition, the locksmith will need to be able to access your vehicle's IMEI number (which is located on the key or on the dashboard display). They will also need to be able to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle through proof like your registration or title.

In certain instances the locksmith might be in a position to erase the vehicle's "memory" of the stolen key and stop it from working again. However, this would typically require you to bring your vehicle to the dealership in order to do so. You'll either require a spare or willing to pay a large amount of money for this service.

It is also a good idea to check your insurance policy for home insurance to see if they cover the loss or theft of keys to your car. This coverage is included in many policies, and is a great way to cover the cost of replacement keys and lock changes.

Car keys stolen from cars are not uncommon. If you drive cautiously and take the appropriate precautions, your vehicle is less likely to be taken.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

It's important to report the key theft to your insurance company. This will help you track the perpetrator and give you peace of mind. It also helps protect against identity theft. Thieves frequently look on social media for specific details about their victims, including address, work location and other personal details. Reporting missing car keys immediately can stop this from happening.

Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. However, the exact terms and conditions vary and it is recommended to contact your insurance provider and discuss the details of your coverage. Some companies offer extra benefits, such as rental car coverage or replacements for free.

You'll have to go to your automaker or dealer to purchase here a new set if your keys for your car are missing from the ignition. This will require deleting the old keys and programming new keys for your vehicle. Depending on the type of keys, this can be expensive and could cost you $200-$500 per key.

The thieves could attempt to drive the car following the theft of keys. This can lead to expensive damage, like damaged doors and windows. The burglar could also be fined if they drive without a permit or violate traffic laws. Your insurance company will take care of any damage caused by the theft when you report it before the deadline.

After you've reported the loss of your car keys, you need to confirm that they are missing. This will prevent you from creating a false report and racking up additional charges. Begin by looking through your bags, pockets and other places you store your keys. Then, walk back through your day and think about what you did that could have resulted in them being lost. For instance, did you put them on your car's table after you returned from work? Or did you accidentally drop them while you reached into your purse to take out your phone?

It's a good idea to call the police if you discover your keys. This will stop the burglar from using the keys you've stolen to access other vehicles and commit more crimes.

4. Schedule an Inspection

Theft of cars is a huge problem. It occurs every 32 seconds and costs Americans more than $8 billion each year. Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated security features, making it very difficult to steal them. However, older vehicles and those without keyless entry require additional security. Think about a steering lock or tire and brake locks to safeguard your vehicle from theft. These devices are easy-to-install and make it difficult to steal your car.

It's important that you immediately report the theft of your car keys to the police immediately. This will enable them to track down the thief and hopefully return your vehicle. The police will provide you with a the number of the crime that your insurance company can use to investigate the theft.

You can also visit the dealership of your car's manufacturer to get new keys made. It is necessary to have your current keys scanned and the new ones must be programmed by your car's computer. This process could take a few days and is costly.

You will also have to be responsible for any damage caused by the thief as he takes off with your car. Keep your car in a place that is well-lit and located in a secure parking lot. Also, keep your keys in a secure location and don't leave them in the ignition.

The OBD port is usually located under the dashboard. This is a way that thieves can steal modern vehicles. They can then use this information to find the code on your key fob and start the vehicle. This is referred to as "relay theft." To prevent this from happening, install an OBD port lock or park in a secured parking space with cameras and guards.

You can also prevent your car keys being taken by storing keys in a secure bag. These pouches stop the signal that thieves can amplify using equipment called "relay transmitters." You can also purchase a device called"relay deactivator" or "relay deactivator" that can be connected to your car's OBD port to deactivate a stolen key.