What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen

Losing your car keys is an enormous hassle. It can be expensive to replace.

Many insurance companies offer coverage for important protection. Certain property insurance policies, such as ones for renters or homeowners might also include it.

If your car keys have been stolen, you should take some things into consideration before panic begins to set in. Here are a few tips:

Call the police

The first thing you should do in the event that your car keys are stolen is to call the police. This will stop thieves in the future from stealing your car. It will also provide you with a criminal report number that you'll need to submit claims with an insurance company if you own one.

You can also seek help by the police to locate your keys. They can check CCTV footage and employ ANPR technology to track the vehicle the key was. They can also provide guidelines on how to secure your car in the future, like using a wheel lock.

If your keys go missing or stolen, it is normal to experience a feeling of panic. Take a deep breath and remember that there are steps you can do to resolve the issue.

Follow your steps carefully before doing anything else. Make sure you look in the pockets of the clothes you were wearing as well as any other places you may have left them. Don't forget to check places that you wouldn't normally look, like bags or shoes you may have worn when you were out.

If you can't find the keys, call a locksmith to have them change the locks. This will prevent anyone from getting into your vehicle, even if they possess the right keys.

The locksmith can also reprogram the locks so that the keys from before no longer work. This can help you save money on replacing your car keys, as well as other parts of your vehicle that may have been damaged by the theft.

It is important to note that your insurance provider might be able to cover the cost to replace your keys. Based on the policy you have, this is usually included in the personal property coverage that a lot of policies offer.

It is also important to note that sometimes thieves look through lost or stolen items such as phones, to find information about people. These items may contain your social security number or other personal information. It is crucial to contact the police immediately if you suspect that you have been the victim of theft.

Find a spare key

There are two types available in the present: traditional turn-key ignitions and electronic fobs. Depending on which you have, and what kind of key fob was taken (or misplaced) will determine the amount of hassle it is to get an alternative for the lost key.

If you have an old-fashioned key that you insert into the ignition to start your vehicle, it's relatively easy for a locksmith, even without the original key, to replace the key. If, however, you own an advanced type of key with chips in it this process is more complex and requires the help of the auto dealership.

You might have to bring your car to a locksmith for re-keying and the ignition replaced. This can be costly. It's best to call the police as soon as you realize that your keys to your car are missing and report them missing. This way, others will be aware that they should not attempt to use your vehicle and you won't have to worry about someone impersonating you.

You can also get an extra car key made in the event that you lose your keys. If you don't have an extra key it's the most affordable way to get one. Keep it in a secure place to allow quick access to your vehicle in case of need.

Check the usual places you keep your keys such as your pocket or purse. It's also a good idea to clean your space, as keys can be concealed in plain sight, such as under couch cushions or in the pile of mail. Also, be sure to empty your pockets frequently and not leave them with food items or other things which could be easily stolen. You can avoid losing your car keys stolen from unlocked house keys or getting them stolen keys what to do if you take these precautions. If you do happen to lose your car key stolen but not car keys, don't get worried. Instead, follow the tips below to fix the issue.

Get a New Key Made

A few years in the past, losing your car keys or worse getting them stolen was not a big deal. Locksmiths could create a new car key in just a few minutes. The process has become more complicated. In fact, if the car is equipped with the latest technology it, getting a replacement may involve several steps and could cost quite a bit, depending on what kind of key your vehicle comes with.

The first thing you need to do is look up all possible places where your keys might be. Ask employees at the local library or restaurant where you think you left your keys to check whether they've seen it recently. It is also advisable to go back and check all your coats, bags and pockets. You may find your key in one of those locations and the few minutes spent searching there may save you from having to file an investigation, changing your locks, or pay for keys that are new, all of which can be very costly.

If you are certain that your key was stolen, you'll have to make a new key by the dealer or manufacturer. This is the most expensive option but it is also going to be the fastest. To do this you'll need to bring all the required paperwork for your vehicle (like the registration or title) along with a photo ID. The dealer will have to make a new key for your car and could take a few extra days.

Contacting an auto-locksmith in your area is a better and cheaper option. They can design a key for your vehicle that doesn't have any specific electronics, such as a chip or transponder. The majority of locksmiths are able to also do this on the on the spot, which is a lot faster than calling your dealership or the manufacturer.

Contact Your Insurance Company

It is necessary to contact your insurance provider to see if your policy will cover this. Most car insurance providers provide some type of key protection as an add-on however, it's essential to inquire with them to make sure you have this coverage. You can save a lot of time and money in the near future.

It's important to contact your insurance company as soon as you lose your keys. The reason for this is to help the police track the theft and may even recover your keys. You can also obtain a crime reference from the police to later use to make a claim.

The police can also help you change the locks in your office and at home if keys were stolen there. This will prevent any unauthorized people from using your keys to take your vehicle or break into other properties in the future.

After making contact with the police, it is crucial to obtain an alternative key as quickly as you can. The cost and process will depend on the kind of key you have. Mechanical keys made of traditional design are inexpensive and can be changed at a general hardware store, while electronic key fobs or smart keys will require a professional to create a new key for you.

Some insurance companies for cars stolen with keyless entry also offer roadside assistance that includes locksmith services. If you have this coverage your insurer will send locksmiths, but you're still accountable for the cost of creating a new key.

Keep your car keys in sight at all times and never leave them unattended. If you lose your keys, you need to be aware of ways to minimize the possibility of theft. This information should come in handy and you shouldn't have to worry about losing your My Keys were stolen anytime soon.