Car Key Stolen But Not Car
You shouldn't leave keys in your car, but you might forget. If you forget and your keys get taken however the car remains in place, here's what you can do.
The first thing you'll want to do is call the police. This will ensure that anyone who finds keys doesn't use them to commit crime.
Buy a new set keys
It's a moment of forgetfulness or someone steals your keys, losing your car keys can be a traumatic and potentially risky situation. You'll not only be unable to reach where you want to go and will also need to spend money and time replacing your key. However, the good news is that it's no longer as expensive and difficult to replace a car key as it used to be.
Check with your insurance company or warranty provider to determine whether you're protected in the event of a lost car key. If it is, bring proof of ownership along with you to the locksmith. They can then make use of the number for identification of the vehicle, also known as the VIN, to make the new key for your car without the original.
Traditional or mechanical car keys are the simplest type of car keys to replace. They can be made on site at your local locksmith and are usually less expensive than other types of keys. However, if your car has chip or transponder you'll have to visit a dealer instead.
A transponder is a tiny chip inside the car key that sends an unique code each time it comes into contact with the vehicle. This is a more secure method to start your vehicle and reduces the possibility of theft, however it's a bit more complex than simply cutting a standard key.
If you lose your transponder key, only the dealer can make you an alternative one. This is because they keep records of each vehicle's security systems and are able to access the data in their database easily.
Unless you have spare keys, it is best to contact your dealership as soon as you can. They might be able to make you a new key immediately, or they might need to wait for a replacement to arrive. It could take a few weeks, but it is still cheaper than hiring a locksmith. It's also easier than attempting to locate your keys elsewhere.
Report the theft to police
It's easy to get distracted and forget to leave your wallet, phone or car key in your car. The first thing you should do if you suspect that this has occurred is to call the police. It may seem like a waste of time, but it could aid law enforcement in locating the item that was stolen. The police will want to know the details of the incident including the description of the perpetrator, as well as any other items that were found in the vehicle.
It's an excellent idea to include any other items you might have on you at the time of the theft, such as your license or credit cards. If the items are discovered by a thief they could be used to commit crimes.
After reporting the theft to the police, you should also call your car insurance company to file an insurance claim. Your insurance provider may pay the cost of replacing your keys, based on the type of coverage you have. They might also recommend you to install an anti-theft device, such as an immobilizer or lock on the wheel to discourage thieves from pursuing your vehicle in the future.
In addition to reporting the theft to the police and your insurance company, you must also contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This will update your car's title and registration information to indicate that it was stolen. This will stop people from driving your vehicle illegally, running red lights or parking tickets, or committing other crimes.
You may be able to include a property protection plan as an additional protection for the items stolen from your vehicle. This will help you to protect yourself from the financial burdens of items such as laptops, phones, or other valuables that you might have in your vehicle. You can find out whether your insurance company offers this service by talking to a representative or by visiting the website of your company. Moreover, you can always consult your insurance agent regarding other ways to enhance the security of your vehicle. For instance, you could install an alarm system and hide a spare set of keys in your vehicle or at home.
Keep track of your keys using an app for smartphones
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. The process of obtaining a duplicate car key was simple. Nowadays, cars require more sophisticated technology in order to function. The cost of replacing keys that have been stolen or lost has risen dramatically.
There are two types of keys for cars which are electronic key fobs and traditional turn-key ignitions. Most of today's cars use electronic key fobs. However, a fair number still have traditional ignitions that require turning of the key to start the car.
You can add the key tracker to your car to avoid worrying about losing your keys. There are a myriad of devices available, but some of the top ones include:
To make use of the device, just connect it to your smartphone. When you're out and about the app will assist you in finding your car keys by emitting the sound of their location on a map. You can also share the device with family members and friends so they can find your keys.
You could be able to make an insurance claim for your keys stolen or lost from your car dependent on the kind of policy you've purchased and the details of your situation. If you have property or comprehensive insurance, it could pay for the replacement of your lost keys.
You should also contact your home insurance to see whether they offer similar services. If you have reported your car keys as lost or stolen promptly, they may be able refund the cost of replacing keys.
In the end, if your car keys are missing, you must remain calm and develop a plan of action. Contact the police as soon as possible to avoid any other problems. They will provide you with advice on how to protect your car and will provide you with a crime reference number. They may even be able to issue you with a brand new set of keys immediately.
Call an car keys stolen expert locksmith
Not too long ago, losing your car keys was a relatively minor inconvenience. The only issue you faced was that if you lost your car keys it would be impossible to enter the vehicle. As automobiles have advanced in technology and security, so do keys. They're increasingly expensive to replace in the event of theft. This means that it's important to always have a backup key as well as keeping your keys and car secured.
Make sure that your personal property coverage on your home insurance policy covers the cost of replacing a lost or stolen key. You could save money by not needing to pay for an auto locksmith.
Another thing that you should do after your keys are lost is to report them to police. The police can then give you more advice on how you can protect your vehicle from theft, for example, using a wheel lock and also give you a crime number they can use to trace the person responsible for the theft.
It is best to find a locksmith that is familiar with your vehicle type and key. Some locksmiths can create keys for various automobile models, whereas others can only repair and replace older cars with conventional turn-key ignitions.
You'll have to provide your vehicle registration details and other information in order to have a new car key made, however this is usually fairly quick. The dealership will make use of a computer to check your vehicle's details and create keys for you.
It is also worth considering having the keys reset so that previous owners cannot use them. This is a straightforward procedure that can be done at a locksmith shop, or even at a dealership. This is a great method to protect your vehicle from being stolen after you've purchased it secondhand.