What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen

It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. But, it's essential to keep calm and not get stressed.

First, try to retrace your steps. This will help to determine if your car keys were stolen or misplaced. Contact your insurance company. You might be able to file an insurance claim depending on the circumstances.

Report the theft to police

The report of the theft of your car keys to the police is the first step. This will provide you with a crime reference number, which can be used to trace the keys as well as your vehicle. The police may also be able to offer tips on protecting your vehicle, for instance using the wheel lock.

The next step is to find the keys. Examine every bag, pocket and other possible locations where you may have them. Be sure to look in places you wouldn't normally look, like underneath the seat or your shoes. You can also make use of an app to locate your keys such as Tile or AirTag. These apps can ring your keys or display its most recent location but only if the keys are within your phone's reach.

If you are using an older key without any fancy chips, you can replace it at the local locksmith. However, if you own a smart key or remote start, then you'll have to visit the dealership to purchase. In this case, it is worth checking your insurance policy to see whether they will cover the cost of a brand new key and lock.

Car thefts triggered by people keeping their keys inside are on the rise and it is essential to ensure they are secure at all times. Thieves may use a device known as a relay attack to replicate the signal of the car's key fob and then wait for an accomplice to appear with a piece of equipment to open the vehicle. This is a typical method of taking cars from large cities where thieves have the ability to access sophisticated equipment. You should always leave an extra set of keys somewhere other than in your vehicle. You should also never leave your insurance card or license in your car as they are essential tools for identity thieves. If you do lose your keys, make sure to notify your insurance company and the police as fast as possible.

Contact your insurance company

If you have comprehensive insurance on your car it is essential to inform your company immediately about the lost keys. This will ensure your safety, and prevent others from using your vehicle. Most insurance policies will cover the cost of a car dealer or locksmith to make new keys.

It's a stressful experience to lose your keys. The most you would like to see occur is that someone else uses them! It's a good idea contact your local locksmith immediately and ask them to create a duplicate key for you. They can also program the replacement keys so that your stolen pair will not work anymore.

It is always recommended to report any keys that are stolen as soon as possible to the police, especially in the case of an electronic key or an ordinary turn-key ignition. The police will be able to provide you with an incident reference number and offer further advice about keeping your car secure including installing a wheel lock. They may be able to also advise you on where to buy an additional key.

Before you contact your insurance company before contacting your insurer, make sure that you've checked your bags and pockets for keys. It's easy to lose keys if you place it down somewhere or if you reach in your bag to grab something only to knock your keys out of it. If you've searched everywhere and still can't find them, it's probably time to call your insurance company.

The decision to submit an insurance claim for the loss of a car key will depend on the type of key you have and the amount of your deductible. The majority of older mechanical keys for cars are cheap and can be replaced by a locksmith for the cost of less than the insurance deductible. However, newer keys are typically more expensive and must be ordered from the manufacturer or dealer. In some instances, a new car key may cost more than your deductible.

It's also important to note that if you're in serious debt an insurance company could conduct a credit investigation to see if there is an opportunity for fraud. This could result in your claim being rejected or re-examined and that's why it's vital to report the theft of your keys as soon as possible.

Find a new set keys

It is essential to remain at ease and plan what you are going to do when you lose your car keys. There are a variety of options to replace your keys. Most options are cheaper than you think. You can also use a Bluetooth key tracker to keep your car keys secure and easily accessible. This option is especially helpful in the event that you lose your car keys often. They are available on the internet or in many electronic stores.

The first step is to determine what kind of key you have. If you have an old traditional or mechanical key, you can easily replace it by locksmith. These keys do not come with any extra features, and can only be used to lock or unlock the vehicle. You may have to visit an auto locksmith or a dealer to replace the transponder, which is a key that is more sophisticated and is usually inserted into the key fob.

In the United States, most vehicles made after 1990 are equipped with a chip in the key that connects to the computer in the vehicle. This means that you will require the VIN number for your car in order to get a new key. A dealership could make keys for your car however, the cost could be higher than going to locksmith.

No matter what kind of car key you have it is important to have a spare key in case you lose one. In this way, you'll be able to get back on the road without waiting for a locksmith's arrival. Additionally, you will be in a position to not have to pay for a tow or call for assistance on the road.

It is important to check the pockets of all your clothing before you leave and also look for places where you would not typically look for a key, like in the shoes if you are wearing them or in the fridge if have been drinking some beer. You could leave keys with a trusted family member, and you might even consider using a Bluetooth key tracker to help keep your website keys in a safe place and easy to find.

Get your car repaired

There are several alternatives if your car keys get stolen. You could file an insurance claim to cover the cost of a replacement key fob and get your car locks changed if you do not have a spare or you can buy the new key from an hardware store for less than it would cost to make an insurance claim.

Based on the model of your vehicle and whether it comes with an electronic key fob or traditional turn-key ignition, you might need to visit your dealer or auto dealership to get an alternative. The dealer will likely need to purchase a new chip and then pair it with your vehicle, which can be a bit expensive. According to Reina your roadside protection, it may pay for towing your car to a dealer or service shop where a new key can be made.

Be cautious when dealing with locksmiths since there are scammers that will try to overcharge you for services that your insurance or dealer already covers. Some people have also been caught using "key phishing," a technique where they trick the owner into thinking that their car manufacturer sent them a message requesting them to reset their code. These scams can be difficult to identify however, you can keep an eye for them by entering your code on the website of the manufacturer or app.

Check with your home insurer to determine if there's any additional coverage available for lost car keys. American Family's home insurance, for example, provides coverage for keys for garage doors and dwelling keys openers, without requiring for a minimum deductible. This coverage isn't available from all insurance companies. It's worth to determine if the current provider offers it or if you can add it to your existing policy.