7 Small Changes You Can Make That'll Make The Difference With Your Car Key Stolen But Not Car
7 Small Changes You Can Make That'll Make The Difference With Your Car Key Stolen But Not Car
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Car Key Stolen But Not Car
You should never leave keys in your car, but you could forget. If you do, and your keys are stolen, but the car is still there, here's what to do.
The first thing you'll want to do is call the police. This will ensure that anyone who finds keys doesn't make use of them to commit a crime.
Get a new set of keys
Losing your car keys could be frustrating and dangerous, whether it is due to a moment of forgetfulness or the theft of your keys. It's not just a matter of preventing you from getting to where you're going but it also means you'll have to spend time and money to replace your key. The good news is that it's no longer as difficult or costly to replace keys.
Contact your insurance company or warranty provider to find out whether you are covered for a lost car key. Bring your evidence of ownership to the locksmith if it's covered. The locksmith will then utilize the vehicle identification number also referred to as the VIN, to design an entirely new car key, without the original.
Traditional or mechanical keys for cars are the easiest type of car key to replace. They can be made on site at your local locksmith and are generally less expensive than other kinds of keys. If your car has a transponder, or chip, then you will have to go to the dealer.
A transponder, a tiny chip inside the car key, broadcasts an unique number each time it is in contact with the vehicle. This is a safer way to start your car and reduces the possibility of theft, however it's a bit more complicated than cutting a regular key.
If you lose your transponder key and you lose it, only the dealer will be able to make you an alternative one. This is because they keep records of each car's security system and can find the information in their database easily.
If you do not have a spare key make contact with your dealer as soon as you can. They might be able create a new key right away, or they might need to wait for a replacement to come in. This could take a couple of days, but it's cheaper than hiring an auto locksmith to complete the task. It's much more convenient than looking for your keys elsewhere.
Inform the police about the theft
It's easy for you to become distracted and then leave your wallet, phone or key in your car. The first thing to do if you suspect this has happened is to contact the police. It may seem like a waste of time, but it will help law enforcement track down your stolen item. The police will need to know the details of the incident, including the name of the perpetrator, and any other items that were found in the vehicle.
It is possible to include any belongings you may have on you at the time of the theft, such as your credit cards or your license. In some cases, if the items are found in the wrong hands they could be used to commit other crimes.
After you have notified the police about the theft, notify your car insurance provider and submit a claim. Based on the type of insurance you have, your insurer might pay for replacing your keys. They will likely also advise you to install an anti-theft device, like an immobilizer or wheel lock to discourage thieves from targeting your vehicle in the future.
You should also contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will update your car's registration and title information to indicate that it has been taken. This will stop anyone from driving your car in violation of the law, running red lights or parking tickets, or other crimes.
In certain situations, you might be able to obtain additional coverage for stolen items in your vehicle by adding a property protection plan to your insurance policy for cars. This will protect you from the financial cost of things such as laptops, phones, or other valuables that may have in your car. Find out if this coverage is provided by your insurance company by contacting an agent or going to their website. You can also ask your agent for other ways to enhance the security of your vehicle. For example, you can install an alarm system and hide the keys of a spare set in your vehicle or your home.
Keep track of your keys using a smartphone app
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could simply create a duplicate key and you were in good shape. But now, modern cars require more sophisticated technology in order to function. This means that the cost of replacing keys for cars stolen or lost has increased dramatically.
There are two primary types of car keys: electronic key fobs and standard turn-key ignitions. The majority of cars today use electronic key fobs. However, some remain with traditional ignitions that require the turning of keys to start the vehicle.
One way to avoid worrying about your car keys while you're traveling is to purchase an electronic key tracker and connect it to your vehicle. There are many devices on the market. Some of the best include:
Connect the device to your smartphone to use it. If you're out and about, the app will help you locate your car keys either by emitting a sound or displaying their location on the form of a map. You can also check here share the device with your friends and family members so they can assist you in finding your keys.
You may be eligible to file an insurance claim in the event that you lose or steal your car keys. This will depend on the nature and specifics of your policy. For example, if you've paid for property or comprehensive insurance coverage and policies, they may be able to cover the cost of replacing lost keys.
It's also worth checking with your home insurer to see if they offer similar services. If you report your car keys as stolen or lost promptly they might be able to reimburse you the cost of replacing them.
In the end, if your car keys are missing, it's crucial to stay calm and work on an action plan. Contact the police as quickly as you can to avoid other complications. They can give you advice on how you can secure your vehicle and provide you a reference number for crimes. They might even be able to issue you with a new set of keys in a matter of minutes.
Call for a locksmith
In the past when you lost your keys to your car was an unimportant inconvenience. The only worry you had was that should you lose your car keys, it would be impossible to get inside. As cars have evolved technologically and so have keys, and they're now more expensive to replace in the event of theft. Therefore, it's essential to have a spare key in your possession and to lock your car and keys up securely.
Find out if the personal property coverage in your home insurance policy covers the cost of replacing a lost or stolen key. If it does, you might be eligible to avoid the cost of a locksmith for your vehicle, and may be able to save a little money.
Reporting your lost keys to the police is another thing you must do. The police can then offer you further advice about safeguarding your vehicle against theft, which includes the use of a lock for your wheel, and will provide you with a crime reference number that can help them track down the thief.
If you haven't already done so, it's a good idea to find an accredited locksmith who can work on your type of vehicle and the key. Some locksmiths can create new keys for different types of automobiles, while some are able to repair or replace older cars that use traditional turn-key ignitions.
It is not uncommon to receive an additional key for your car within a few minutes after providing the registration information. The dealership will make use of computers to verify the details of your car and create keys for you.
It is also worth looking into having the keys to your car reprogrammed to ensure that the previous owners aren't able to use them. This is a simple service which can be carried out by a locksmith or even the dealership. It's a great method to protect yourself from the possibility of your car being stolen after you've bought it second-hand.