Car Key Stolen But Not Car
We all know that you should never leave your keys in your car, but there are times when you forget. If you've made a mistake and your keys get taken however the car remains in place, here's how you can do.
It is best to first call the police. This will ensure that anyone who comes across the keys does not use them to commit crimes.
Find a new set keys
Whether it's a second of forgetfulness or someone steals your keys, losing car keys can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. 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. However, the good news is that it's not as costly and difficult to replace keys for cars as it was in the past.
Before you call your local locksmith, check to see if the lost car key is covered under your insurance or warranty. Bring your proof of ownership to the locksmith if it is covered. They will then be able to use the vehicle identification number (commonly known as the VIN) which they will use to make a new key for your car without the original.
Mechanical or traditional keys for cars are the easiest type of car keys to replace. They can be made on site at your local locksmith and are generally less expensive than other types of keys. If your vehicle is equipped with chip or transponder, then you will have to visit the dealership.
A transponder is a small chip in the car key that sends an individual code when it comes into contact with the vehicle. This is a more secure method to start your car and reduces the possibility of theft, however it's more complicated than just cutting a standard key.
Only dealers can give you a replacement transponder keys should you lose it. They can do this because they have records of the security systems installed in each vehicle and can easily find information.
If you do not have a spare key, contact your dealer as soon as possible. You might be able to obtain a replacement on the spot or they may need to wait until the replacement arrives. It may take a few weeks, but it is still less expensive than hiring locksmith. It's easier than searching for your keys in other places.
Report the theft to police
It's easy to become distracted and leave a phone, wallet or key in your car. The first thing you should do if you suspect that this has occurred is to call the police. This might seem like a waste, but it could help law enforcement find your item stolen. The police will need to know the details of the incident including the description of the perpetrator, and any other items that were found in the vehicle.
You might want to add any items you had on you when the theft occurred like your credit cards or your license. In certain instances when the items are found in the wrong hands, they could be used to commit other crimes.
After you've notified the police about the theft, notify your car insurance provider and file a claim. Depending on the type of coverage you have, your insurance might cover the cost of replacing your keys. They will likely also advise that you install a car anti-theft device like an immobilizer or wheel lock, to deter thieves from targeting your car in the future.
It is also recommended to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. This will change your car's title and registration information to show that it was taken. This will prevent someone else from driving your vehicle illegally, driving through red lights, parking tickets or committing other crimes with it.
In some cases you might be able to obtain additional protection for items that are stolen in your vehicle by adding an insurance plan for property protection to your insurance policy for cars. This will protect you from the financial cost of items such as laptops, phones, or other valuables that you may have in your car. You can determine whether your insurance provider provides this by speaking with a representative or by visiting the website of your company. In addition, you can inquire with your insurance provider about other options to increase the security of your vehicle. For example, you can install an alarm system and hide an extra set of keys in your vehicle or your home.
Find your keys using a smartphone application
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could just make a duplicate key and you were in good shape. Modern cars require higher-end technology to function. The cost of replacing lost or stolen keys has gone up dramatically.
There are two main kinds of car keys which are electronic key fobs and traditional ignitions with turn-keys. The majority of cars today utilize electronic key fobs. However, some still have standard ignitions which require the turning of a key to start the vehicle.
You can attach a key tracker to your car to stop being worried about losing your keys. There are many devices that are available. Some of the best include:
Pair the device with your smartphone to use it. When you're on-the-go the app will assist you locate your car keys by making a sound or displaying their location on the form of a map. You can also connect the device to friends and family members so that they can help you find your keys.
You may be able to file an insurance claim for lost or stolen car keys dependent on the kind of policy you've purchased and the details of your situation. For example, if you've paid for comprehensive or property insurance, these policies may provide for the cost of replacing keys lost.
You should also contact your insurance company for home insurance to determine if it offers similar services. If you report your car keys as lost or stolen promptly they may pay for replacing keys.
If your car keys are missing, it is important to remain calm and think of a solution. Contact the police as soon as you can to avoid other complications. They will give you tips on how to protect your vehicle and also give you a reference number for crimes. They may be able to provide you with new keys immediately.
Contact an expert locksmith
Not so long ago losing your car keys was a relatively minor inconvenience. The only issue you faced was that should you lose your car keys it would be difficult to gain entry. As cars have become more technologically advanced as have their keys, and are now much more expensive to replace if stolen. It's therefore essential to have a spare key and to secure your car and more info keys up securely.
You should also determine whether personal property coverage in your home insurance policy will cover the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. If it does, you may be in a position to avoid the cost of a car locksmith and may be able to save a few dollars.
Reporting your lost keys to the police is another thing to do. 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 thief.
It is a good thing to locate a locksmith who knows your car type and key. Certain locksmiths can make keys for a variety of car models, while others are only able to repair and replace older vehicles using 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 then use an electronic system to verify the details of your vehicle and create a brand new key for you.
It is also worth considering having the keys reprogrammed to ensure that previous owners cannot use the keys. This is a service you can get at a dealership or locksmith. This is a great way to prevent your car from being stolen after you've purchased it secondhand.