The 10 Scariest Things About What To Do If Car Keys Are Stolen

What to Do If Car Keys Are Stolen

The loss of your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. It can also be expensive to replace keys. Luckily, some insurance policies cover the cost of replacements.

The first step is to be calm. Retrace your steps, and hopefully, you will find them. If you do not, the next step is to call your car dealership.

Inform the police about the theft

The first thing you must do if your keys to your car were stolen car keys is contact the police. This may seem like a formality, but it could make a huge difference in the likelihood of regaining your keys. The police can declare your vehicle an area of crime, alerting other local departments and increasing the likelihood that your keys will be located. They can also use ANPR or CCTV technology to track the movement of vehicles.

Reporting the theft to your insurance company is an excellent idea. This will allow you to pay the cost of replacing your keys in the event that they aren't recovered. Some insurance policies will also provide an entirely new lock to be installed on your vehicle in the event that you report the theft before.

Be aware that a car thief could know the kind of key you have. It's essential to keep your car keys in sight. It is also a good idea to remove valuables from the car, or put them in a safe place away from view. If you have a spare car key request your dealer to disable it so that the person who stole your key won't be able to use it.

The next step is to retrace your steps. Take a look at all the bags and pockets you've used throughout the day. You should also look in places you might not normally look, like under the car or inside the trash bin.

If you're still unable to locate your keys it's a good idea to contact locksmith. You don't need to have your original keys for them to make an entirely new one. However, if your car is older and uses an alternative type of key you may need to contact a dealer service department to have the locks reprogrammed.

You can also locate your keys by using a variety of smartphone applications. Tile and AirTag are two apps that make use of GPS technology to locate your keys. However, these devices are only effective if they are within range of your phone.

Contact your insurance company

Not long ago, losing your car keys wasn't too important of a problem. You could have put them in your cupholder, or even under your visor, then gone into the store thinking you'd be back in a few minutes. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle the process of replacing them can be long and expensive. To avoid this situation it's recommended to purchase an extra set of keys and store them in a secure location. This will lower the chances of your car being stolen in an accident. Also, you won't need to file a claim with your insurance company for a replacement set of keys.

Many insurance companies offer protection against key theft and loss. For example, Budget Insurance has a nationwide network of locksmiths who can provide replacement keys or reprogramme the immobiliser, without the need to file an insurance claim. It's worth checking the terms and conditions of your policy to find out what options are available.

After you have reported the theft to the police, your next step is to contact your insurance company. This will enable your insurance company to begin searching for your keys, and will also provide advice on how to replace them.

The exact steps that you'll have to follow will depend on the kind of key you own, and whether it's an electronic key fob or a traditional turn-key ignition. For electronic key fobs, you'll need to visit your local auto dealership to make a new one. They'll need to know your car's model and make so they can create a new key that matches your existing fob. If your car uses a traditional key, it's likely that you'll need to visit a locksmith who can replace the lock cylinder and barrel in your car.

It is essential to report any stolen items as soon as possible regardless of how do keyless cars get stolen small it seems at the moment. This will stop the items from being used to carry out criminal activity and could even result in your keys being recovered from your car. The most important thing is to remain calm and concentrate on getting the police involved as soon as you can.

Make a set of brand new keys

Not long ago, misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could have a spare set made at your local hardware store, or even be able to use the key fob from your wallet to start your vehicle. Now things are a little more complicated--and if you don't have a spare car key that you can fall back on it could be costly to get one made.

Getting a new key made will vary depending on the type of vehicle you drive, as well as whether or your roadside assistance plan covers it. Car dealerships and automotive locksmiths can create traditional car keys, and many insurance companies will cover the process. If you own a smart key or electronic key fob, the process is more complicated.

If you have a key that is electronic and utilizes a remote, an auto dealer will need change the lock and ignition of your car. This will generally cost a few hundred bucks. You can also purchase an entirely new remote and have it programmed for your car. This is more affordable, but not cheap.

Notifying your car's key theft right away is vital since the burglar may have already started the car using the keys, and then left. The person who stole the keys may leave marks on the doors and damage to the ignition if this happens. If you report the theft early enough, it should not be a problem since your insurance company will take care of the cost of getting your ignition and car locks replaced.

If your house keys were also lost with your car keys, it's a good idea to notify your home security system of the incident. Your alarm provider will be able to notify you know that someone has been in your home, and can also call the police on your behalf. This will reduce the chances that the person who pried off your car keys will try to steal another item later. If they do, the police will be looking for them and will arrest the culprits for trespassing and breaking into.

Make sure you stop thefts from occurring again

Not only is losing your car keys a huge inconvenience however, it can also be terrifying. There are steps you can follow to ensure your vehicle is secure and prevent thefts from happening again. First, you should inform the police about the loss to ensure they put an alert on your name. This will stop anyone from stealing your vehicle or using it for other purposes. You should also report the theft to your insurance company to assist you in locating your vehicle and submit a claim.

The next step is to change your locks. If you suspect someone is using your key fob, ensure that they don't have access to your office or home. It will be much more difficult for them to break inside your vehicle if you don't give them the key code. It's also an excellent idea to create a fraud alert on your credit report. This will alert businesses who try to open an account under your name to look for fraudulent activity.

If you have lost your key fob, you should check the pockets of your purses or jackets you were wearing at the time you last used it. If you're in the area, you can also contact the local dealership. They might be able to reactivate your key fob and delete the immobilizer to prevent it from being used to unlock your car.

Certain insurance companies offer the use of a vehicle as locks are being changed. However, this will depend on your insurer and policy. You may want to consider adding a crucial insurance plan to your existing policy. This can cost as much as a few hundred dollars.

car keys stolen from house and car stolen thieves are often opportunistic, which is why it's essential to be alert for anything that could give them an advantage. It's important not to keep your key fob in the ignition, since this increases the likelihood of theft. These precautions will keep your car and belongings secure.