Car Key Stolen But Not Car
It is not a good idea to leave keys in your car, but you could forget. If you do, and your keys are stolen but your car is still there, here's how to do.
The first thing you'll need to do is call the police. This will ensure that anyone who finds your keys isn't using them to commit a crime.
Buy a new set of keys
If it's just a moment of forgetfulness or someone steals your keys, losing your car keys is a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation. You'll not only be unable to get where you want to go, but you'll also have spend money and effort to replace your keys. The good thing is that it's not as costly and difficult to replace the car key as it used to be.
Before you contact your local locksmith, check to see if the lost car key is covered under your insurance or warranty. If it is, bring proof of ownership with you to the locksmith. They will then use the vehicle identification number also referred to as the VIN, to create the new key for your car without the original.
Mechanical or traditional keys for cars are the easiest type of car keys to replace. These keys can be made by a local locksmith and are usually cheaper than other kinds. If your car is equipped with chip or transponder and you want to use it, you'll need to visit the dealership.
A transponder is a small chip inside the car key that emits a unique code when it comes into contact with the vehicle. This is a secure method to start your vehicle and reduces the risk for theft. However it's more complex than cutting a standard car key.
If you lose your transponder keys only the dealer will be able to give you a new one. This is because they keep records of each car's security system and can access the data in their system easily.
If you don't have a spare key make contact with your dealer as soon as possible. You might be able to purchase a new one immediately or may need to wait until the replacement arrives. This could take a few days, but it's cheaper than hiring an auto locksmith to do the job. It's also less hassle than trying to find your keys elsewhere.
Report the theft to police
It's not difficult to get distracted, and then leave your wallet, phone or key in your car. If you think this has happened the first step is to notify the police. It might seem to be a waste of time, but it will help law enforcement track down your stolen item. Police will want to know the details of the incident, including the description of the perpetrator, and any other items found in the vehicle.
You might want to add the items you carried with you at the time of the theft like your credit cards or license. In certain cases, if the items are discovered in the wrong hands, they could be used to commit other crimes.
Once you've informed the police about the theft, you should contact your car insurance provider and file a claim. The insurance company may pay for the cost of replacing your keys, depending on the type coverage you have. It is also recommended to install an anti-theft device in your vehicle, such as an immobilizer or lock to prevent thieves from targeting it in the future.
You can also contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will update your car's registration and title information to show that it has been taken. This will stop people from website driving your vehicle in violation of the law, running red lights or parking tickets, or other crimes.
You may be able to include a property protection plan to provide additional protection for the items stolen from your vehicle. This can protect you against the financial burdens of things such as laptops or phones you may carry in your vehicle. You can determine whether your insurance provider provides this by speaking to an agent or going to the website of your provider. You can also inquire with your agent about alternatives to improve the security of your vehicle. For instance, you could install an alarm system and then hide a spare set of keys away from your car or your home.
Track your keys using a smartphone application
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could simply make a duplicate key and you were in good shape. Modern cars require more advanced technology to function. The cost of replacing lost or stolen keys has risen significantly.
There are two types of keys for cars. The first is an electronic key fob. The second is the standard key-to-turn ignition. The majority of cars today use electronic key fobs. However, a few still have standard ignitions which require the turning of a key to start the car.
You can add a key tracker to your car in order to avoid being worried about losing your keys. There are many different devices on the market however the most effective ones include:
Pair the device with your smartphone to use it. When you're on-the-go the app can help you locate your car keys by emitting a noise or showing their location in the form of a map. You can also share the device with your friends and family members so they can assist you in finding your keys.
You may be able to file an insurance claim when you lose or take your car keys. This is contingent on the nature and specifics of your policy. For instance, if you've paid for property or comprehensive insurance coverage the policies could be able to cover the cost of replacing lost keys.
It's also worth contacting your home insurer to see if they offer similar services. If you report your car keys as lost or stolen in a timely manner they might be able to reimburse you the cost of replacing the keys.
If your car keys are missing, it is crucial to remain calm and come up with a plan. If you are able, contact the police department right away to avoid any further problems. They can give you advice on how to protect your car and will also provide you with a reference number. They may be able to provide you with a set of new keys immediately.
Contact a locksmith
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys was a minor issue. The only concern you had 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, when they are stolen. It's therefore important to have a spare key available and to lock your car and keys up securely.
Make sure that your personal property coverage in your home insurance policy includes the cost of replacing a lost or stolen key. If it does, you may be able to save money on the services of a locksmith for your vehicle, and may be able to save some money.
Another thing to do after you've lost your keys is lost is to report them to police. The police will provide more advice on how to safeguard your car from theft, such as using a wheellock and also give you a crime number they can use to track down the thief.
It is best to find a locksmith who is familiar with your vehicle type and key. Some locksmiths can make keys for different types of vehicles, while others can only repair or replace older cars that have conventional turn-key ignitions.
It is not uncommon to receive the new key to your car within a few minutes of providing the registration information. The dealership will make use of a computer to check the details of your car and create a key for you.
It's also worth considering getting the keys to your car reprogrammed so that the previous owners can't use them. This is a simple service that can be performed at a locksmith shop, or even at a dealership. This is a great way to prevent your car from being stolen after you've bought it used.