15 Unexpected Facts About Car Key Stolen What Do I Do That You've Never Heard Of
15 Unexpected Facts About Car Key Stolen What Do I Do That You've Never Heard Of
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Car Keys Stolen - What Do I Do If My Car Key Is Stolen?
Car keys have changed with the development of automobiles. Nowadays, the majority of automobiles have electronic key fobs and some still use the traditional turn-key ignition.
Losing your car keys can be stressful and difficult. It can also leave your vehicle vulnerable to unauthorized access if a person finds it and uses it for a while.
1. Call the police
The first thing to do if your car key is stolen is to notify the police. You can create an investigation report and they will notify you when the key is returned. You must report it promptly because if you put off, someone could use your vehicle without authorization. This could result in fines from the municipality.
The police may also be able to give you tips about keeping your vehicle safe and secure. They can also provide you with the crime reference number can be used to track your case. This is essential if would like to submit a claim to your insurance company for the theft.
Always keep your spare car keys on hand. The keys can be tucked away in places that are easy to access, such as your purse or wallet, or in the hands of family or friends. It's also worth checking with your local dealership for cars to determine if they are able to reprogram the key fob from the factory and provide you an alternative.
Double-check every place you think your car key might be. Ask family members or friends to check too if possible. You can also try calling local restaurants or libraries to see if they have discovered any keys missing. Many times, people forget where they have put their keys, so it's important to double-check the obvious locations before exploring other locations.
Even if you have spare keys, it's still worth calling the police to report the theft. This will deter anyone from attempting to steal your car and it might help them locate your key before they do. The police may be able to provide you advice on protecting your vehicle, for instance the use of a wheel lock.
In some instances the police might be able to inform you that your car keys has been turned in at an officer station. You can then visit the police station and take it back. The process could be more difficult if your vehicle is modern vehicles that have an electronic key fob.
2. Call an expert locksmith
A stolen car key can be a very painful and stressful experience. If it was stolen or discarded in another location, forgotten, or stolen by someone looking for an opportunity to steal your car, it could be a devastating experience. The first step is to call the police and inform them that your keys to your car are missing. This will enable them to keep a lookout for keys, and also help you regain control of your car if it is stolen.
Next, you'll want to call locksmith. The kind of locksmith you'll require will depend on the kind of car you have. If your car is equipped with a standard, mechanical key and ignition system, the locksmith will replace your existing key. However, if your vehicle has a key fob or is an older model that uses a traditional turn-key ignition the locksmith will need to be able to access the vehicle's IMEI number (which is located on the key or the dashboard display). They must also be able verify that you are the owner of the vehicle using evidence like your registration or title.
In some instances locksmiths may be in a position to erase the vehicle's "memory" of the stolen key and stop it from working again. This will usually require you to take your vehicle to the dealer. You'll either require a spare, or be willing to pay a large amount of money for this service.
Lastly, it is a good idea to check your insurance policy for home insurance to see if they cover car key loss and theft. Many policies do include this type of coverage and can be a very useful way to cover the costs of your replacement car keys and lock replacements.
Stolen car keys are not uncommon. If you drive carefully and take the necessary precautions, your car is less likely to be stolen.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
Notifying the theft of your car keys to your insurance company is important. This will assist you in tracking the perpetrator and provide peace of mind. It will also protect you from identity theft. Thieves frequently look on social media for specific details about their victims, including address, work location and other personal information. Reporting a stolen car key as soon as you discover it is missing can prevent this from happening.
Most auto policies include coverage for lost car keys. The specific terms and conditions of the policy can differ so it is recommended to contact your provider to discuss your coverage. Some companies might offer additional benefits, for example, free replacements or coverage for rental cars.
You will need to go to your automaker or dealer to order a new set of keys if the ones you have are missing from the ignition. This involves removing the keys that are in use and programming the new keys to the vehicle. This could be costly and cost between $200 and $500 per key, depending on the type of key.
Some thieves may try to drive your vehicle after they've taken your keys. This can result in costly damage, such as broken doors and windows. The burglar could be penalized if they drive without a license or violate traffic laws. Your insurance company will pay for any damages resulting from the theft if you report it early.
It's important that you verify that the keys here are missing after reporting their loss. This will help you avoid making a false report and incurring additional costs. Start by searching your bag, pocket and other places where you typically keep your keys. Then, take a walk through your day to consider what you might have done that might have caused them to be lost. For instance, did you put them on the table in your car after returning from work? Did you accidentally drop them when you went to your purse to retrieve your phone?
If you find your car keys, it's still a good idea to contact the police. This will stop the thief from using the keys you've stolen to access 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 annually. Fortunately, modern cars have advanced security features that make it hard for thieves to take them. However, older vehicles or those with no keyless entry still need extra security. Consider installing a steering lock, or tire and brake locks to protect your car against theft. These locks are easy to install and make it difficult for thieves to steal your car away.
It's important that you inform the police about the theft of your car keys to police immediately. This will assist them in tracking the culprit and, hopefully, recover your vehicle. The police will also provide you with a a crime reference number that can be used by your insurance company to investigate the theft.
You can also visit the dealership of your car's manufacturer and get new keys made. You will need to have your existing keys scanned, and then the new ones will need to be programmed with your vehicle's computer. This process could take a few days and is costly.
You will also have to be responsible for any damage caused by the criminal as he takes off with your car. It's important to ensure that your car is in a safe parking lot and park in well-lit areas. Keep your keys in a safe place and never put them in the ignition.
The OBD port is typically located under the dashboard. This is one way that thieves steal modern vehicles. The thieves can use this information to obtain the code for the key fob and begin the vehicle. This is referred to as "relay theft." To stop this from happening, you should install an OBD port lock or park in a secure parking area with cameras and guards.
You can also try to keep your keys from being taken by storing keys in a pouch that is screened. These pouches block signals that thieves use to amplify with equipment referred to "relay transmitters." You can also buy the device referred to as a "relay-deactivator" which you can connect to your vehicle's OBD port in order to deactivate the stolen car key.