Why Car Keys Got Stolen What To Do Is More Dangerous Than You Thought
Why Car Keys Got Stolen What To Do Is More Dangerous Than You Thought
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If Your Car Keys Got Stolen, What to Do
If you've lost your keys, it can be an overwhelming experience. Take a deep breath before you panic and walk through the day to see if you can find them. They could be in your purse, or inside a bag that you took from your car.
Contact your insurance company. If you notify your insurance company of the loss of your car keys promptly they could pay for the loss.
Call Your Insurance Company
One of the most frequent reasons for car theft is putting keys in the car. Statistics reveal that a car gets stolen every 32 seconds, costing Americans $8 billion each year. This is the reason it's so important to make sure your key is kept in a secure place. It's a good idea to invest in top quality locks and store spare keys.
If you're unsure where your keys are it's best to contact the police department. The officers are able to look over their records and give you advice about protecting your vehicle. In addition, they will be able to give you an identification number for crimes that is required to file an insurance claim with your company.
The next step is to determine whether it's worth submitting an insurance claim for lost keys. The decision will depend on the type of key you own and the amount it would cost to replace it. Some modern vehicles come with electronic keys, also known as smart keys which are more expensive to replace when compared to traditional turn-key ignitions.
Most auto insurance companies will pay for locksmiths to visit your vehicle if you've been locked out. They will not cover the cost of making you an entirely new car key, so you will need to cover the cost yourself. Remember that your insurance premiums may rise if you file claims. It's best to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of filing a claim prior making a decision.
If your car is equipped with an upgraded key that needs to be re-sequenced by the car's computer or re-paired with the barrels, you'll need go to your local auto dealer to get this done. This could cost you hundreds of dollars depending on your policy and the car dealer. If you lose a highly-enhanced car key it could be worth the effort to file a claim but only if you have comprehensive coverage under your policy. Otherwise it's not worth the effort and risk of premiums going up. Contact an independent agent to discuss adding comprehensive coverage to your auto insurance.
Call the Police
In the past the loss of your car key was not a huge issue. You could call an locksmith and have a new key made on the spot. It is expensive to replace keys that have been stolen or lost in some cars because they have more sophisticated ignitions. There are two main kinds of auto keys and ignitions on the market today electronic key fobs (sometimes called smart keys) and traditional turn-key ignitions.
The good news is that most insurance companies will pay for the cost of replacing a lost or stolen set of keys for cars no matter if it's a fob, or a standard key. It is important to inform your insurance company immediately to allow them to begin looking for your keys. You can also obtain a new set without having to pay out from your pocket.
If your vehicle is parked on public property when you lose your keys, it is crucial to let the police know immediately. They can then deter other motorists from using your vehicle and even capture them in the course of. If someone else uses your car and is subsequently caught by the police, they could be fined, or even detained.
You should also contact your dealer for car repairs and inform them that you have lost keys. Most dealers have access to replacement keys for all types of vehicles and are able to help you out quickly. They can also rekey the lock and give you keys that disable the lock that was previously used, so it won't work anymore.
If your car keys read more are stolen, it's likely that the thieves have also taken your wallet or purse. If this is the case you must contact your bank and credit card to check for suspicious transactions on their records.
There are also several apps for smartphones that can be used to track your keys that have been stolen or lost. Tile and AirTag, for example, are popular choices that connect to your keys with GPS technology. They can also be rung to alert your car keys in the vicinity or to show their last known location on maps.
Contact a Locksmith
The loss of your keys to your car could be an absolute nightmare. The loss of your car keys can make it difficult to get to work or to school. Fortunately, if your car keys are lost, there are things you can do to avoid the worst from occurring.
The police is the first step. This will help prevent thieves from taking your vehicle or using it to enter your home. It will also help you locate the person who took your car keys should they do so.
The next step is to contact the locksmith. Locksmiths can replace the key to your vehicle that was lost. They will need to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle before they are able to create a new key, therefore it is essential to have your ID and registration in hand. The locksmith needs to know both the VIN and name of the vehicle.
In the end, you should contact your insurance company. Many auto insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key, so it's worth checking out your own policy before making this call.
If you follow these guidelines, you can minimize the damage to your car and avoid headaches. Remember to be patient and do your research thoroughly before giving up! If your car keys get stuck inside the ignition, don't try to get them out yourself. That could cause more harm than good!
If you have a traditional key, most locksmiths will be able to make a replacement for you in a matter of minutes. If you have a modern key fob, such as one that is electronic, it may take a little longer. You will need to visit the dealer. If this is the case, ensure that you bring proof that you're the owner of your vehicle and have a copy of your registration or title. This will speed the process up. You'll also likely pay less to locksmiths than at the dealership. It's better to be cautious rather than sorry.
Call Your Car Dealer
Car keys are a vital piece of equipment for your car. Your car won't start without them. However, it's not common for thieves to take your keys as a way of getting into your car. Luckily, there are things you can do to stop this from happening.
Report the theft immediately to police. This will assist police in tracking the thief and will give you a crime reference number to use in the future. You can also call a locksmith or another mechanic to get a new key.
If you have an electronic key fob that connects to your car's computer and you want to take it to the dealership to be deactivated. If you've lost your keys in a public place such as a parking lot or a retail store it will help ensure that your car won't be taken away because the thief has no functioning key to enter it with.
Some car dealerships offer services to replace your keys that are lost, based on the manufacturer and model of your vehicle. Dealers can take away your old keys and connect the new one with the vehicle. This procedure is more complicated than having a professional locksmith create you a replacement key, so it is recommended to go to the dealer to get this service.
The cost of replacing your car keys will vary however you will likely receive some assistance from your insurance company in the event that the loss is reported to them promptly. Additionally, some property insurance policies that include personal possessions coverage might be capable of covering the cost of a brand new set of keys, too.