This Week's Most Popular Stories Concerning Car Key Stolen But Not Car
Car Key Stolen But Not CarWe all are aware that you should not leave your keys in your car, but occasionally you forget. If you've made a mistake and your keys are taken but the car is in its place, here's what you need to do.
The first thing you'll want to do is contact the police. This will ensure that anyone who discovers the keys does not make use of them to commit a crime.
Get a new set of keys
It's a moment of forgetfulness or someone steals your keys, losing car keys can be a traumatic and potentially dangerous scenario. It's not just a matter of preventing you from getting to where you're going, but it also means that you'll need to spend time and money replacing your key. The good thing is that it's not as expensive and difficult to replace keys for cars as it was.
Check with your insurance company or warranty provider to find out whether you're protected in the event of a lost car key. If it is, take your evidence of ownership 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 make a brand new key for your car without the original.
The easiest type of keys for cars to replace is the conventional or mechanical key. They can be made at home by your local locksmith and are usually cheaper than other types. However, if the car is equipped with chip or transponder then you'll need to go to the dealership instead.
A transponder is a small chip in the car key that transmits a unique code when it comes in contact with the vehicle. This is a secure method to start your car and lowers the risk of theft. However it's more complex than cutting a regular car key.
If you lose your transponder key and you lose it, only the dealer can make you a new one. This is because they keep records of each vehicle's security systems and are able to find the information in their database easily.
Unless you have a spare, it's recommended to call your dealer as soon as possible. You might be able to get a new one immediately or might need to wait until a replacement arrives. It could take a few days however, it's less expensive than hiring an automotive locksmith to do the job. It's much more convenient than searching for your keys in other places.
Inform the police
It's easy to become distracted and forget to leave your phone, wallet or key in your vehicle. The first thing to do if you suspect that this has happened is to contact the police. It may seem as a waste of your time, but it could help law enforcement track down your item stolen. The police will need to know more about the incident, including the name of the perpetrator, as well as any other items found in the vehicle.
It's beneficial to include any other items that you might have on you at the time of the theft, including your license or credit cards. In some cases in the event that the items are found in the wrong hands they could be used to commit other crimes.
After you have notified police of the theft, you should contact your car insurance provider and make an insurance claim. Your insurer may cover the cost to replace your keys, based on the type of insurance coverage you have. They will likely also advise you to install a car anti-theft device like a wheel lock or immobilizer to discourage thieves from pursuing your vehicle in the future.
It is also recommended to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will update your vehicle's title and registration information to show the fact that it was stolen. This will stop people from driving your vehicle illegally, running red lights or parking tickets, or other crimes.
In some cases 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 can protect you against the financial burdens of things like laptops and phones that you may have in your car. Find out if this coverage is provided by your insurance company by speaking to an agent or going to their website. You can also inquire from your agent about other options to increase the security of your vehicle. Installing an alarm system is one method to increase the security of your vehicle. Another option is to hide the spare key from your home or vehicle.
Keep track of your keys using an app for smartphones
In the past, losing your car keys wasn't a big problem. You could create a duplicate key and you were in good shape. However, modern vehicles require a more sophisticated set of technology to function. As a result, the cost to replace keys to cars that have been stolen or more info lost has risen dramatically.
There are two main kinds of car keys that are electronic: key fobs with electronic keys and standard turn-key ignitions. Most of today's cars use electronic key fobs, however some still have traditional ignitions that require turning of the key to start the car.
One way to keep from worrying about your car keys while you're out and about is to purchase key trackers and attach it to your vehicle. There are many different devices on the market and some of the best ones include:
To make use of the device, just connect it to your smartphone. If you're on the move, the app will help you locate your car keys either by emitting a noise or showing their location in an image. You can also share the device with family and friends so they can find your keys.
You could be able to make an insurance claim on your keys to your car that were stolen or lost, depending on the kind of policy you've purchased and the specifics of your particular situation. If you have property or comprehensive insurance, it could cover the cost to replace your lost keys.
It's also worth contacting your insurance company for home insurance to determine whether they offer similar services. If you declare your car keys stolen or lost promptly, they may be able refund the cost of replacing keys.
If your keys to your car are missing, it is important to remain calm and devise a plan. Contact the police as quickly as possible to avoid any additional issues. They can provide you with advice on how you can protect your vehicle and also give you a crime reference number. They might be able to give you keys that are new immediately.
Call a locksmith
In the past losing your car keys was a minor inconvenience. The only issue you faced was that should you lose your car keys, it would be impossible to enter the vehicle. As cars have become more technologically advanced and security, so do keys. They are increasingly expensive to replace, in the event of theft. It's therefore essential to have a spare key in your possession and to secure your car and keys up securely.
You should also check whether the personal property coverage on your home insurance policy covers the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. You could save money by not having to pay for an auto locksmith.
Notifying your keys that you lost to the police is another thing to do. The police will then be able to give you more advice on how to safeguard your vehicle from theft, like using a lock, and will also give you a crime number that they can use to track down the thief.
If you haven't yet done so, it is recommended to find a reputable locksmith who can work on your type of vehicle and its key. Certain locksmiths can make keys for various automobile models, whereas others can only repair and replace older vehicles using standard turn-key ignitions.
You'll have to provide your car registration as well as other details to have a brand new car key made, but it's usually quite simple. The dealership will make use of a computer to review the details of your car and create keys for you.
It is also worth looking into getting the car keys reprogrammed, to ensure that the previous owners can't use them. This is a service is available at a dealership or a locksmith. It's a great way to safeguard yourself from the possibility of your vehicle being stolen after you've purchased it second-hand.