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

Car keys have changed with the advancement in automobiles. Most autos today use electronic key fobs, but certain models still use the traditional turn-key ignition.

Losing your car keys can be a stressful and difficult. It also leaves your vehicle vulnerable to unauthorized access if someone discovers it and uses it for a period of time.

1. Call the police

The first thing to do if you suspect that your car key is stolen is to notify the police. You can create an investigation report and they will let you know when someone returns your key. It is recommended to take action immediately because if you put off, someone else might use your vehicle without permission. This could lead to fines from the city.

You can also receive tips from the police on how to keep your vehicle safe. They will also provide you with an identification number for crime that can be used to track your case. This is important in the event that you decide to make an insurance claim for the theft.

If you have a spare car key, make sure that you have it in your possession. Sometimes, keys are kept in accessible places, like your wallet or purse or they could be with friends or family members. You can also inquire with your local dealership to see whether it is able to reprogram your original key fob.

Check for any possible places where you might have lost your car key. Ask family members or friends to look it up if they can. You could also contact local restaurants or libraries to find out if they've discovered any keys missing. Many times, people forget where they've put their keys, which is why it's essential to double-check the obvious places before searching for less obvious ones.

Even if you have an extra key, it's worth calling police to report the theft. This will deter anyone from attempting to steal your car and could help them locate your key prior to them doing. The police may also offer advice on how to protect your vehicle, which includes using a lock for your wheel.

In some instances the police might be able to inform you that your car keys has been returned to an officer station. You can then visit the police station and retrieve it. The process can be more difficult if your vehicle is an automobile that has an electronic key fob.

2. Contact an expert locksmith

A car key that was stolen is a terribly difficult and stressful experience. It doesn't matter if it was lost or left in a different location and forgotten or taken by someone who was just looking for a way to steal your car, it can be devastating. Contact the police to let them know that your keys to your car have disappeared. This will allow them to keep an eye on the key, and help you regain control of your vehicle if it is stolen.

The next step is to call a locksmith. The type of locksmith you'll need to call will depend on the type of car you own. If your vehicle is equipped with a mechanical key and ignition the locksmith will replace the key you have. However, if your car has a key fob or is an older model that has a traditional turn-key ignition the locksmith will have to have access to your vehicle's IMEI number (which can be found on the key or the dashboard display). They must also be able verify that you are the owner of the vehicle using proof like your registration or title.

In certain situations, the locksmith may be able erase the "memory of the car" and stop the key from working again in the future. This is usually a requirement to bring your vehicle to the dealer. You'll need a spare or be willing to pay a significant amount of money for this service.

Review your home insurance policy for coverage of car key theft and loss. Many policies provide this protection and can be a useful option to cover the cost of replacing car keys and lock changes.

Stolen car keys are a frequent occurrence. If you're a responsible driver and take the appropriate precautions there is a less chance that your vehicle is stolen.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

The reporting of the theft of your car keys to your insurance provider is important. This will assist in tracking the perpetrator and give you peace of mind. This will also protect you against identity theft. Thieves frequently look on social media for specific information 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. The specific terms and conditions may differ and you should consult your provider to discuss your coverage. Certain companies offer additional benefits, such as rental car coverage or free replacements.

You'll need to visit your dealer or automaker to order a new set if your car keys are missing from the ignition. This will involve deleting the keys you have and reprogramming the new ones to the vehicle. Based on the type of keys used, this could be costly and could cost you $200-$500 per key.

The thieves might try to drive the car after taking the keys. This can lead to expensive damage, like damaged doors and windows. It's also likely that the burglar could be fined for driving without a permit or violating traffic laws. Your insurance company will cover any damages caused by the theft if you report it early.

After you've reported the theft of your car keys, it's crucial to make sure they actually are missing. This will ensure that you don't end up creating a false report and incurring additional costs. Begin by looking in your bags, pockets and other places you store your keys. Then, take a walk through your day to consider what you did that might have caused them to be lost. Did you, for example, 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 contact the police if you discover your keys. This will stop the burglar from using your keys stolen to gain access to other vehicles and commit more crimes.

4. Schedule an Inspection

Car theft is a major problem. Every 32 seconds it costs Americans more than $8 billion each year. Thankfully, modern vehicles have sophisticated security features that make it hard for thieves to take them. However, older cars and those without keyless entry require additional security. To guard your car from theft, you should consider purchasing a steering wheel lock or a brake and tire lock. These devices are easy to install and make it difficult for thieves to steal your vehicle away.

If your car keys are stolen, you must immediately report the theft to the police. This will assist them in tracking down the thief and possibly recover your car. The police will also provide you with a crime reference number that can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.

You can also go to the dealership of your vehicle's manufacturer and get new keys made. You'll need to scan your existing keys and then program your new ones on the vehicle's computer. This can take a few days and is costly.

In addition to the cost of the new key, you'll be required to pay for towing and any damage caused by the thief when he steals your vehicle. It is essential to ensure that your car is in a safe parking lot and park in areas that are well-lit. Also keep your keys in a secure location and don't put them in the ignition.

The OBD port is usually located under the dashboard. This is one method that thieves steal modern cars. The thieves are able to use this information in order here to get the code for the key fob, and then start the car. This is referred to as "relay theft." You can stop it by installing an OBD portlock or parking in a secure space with cameras and security.

You can also avoid having your car keys from being stolen by keeping keys in a secure bag. The pouches will stop the signal that thieves can amplify using equipment called "relay transmitters." You can also purchase a device dubbed"relay deactivator. "relay deactivator" that can be connected to your car's OBD port to deactivate keys that have been stolen.