Car Key Stolen But Not Car: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
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Car Key Stolen But Not Car
We all know that you should never put your keys in the car, but sometimes you forget. If you do, and your keys are stolen but your car is still there, here's what to do.
It is best to first call the police. This will help ensure that anyone who comes across your keys isn't using them to commit an offense.
Get a new set of keys
Losing your car keys could be a hassle and a risk no matter if it's due to a moment of forgetfulness or if someone steals them. You'll not only be unable to reach where you want to go and will also need to spend money and time replacing your keys. The good news is that it's no longer as complicated or costly to replace the key.
Contact your insurance company or warranty to see whether you are covered for a lost car key. If it is, bring your proof of ownership along with you to the locksmith. They will then be able work with the vehicle identification number (commonly referred to as the VIN) which they will use to create a new key for your car without the original.
Mechanical or traditional keys for cars are the easiest kind of car key to replace. They can be made locally by your local locksmith and are typically cheaper than other kinds. However, if your car is equipped with a transponder or chip, you'll need to visit a dealer instead.
A transponder, which is a tiny chip in the car key, transmits a unique number when it comes into contact with the vehicle. This is a more secure method to start your car and reduces possibility of theft, however it's a bit more complicated than just cutting a standard key.
If you lose your transponder keys and you lose it, only the dealer will be able to give you an alternative one. This is because they keep records of each car's security system and can find the information in their system quickly.
If you don't have an extra key, it's best to contact your dealership as soon as you can. They might be able to create a new key on the spot, or they might need to wait for a replacement key to arrive. It could take a few weeks, but it is still less expensive than hiring a locksmith. It's also more convenient than trying to find your keys elsewhere.
Report the theft to the police
It's easy for you to become distracted and then leave your phone, wallet or keys in your car. If you think this is happening the first step is to report the theft to the police. It may seem like a waste of time, but it could assist police find your item stolen. The police will request details about the incident, including the name of the perpetrator and any other items they may have discovered in the vehicle.
It is possible to include any belongings you may have on you when the theft occurred, such as your credit cards or your license. In certain cases, if the items are discovered in the wrong hands, they could be used to commit other crimes.
After you've notified the police about the theft, contact your insurance company and make a claim. Your insurance provider may pay the cost of replacing your keys, depending on the type of coverage you have. You will also be advised to install an anti-theft device to your car, such as a lock or immobilizer to stop thieves from stealing it in the future.
It is also recommended to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will update the car's registration and title details to indicate that it has been stolen. This will stop anyone from driving your car illegally, running red lights or obtaining parking tickets, or committing other crimes.
You might be able to add a protection plan for your property as an additional protection for items stolen from your vehicle. This will help you protect yourself from the financial burdens of things like laptops and phones that you might carry in your vehicle. Find out if this protection is offered by your insurance provider by speaking to an agent or by visiting their website. Moreover, you can always consult your insurance agent regarding other options to increase your car's security. For instance, you could install an alarm system and then hide a spare set of keys in your vehicle or your home.
Find your keys using a smartphone application
Not long ago, losing your car keys wasn't a big problem. The process of obtaining duplicate keys for your car was simple. However, modern vehicles require a more sophisticated set of technology to function. The cost of replacing lost or stolen keys has risen significantly.
There are two kinds of keys for cars. The first is an electronic key fob. The second is the standard key ignition that is turned on by a turn. The majority of cars today use electronic key fobs. However, a few remain with traditional ignitions that require the turning of a key to start the vehicle.
One way to keep from worrying about your car keys when you're out and about is to buy an electronic key tracker and connect it to your vehicle. There are a variety of key trackers that are available. Some of the best include:
Pair the device with your smartphone to use it. When you're out and about the app can assist you in finding your car keys by emitting an audio signal or displaying their location on the map. You can also share the device with family members and friends to help them locate your keys.
You could be able to file an insurance claim on your keys to your car that were stolen or lost, depending on the type of policy you have and the specifics of your situation. If you have property or comprehensive insurance, it could provide the funds to replace keys lost.
You should also check with your insurance company for home insurance to determine whether they offer similar services. If you declare your car keys lost or stolen in a timely manner they might be able to refund the cost of replacing the keys.
In the end, if your car keys go missing, it's important to stay calm and work on an action plan. If you are able, contact the police department as soon as you can to avoid any further problems. They will be able to offer you tips on how to safeguard your vehicle and will provide you with a reference number. They may even be able to issue you with a new set of keys in a matter of minutes.
Call for a locksmith
Not too long ago losing your car keys was a minor inconvenience. You might have a spare key in a bag or the glove box, and your sole concern was that you might not be able to access inside. But as cars have become more technologically advanced, so have their keys, and they're much more expensive to replace if stolen. This is why it's crucial to always have a backup key as well as keeping your car and keys secured.
Make sure that your personal property coverage on your home insurance policy covers the cost of replacing an lost or stolen key. You may be able to save money by not needing to pay for an auto locksmith.
Another thing to do after you've lost your keys is lost is to report them to police. The police will then be able to offer you further advice about protecting your vehicle from theft, which includes the use of a wheel lock and they'll also give you a crime reference number that can help in locating the person responsible for the theft.
If you haven't already completed this, it's an excellent idea to locate an accredited locksmith who can deal with your particular vehicle and the key. Some locksmiths can create keys for many different car models, while others can only repair and replace older cars using standard turn-key ignitions.
It is not unusual to receive the new key to your car within a few minutes of providing the registration details. The dealership will make use of computers to verify your vehicle's details and create a key for you.
It is also worth looking into getting your car keys reprogrammed, to ensure that the previous owners aren't able to use them. This is a simple procedure that can be done at a locksmith, or even the dealership. It's a great method to protect yourself from the possibility of your vehicle being stolen after you've bought click here it second-hand.