What to Do If Car Keys Are Stolen

The loss of your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. It can also be quite expensive to replace them. Certain insurance policies will pay for the replacement cost them.

First be calm. You can retrace your steps and look for them. If they are not found then contact your local dealership for cars.

Inform the police

The first thing you need to do if your keys to your car were stolen is contact the police. This may seem like a formality however it can make a an enormous difference in your chances of regaining the keys. The police can mark your vehicle as a crime scene, alerting local departments to increase the chances of locating your keys. They can also check CCTV footage or use ANPR technology to track the car's movements.

It's also an excellent idea to report the theft to your insurance company. This will allow you to pay the costs of replacing your keys in the event that they aren't recovered. Additionally, some insurance policies will even cover the cost of replacing the lock for your vehicle If you declare the loss in a timely stage.

Be aware that the car burglar could know the kind of key you have. This is why it's important to keep your keys to your car in view at all time. It is also important to remove any valuables from your car or keep them locked away. If you have a spare key, you can ask your dealership to turn it off so that the person who took the key is unable to use it to access your car.

The next step is to retrace your steps. Begin by looking through every pocket and bags you've used during the day. You should also check places you might not normally go, like under the car or inside the trash bin.

If you still can't find your keys, it's an excellent idea to contact a locksmith. They can make a new key for you, typically without needing to have the original in hand. However, if your vehicle is older and has keys of a different type you may need to contact a dealer service department and have the locks reset.

You can also locate your keys with a variety of smartphone applications. Tile and AirTag are two apps that utilize GPS technology to locate your keys. These devices work only when they're in reach of your smartphone.

Contact your insurance company

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You might have left them in the cupholder or tucked them under your visor before heading to the store, hoping you'd return in a few minutes. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle replacement process could be lengthy and costly. To avoid this it's a good idea to obtain an additional set of keys and keep them in a secure location. This will decrease the risk of your car being stolen in an accident. Also, you won't have to submit a claim to your insurance company for an additional set of keys.

Many insurance companies offer protection for keys lost or theft. Budget Insurance, for example has a national locksmith network that provides keys replacement and change the immobiliser's programming without having to submit an insurance claim. Review the terms and conditions to see the options available to you.

After you've reported the theft to police the next step is to contact your insurance company. This will enable your insurance company to start searching for your keys, and will also offer suggestions on how do keyless cars get stolen to replace keys.

The exact steps you'll need to follow depend on the kind of key you have, and whether it's an electronic key fob or standard turn-key ignition. For electronic key fobs, you'll need to visit the local auto dealer to have a new one made. They'll need to know your car's model and make so they can create the new key that is compatible with your current fob. If your car is equipped with an old-fashioned key, you'll have to speak with an expert locksmith to replace the lock barrel and cylinder inside your vehicle.

It's important to report any item stolen as soon as possible regardless of how small it may seem at the time. Doing this can help prevent the items from being used for criminal activity and may result in the recovery of your car keys that were stolen. It is important to remain calm and call the police immediately.

Get a new set of keys designed by

In the past, misplacing or losing your keys to your car wasn't a big deal. You might have a spare car key stolen what to do set of keys made at your local hardware store, or even be able use the key fob from your wallet to start your car. Now things are a little more complicated--and if you don't have an extra car key to be able to rely on it could be costly to purchase one.

The cost of a new car key will vary dependent on the model of your my car was stolen with the keys in it and whether you have a roadside assistance plan. A lot of insurance companies will pay car dealerships and automotive locks to make traditional keys. If you own an electronic or smart key fob for your key, the process is more complicated.

An auto dealer will need to change the programming of your car's locks and ignition if you've got stolen car key keys that use an electronic remote. This can cost around a couple of hundred dollars. Alternatively, you can buy an additional remote and have it programmable to your vehicle and is cheaper however, it isn't expensive.

Reporting your car key theft right away is vital because the person who stole your keys could have already started the car stolen after losing keys with keys and then left. If this happens, the burglar will leave scratches on your doors, and also in your ignition. If you report the incident early your insurance company should pay for the replacement of the ignition and car locks.

If your house keys also went lost along with your car keys, it's recommended to inform your home security system of the incident. Your alarm provider can inform you if someone is at your home and can call the police for you. This will lower the chances that the person who took the keys to your car will come back to steal more. If they do, the police will be looking for them and may even arrest them for trespassing and breaking into.

Make sure you prevent thefts from occurring again

Losing your car keys can be a major hassle and can be frightening. There are, however, some steps you can take to stop theft from happening again and ensure your vehicle is safe. It is important to notify the police so they can place an alert on your account. This will prevent anyone from stealing your car or using it to commit other crimes. Notify your insurance company to assist in locating your vehicle and make a claim.

Next, you should change your locks. If you suspect that someone has your keyfob, make sure they can't access your office or home. It's much more difficult for them to break in your vehicle if don't provide them with the code. It's also an excellent idea to create an alert for fraud on your credit report. This will alert companies who attempt to open a bank account in your name to check for fraud.

If you have lost your key fob, you must search the pockets of bags and jackets that you were wearing when you last used it. If you are in the area, you could also contact the local dealership. They may be able to reactivate the key fob and erase the immobilizer to ensure that it can't be used to enter your car.

Certain insurance companies offer the use of a vehicle as locks are changed. This is contingent on the policy and the insurer. You may also want to consider adding a key protection plan to your existing policy, which could cost as little as hundreds of dollars.

It's important to be alert for any advantage that car thieves might gain. It's important not to leave your key fob in the ignition, since this increases the chance of theft. These measures will keep your vehicle and possessions safe.