Car Key Stolen But Not Car
We all know that you shouldn't leave your keys in your car, but occasionally you forget. If you've forgotten and your keys are stolen but the car is still in place, here's how you can do.
It is best to first call the police. This will help ensure that anyone who stumbles upon your keys doesn't use them to commit the crime.
Buy a new set of keys
If it's just a moment of forgetfulness, or someone else takes your keys, losing your car keys can be a stressful and potentially dangerous situation. Not only will it stop you from getting where you're going but it also means you'll have to spend time and money to replace your key. But the good news is that it's not as expensive and difficult to replace keys for cars as it used to be.
Before you contact your local locksmith, make sure to see if the lost car key is covered under your insurance or warranty. Bring proof of ownership to the locksmith if it is covered. The locksmith will then make use of the number of your vehicle identification also referred to as the VIN, to design a new car key without the original.
Traditional or mechanical keys for cars are the easiest type of car keys to replace. These keys can be made locally by your local locksmith and are typically cheaper than other types. If your vehicle is equipped with chip or transponder and you want to use it, you'll need to visit the dealership.
A transponder, a small chip inside the car key, sends an unique number each time it is in contact with the vehicle. This is a secure method to start your car and reduces the risk for theft. However it's more complex than cutting a regular car key.
If you lose your transponder key only the dealer will be able to give you a new one. This is because they keep track of every car's security systems and can find the information in their database easily.
If you don't have a spare keys, contact your dealer as soon as you can. They might be able create a new key on the spot, or they might need to wait for a replacement to come in. It may take a few weeks, but it is still less expensive than hiring locksmith. It's much more convenient than looking for your keys in other places.
Report the theft to the police
It's easy to get distracted and forget to leave your phone, wallet or key in your vehicle. The first thing you should do if you suspect that this has happened is to notify the police. It might seem like a waste of time, but it will help law enforcement track down your item stolen. The police will want to know more about the incident, including the name of the perpetrator, as well as any other items discovered in the vehicle.
It might be beneficial to include any other items you may have at the time of the theft, like your license or credit cards. In some cases, if the items end up in the wrong hands they could be used to commit other crimes.
After reporting the theft to the police, contact your insurance company to file a claim. Based on the type of insurance you have, your insurer may cover the cost of replacing your keys. They will likely also advise that you install a car anti-theft device, like a wheel lock or immobilizer, to deter thieves from pursuing your vehicle 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 indicate the fact that it was stolen. This will stop anyone from driving your car illegally, running red lights, getting parking tickets, or other crimes.
You could be able add a protection plan for your property as an additional protection for items stolen from your vehicle. This will help you to protect yourself from the financial costs of items such as laptops, phones, or other valuables that might have in your vehicle. Find out if this coverage is offered by your insurance provider by speaking to an agent or by visiting their website. You can also ask your agent for other options to increase the security of your vehicle. Installing an alarm system is one way to improve the security of your vehicle. Another option is to hide the spare key from your vehicle or at home.
Find your keys using an app on your smartphone
Not long ago the loss of your car keys was no big issue. The procedure of getting duplicate keys for your car was easy. Nowadays, cars require more sophisticated technology to function. In the process, the cost to replace keys for cars stolen or lost has increased dramatically.
There are two primary kinds of car keys that are electronic: key fobs with electronic keys and traditional ignitions with turn-keys. The majority of cars today use electronic key fobs. However, some still have here traditional ignitions that require the turning of an ignition key to start the vehicle.
You can attach a key tracker to your car to stop having to worry about losing your keys. There are many devices on the market. Some of the top include:
To utilize the device, you must connect it to your smartphone. When you're on-the-go the app will assist 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 friends so they can find your keys.
You may be able to submit an insurance claim for your lost or stolen car keys according to the kind of policy you've purchased and the specifics of your particular situation. For example, if you've paid for comprehensive or property insurance coverage and policies, they may provide for the cost of replacing your lost keys.
You should also check with your home insurance company to see whether it provides similar services. They may be able to reimburse you for the cost of replacing your car keys if report them lost or stolen to them in a timely manner.
In the end, if your car keys have gone missing, it's crucial to stay calm and work on an action plan. If you can, call the police department right away to avoid any further problems. They can give you tips on how to secure your vehicle and provide you a crime reference number. They may be able to provide you with keys that are new immediately.
Contact an expert locksmith
In the past losing your car keys was a minor issue. The only concern you had was that if you lost your car keys it would be difficult to enter the vehicle. But as automobiles have become more technologically advanced as have their keys, and they're much more expensive to replace if stolen. This means it's essential to always have a backup key, and to keep your keys and car secure.
You should also determine if personal property coverage on your home insurance policy covers the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. If it does, you might be eligible to avoid paying for the services 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 then be able provide you with additional advice on protecting your car against theft, which includes the use of a lock for your wheel, and they'll also give you an identification number that can assist in locating the culprit.
It is beneficial to find a locksmith that knows your car type and key. Certain locksmiths can make keys for a variety of cars, while some are only able to repair and replace older cars that have standard turn-key ignitions.
It is not uncommon to receive a new key for your vehicle within a couple of minutes after providing your registration details. The dealership will make use of a computer to review the details of your vehicle and then create a key for you.
It is also worth considering having the keys reprogrammed to ensure that previous owners can't use them. This is a straightforward procedure which can be carried out by a locksmith or even the dealership. This is a great method to prevent your car from being taken away after you've purchased it secondhand.