Car Key Stolen But Not Car
You should never leave keys in your car, but you may forget. If you forget and your keys get taken however the car remains in its place, here's what you can do.
It is best to first call the police. This will ensure that anyone who finds the keys does not use them to commit crime.
Buy a new set keys
Whether it's a second of forgetfulness or someone steals your keys, losing car keys is a frustrating and potentially risky situation. Not only does it prevent you from getting to where you're going but it also means that you'll need to spend time and money replacing your key. However, the good news is that it's no longer as expensive and difficult to replace a car key as it was in the past.
Check with your insurance company or warranty to see whether you're covered for a lost car key. Bring your proof of ownership to the locksmith if it's covered. The locksmith will then utilize the number for identification of the vehicle also referred to as the VIN, to design an entirely new car key, without the original.
The most straightforward type of keys for cars to replace is the traditional or mechanical key. They can be made at home by your local locksmith, and are generally cheaper than other kinds. If your car has chip or transponder or chip, then you'll have to go to the dealer.
A transponder is a small chip in the car key that transmits an individual code when it comes in contact with the vehicle. It is a safer method to start your car and reduces the chance of theft. However, it's more complicated than cutting a standard car key.
If you lose your transponder keys, only the dealer will be able to give you an alternative one. This is because they keep track of every vehicle's security systems and are able to access the data in their database easily.
If you don't have a spare, it's recommended to call your dealer as soon as you can. You may be able obtain a replacement right away or might need to wait until a replacement is available. This could take a couple of days, but it's cheaper than hiring a locksmith for your car to complete the task. It's also more convenient than trying to find your keys elsewhere.
Inform the police
It's not difficult to get distracted, and leave your phone, wallet or key in your car. If you believe this has happened, the first step is to report the theft to police. It might seem to be a waste of time, but it could assist law enforcement in tracking down your item stolen. Police will want to know more about the incident, including the description of the person who committed the crime, as well as any other items found in the vehicle.
It could be an excellent idea to include any items that you might have on you at the time of the theft, such as your credit card or license. If the items are discovered by the wrong people and are used to commit crimes.
After reporting the theft to the police, contact your insurance company to make a claim. Based on the type of insurance you have, your insurer might cover the cost of replacing your keys. It is also recommended to install an anti-theft device to your car, such as an immobilizer or lock to prevent thieves from targeting it 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 that it was taken. This will stop anyone from driving your car illegally, keyless car stolen causing red lights or parking tickets, or engaging in other crimes.
You might be able to add a property protection plan to provide additional protection for the items stolen from your vehicle. This will protect you from the financial costs for things like laptops or phones that you may have in your car. Find out if this is provided by your insurance provider by speaking to an agent or visiting their website. You can also inquire from your agent about other ways to enhance the security of your vehicle. Installing an alarm system is a way to improve the security of your car. Another alternative is to keep a spare key set away from your vehicle or at home.
Track your keys with an app for smartphones
Not long ago, losing your car keys was no big issue. You could create a duplicate key and you were all set. Modern cars require higher-end technology to function. In the process, the cost to replace keys to cars that have been stolen or lost has risen dramatically.
There are two kinds of car keys. The first is an electronic key fob. The other is the traditional key-to-turn ignition. The majority of modern cars have electronic key fobs. However, a fair number still have traditional ignitions that require turning of the key to start the car.
One way to avoid worrying about your car keys when you're out and about is to buy key trackers and attach it to your vehicle. There are many devices on the market. Some of the top include:
Pair the device with your smartphone to use it. When you're on-the-go, the app will help you locate your car keys either by emitting a noise or showing their location in a map. You can also connect the device to friends and family members so they can help you find your keys.
You could be able to file a claim for insurance in the event that you lose or steal your car keys. It will depend on the type and details of your policy. If you have property or comprehensive insurance, it could pay for the replacement of your lost keys.
It is also worth checking with your home insurance company to see whether they offer similar services. If you declare your car keys stolen or lost promptly they may refund the cost of replacing keys.
If your car keys are missing, it's important to remain calm and think of a solution. Call the police as soon as you can to avoid further problems. They will be able to offer you tips on how to safeguard your car and will provide you with a reference number. They may be able to give you a set of new keys immediately.
Contact an expert locksmith
Not so long ago losing your car keys was a relatively minor issue. The only worry you had was that should you lose your car keys it would be impossible to enter the vehicle. As cars have technologically advanced, so too have their keys. They're becoming more expensive to replace, if they're stolen. It's therefore essential to have a spare key in your possession and to lock your car and keys securely.
You should also determine whether personal property coverage in 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 you must do. The police will provide more advice on how to protect your car from theft, for example, using a wheel lock and also give you a crime number they can use to locate the thief.
If you haven't already completed this, it's an excellent idea to locate an accredited locksmith who can handle your specific car and its key. Some locksmiths can create keys for various car models, while others can only repair and replace older cars that have traditional turn-key ignitions.
You'll need to provide car registration and other details to have a brand new car key made, however this is usually fairly quick. The dealership will use a computer to check the details of your vehicle and then create the key for you.
You should also consider having the keys reprogrammed so that previous owners cannot use the keys. This is a service you can obtain from a dealer or locksmith. This is a great way to stop your car from being stolen once you've purchased it secondhand.