"Ask Me Anything," 10 Responses To Your Questions About Car Key Stolen But Not Car
Car Key Stolen But Not CarWe all know that you should never leave your keys in the car, but there are times when you forget. If you've made a mistake and your keys are stolen but the car is still in its place, here's what you can do.
The first thing you'll need to do is contact the police. This will ensure that anyone who discovers keys doesn't use them to commit crimes.
Get a new set keys
Losing your car keys could be stressful and risky, whether it is because of a moment of forgetfulness or the theft of your keys. Not only does it prevent you from getting where you're going but it also means you'll have to spend time and money replacing your key. The good thing is that it's no longer as complicated or expensive to replace keys.
Before you call your local locksmith, make sure to see if the lost car key is covered by your insurance or warranty. If it is, bring your proof of ownership along with you to the locksmith. They will then use the number for identification of the vehicle also referred to as the VIN, to design a new car key without the original.
Mechanical or traditional keys for cars are the most straightforward type of car keys to replace. These keys can be made locally by your local locksmith, and are generally less expensive than other types. If your car is equipped with a transponder, or chip, then you will need to visit the dealership.
A transponder is a small chip in the car key that emits an individual code when it comes into contact with the vehicle. It is a safer method to start your vehicle and lowers the risk of theft. However, it's more complicated than cutting a regular car key.
Only the dealer can issue you a replacement transponder key should you lose it. They are able to do this because they have documents of the security systems in each car and can easily find information.
If you don't have spare keys, it is recommended to call your dealer as soon as you can. You may be able purchase a new one on the spot or they might have to wait until a replacement arrives. It could take a couple of days, but it's cheaper than hiring an auto locksmith to do the job. It's easier than looking for your keys in other places.
Report the theft to the police
It's easy to become distracted and forget to leave your wallet, phone or car key inside your vehicle. The first thing you need to do if you suspect that this has occurred is to call the police. It may seem as a waste of your time, but it can help law enforcement track down your item stolen. Police will want to know the details of the incident including the description of the perpetrator, and any other items found in the vehicle.
It is possible to include the items you carried with you when the theft occurred like your credit cards or your license. If the items are found by the wrong people they could be used to commit crimes.
Once you've informed police of the theft, you should notify your car insurance provider and submit a claim. Depending on the type of insurance you have, your insurance might pay for replacing your keys. You will also be advised to install an anti-theft device to your vehicle, like an immobilizer or lock to prevent thieves from targeting it in the future.
In addition to notifying the police and your insurance company, you should also contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This will update your car's title and registration information to reflect that it was taken. This will stop anyone from driving your car illegally, causing red lights or obtaining parking tickets, or other crimes.
You could be able add a protection plan for your property as an additional protection for items that are stolen from your vehicle. This will help you protect yourself from the financial burden of items such as laptops or phones you might keep in your car. Find out if this coverage is provided by your insurance provider by contacting an agent or going to their website. Moreover, you can always consult your insurance agent regarding other ways to improve your car's security. For instance, you could install an alarm system and then hide a spare set of keys away from your car or home.
Keep track of your keys with an app for smartphones
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. The process of obtaining duplicate keys for your car was easy. However, modern vehicles require more sophisticated technology in order to operate. In the process, the cost to replace keys for cars stolen or lost has skyrocketed.
There are two main kinds of car keys which are electronic key fobs and standard turn-key ignitions. The majority of cars today use electronic key fobs. However, a few remain with traditional ignitions that require turning a key to start the car.
One way to avoid worrying about your car keys while you're out and about is to purchase a key tracker and attach it to your vehicle. There are a variety of key trackers on the market. Some of the top include:
To use the device, simply pair it with your smartphone. When you're on-the-go the app can help you locate your car keys by emitting a sound or displaying their location on a map. It is possible to share the device with family and acquaintances so that they can locate your keys.
You could be able to file an insurance claim for your keys to your car that were stolen or lost, depending on the type of policy you have and the specifics of your specific situation. If you have property or comprehensive coverage, your policy may provide the funds to replace your lost keys.
It's also worth checking here with your home insurer to see whether they offer similar services. They might be able to reimburse you for the costs of replacing your car keys if declare them lost or stolen promptly fashion.
In the end, if your car keys have gone missing, it's important to remain calm and develop the best plan of action. Contact the police as soon as possible to avoid any additional issues. They will give you suggestions on how to secure your vehicle and will provide you with a reference number. They may also be able to provide you with a new set of keys right away.
Call an expert locksmith
In the past when you lost your keys to your car was a minor issue. The only worry you had was that if you lost your car keys, it would be impossible to enter the vehicle. As cars have technologically advanced as are their keys. They're now more expensive to replace if they're stolen. This means it's essential to always have a backup key as well as to keep your car and keys secure.
Make sure that your personal property coverage in your home insurance policy covers the cost of replacing an lost or stolen key. If it does, you could be able to avoid the cost of a car locksmith and could be able to save a few dollars.
Another thing you must do after you've lost your keys is lost is to report them to the police. The police will provide you with more information on how to protect your car from theft, like using a lock, and will also give you a crime number that they can use to track down the person responsible for the theft.
If you haven't already completed this, it's a good idea to find an accredited locksmith who can work on your type of car and its key. Some locksmiths are able to create keys for various car models, while others are only able to repair and replace older vehicles with conventional turn-key ignitions.
It is not unusual to receive the new key to your vehicle within a couple of minutes after providing your registration information. The dealership will make use of a computer to review your vehicle's details and create the key for you.
It's also worth thinking about getting the car keys reprogrammed, so that the old owners cannot use them. This is a simple service that can be done at a locksmith, or even the dealership. This is a great method to protect your vehicle from being stolen once you've bought it used.