If Your Car Keys Got Stolen, What to Do

It can be stressful when you lose your car keys. Take your time before you panic and walk through the day to look for them. They could be in your pocket, or in a bag you removed from your car.

Most importantly, contact your insurance company. They will usually pay for the replacement of your car keys if notify them promptly.

Call Your Insurance Company

One of the most frequent reasons for car theft is putting keys in the car. Statistics reveal that a car gets stolen every 32 seconds, costing Americans $8 billion a year. This is why it is important to keep your key in a safe location. It's also a good idea to invest in high quality locks and keep spare keys in a safe place.

Contact the police if are unsure where your keys are. The officers can check their records and offer further information on protecting your vehicle. They can also give you a crime number required to file a claim with an insurance company.

Then, consider whether it's worth making claims to your car insurance for lost keys. The decision will mostly depend on the type of key you own and how much it will cost to replace it. For instance, some modern vehicles have electronic key fobs or smart keys that are more expensive replace than traditional turn-key ignitions.

Most auto insurers will pay for a locksmith to help you gain entry into your vehicle if it's locked out. However, they won't cover the cost of making a new key for you, so you'll need to pay out-of-pocket for that. Be aware that your insurance premiums may increase if you file claims. It is best to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of filing a claim prior making the decision.

If your car has an enhanced key that needs to be re-sequenced using the car's computer or re-paired with the barrels, you'll have go to your local auto dealer to have this done. This could cost hundreds of dollars based on your policy and car dealer. If you lose a highly-enhanced car key it could be worth the effort to file a claim, but only if you have comprehensive coverage under your policy. It's not worth it to risk your premiums rising and doing the additional work. Contact an independent agent to discuss the possibility of adding complete coverage to your car insurance.

Contact the police

Not so long ago the loss of your car keys wasn't such a big deal. Locksmiths could create an replacement key on the spot. Some cars today, however, have more sophisticated ignition systems, and it could be expensive to replace your keys that have been stolen or lost. There are two kinds of ignitions and keys available today: standard turn-key ignitions and electronic keys fobs, also known as smart keys.

The good news is that the majority of insurance companies will pay for the cost of replacing a stolen or lost set of keys for cars regardless of whether it's a fob, or a standard key. The most important thing to do is report the incident to your insurance company as soon as possible so that they can begin searching for your keys, and so that you can get a new set without having to pay out from your the pocket.

It's important to notify the police immediately if you're driving is parked in a public place in the event that you lose your keys. This will deter people from driving around in your car and could even capture them in the course of. In addition, if someone else tries to use your vehicle and is caught by the police, they could be fined or even arrested.

You should also contact your car dealer and tell them that you have lost your keys. Most dealers have access to replacement keys for most types of vehicles, and they can often help you out quickly. They can also rekey your lock and give you keys that disable the previous one so that it is no longer working.

If your car keys have been stolen, it is possible that thieves have taken your purse or wallet. If this is the case you must contact your bank and credit card to check for suspicious transactions on their records.

You can also use a smartphone app to track down your keys in case they are lost or stolen. Tile and AirTag are two examples. are popular options that attach to your keys using GPS technology. They can also be rung to alert your car keys nearby or to view their last known location on the map.

Contact a Locksmith

The loss of your car keys could be a nightmare. It's difficult enough to get to work or school without a car, but when you lose your keys it can make life extremely difficult. Fortunately, if your car keys are stolen, there are some ways to avoid the worst from happening.

The first thing you check here should do is call the police. This will stop thieves from taking your car or even trying to break into your home. It will also help you locate the person who took your car keys should they do this.

The next step is to contact a locksmith. A locksmith can replace your lost car keys. Before they can create keys, they'll need to verify your ownership of the vehicle. Therefore, it is essential to bring along your identification and registration. The locksmith must know the VIN as well as the name of the vehicle.

You should also call your insurance company. Check your policy to see whether it covers the cost of replacing keys that have been lost.

If you follow these guidelines, you can reduce the damage to your vehicle and avoid headaches. Be patient and do your research thoroughly before giving up! If your car keys are stuck in the ignition, don't attempt to remove them. That could cause more harm than good!

If you have an old-fashioned key, most locksmiths can make a replacement for you immediately. If you're using an electronic fob or another advanced technology, the process might take longer and may require a visit to the dealer. If that's the case be sure to bring proof that you are the owner of your vehicle and have a copy of your registration or title. This will speed up the process considerably. Locksmiths will probably charge you less than a dealership. It's always better to be secure rather than regretting!

Call Your Car Dealer

Car keys are a vital piece of equipment. Without keys, your car will not start. However, it's not uncommon for thieves to steal your keys as a way to gain entry into your vehicle. There are ways to prevent this.

The first step is to notify the police right away. This will help police track the perpetrator and provide you the crime reference number to use in the future. You should also call your dealer, a locksmith or another mechanic to get your keys replaced.

It is possible to bring your key fob to a dealership to be deactivated if it is connected to the car's computer. If you've lost your keys in a public space, like a parking lot or a retail store it will help ensure that your car won't be stolen since the person who stole it has no functioning key to access it.

Based on the model and manufacturer of your vehicle, certain dealerships will replace lost keys. Dealers are capable of removing your current keys and then connect the new key to the vehicle. It's more difficult to get a locksmith to make the replacement key rather than go to the dealer.

If you report the loss as soon as possible the insurance company might be able to help. Additionally, certain insurance policies on property that offer personal possessions coverage may be in a position to cover the cost of a brand new set of keys as well.