What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It's a terrifying experience to lose your car keys. Take a deep breath before panicking and look through your bags, pockets, and immediate surroundings.
Modern keys must be deactivated to stop theft.
Report it to the Police
There is no question that losing your car keys could be a very frustrating and stressful experience. It can ruin your day, create delays in your plans, and even cost you more money. If your keys have fallen out of your pocket or you have simply forgotten them somewhere, there are certain things you must do in order to prevent further complications and ensure your safety.
You should first try to remain calm. This could cloud your judgment and make it difficult to come up with a solution. Take a deep breath and take a careful look in your purse, pockets, or handbag for the keys. If you've lost your keys at work or in a public place and you are in a public place, ask someone to see if they have found it. Additionally, if you have any spare keys at home, be sure to give those a good look.
Once you've checked all the obvious places where keys could be, it's time to report the incident to the police. The faster you report the incident the more effective. This will result in a police report, which can help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You can complete an online crime report with the NYPD. To submit the report, you will require your registration number for your vehicle along with some other information. After the report is filed, it is inserted into NCIC records and state auto theft computer files. This will deter others from attempting to sell or obtain the title of the vehicle that was stolen.
You should also contact your insurance company to report the loss of your spare key. This will enable them to begin the claims process and could even cover any additional expenses you have to incur due to your lost keys. In addition, your insurance agent can advise you on additional security measures that can reduce the chance of having your car stolen in the future. This might include a car alarm, an immobiliser or tracking devices that can be linked to your car key fob or smartphone apps.
Get a New Key
It's not common to lose items in the shuffle of your hectic lifestyle. The loss of your car
stolen car key what to do lost spare key -
that guy - keys, your most loved pair of sunglasses, or even your debit card could be a major setback to your plans.
Luckily, it's usually not a big deal to get the replacement key for a vehicle that has been stolen. There are several choices to pick from when getting a new key, dependent on the kind of key your vehicle has.
You can either call your dealer or an auto locksmith to create a new key for you. Dealers will charge more but they will make it happen quickly. They can also use your vehicle's VIN number to ensure the new key is linked to your specific vehicle.
You can locate a locksmith who can complete the task for less than a dealer, if your car is old and still has a mechanical key. The locksmith will be able to design the new key on the spot, and can even de-program the old key, rendering it ineffective.
For modern automobiles that come with a remote-keyless key or a transponder chip, you may have to go to the dealership to get one made. The dealer will require the make and model of the vehicle to match the key.
Always have a spare key in the event that you lose your original or are unable start your vehicle due to any reason. Check places you wouldn't normally search for your keys. For instance, in the pockets of your pants or jacket, or in your bag you took to work. If you're still having trouble finding your keys, consider getting a GEICO emergency roadside service plan. It will provide access to an auto locksmith network across the country which can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry. A policy like this in place can save you a lot of stress and money in the event of a stolen or lost car key.
Make a claim with Your Insurance Company
The loss of your car keys can cause panic. Your plans to eat pizza, change into comfy sweats and watch a favorite show are suddenly thrown into chaos. After an instant of devastation, you'll most likely calm down and begin to think about what went wrong. This is when you have to remember to contact the police. Not only will they give you an identification number that could help you find your keys, but it will also make your insurance company aware of the incident and offer you suggestions on how to proceed with filing a claim.
Most auto policies will cover the cost of a locksmith, or will reimburse you for the cost of an exchange of keys made by your dealer. If you have roadside insurance and your insurer is capable of helping you locate the key. Keep a copy of your police report and any receipts that you have relating to the incident in case your insurer requests them. It is an excellent idea to keep the phone number and name of anyone you talk to at your insurer and copies of any documents they request.
It is also important to inform your insurance provider so that they can be on guard for any signs of a theft attempt. If you put off the issue for too long it is possible that someone will use the key that is not present to gain access into your vehicle. They could leave marks on your ignition or doors.
It is crucial to keep an extra key on hand in case you lose yours. Since more and more cars are equipped with smart keys, it's even more important to be aware of where your keys are. But, if you do lose your keys, these tips will ensure that it will not ruin your evening, or your day.
Change Your Locks
We've all experienced how it is to lose your keys. You've had a tiring, long day and you want to go home, get into your comfy clothes, grab a pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You walk to your car, only to realize that your keys aren't to be found. The panic sets in.
While the first thought might be to contact your insurance company to request an alternative key, you should also call a locksmith. Depending on your car and its locks the locksmith can replace or change the keys. If your car is equipped with keys that are traditional, a locksmith can simply take a picture of the lock and cut an entirely new key right there and then. On the other hand, if your
my car was stolen with the keys in it has a key fob and is more advanced in technology it will likely need to take it to a dealership and get a new fob programmed for you.
Rekeying your locks is a great idea as it will ensure that nobody else has access to your spare key. This is important if you are worried that your keys might have been
stolen car keys replacement with your purse or wallet. This will prevent your sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands, putting you at risk for identity theft.
A locksmith typically charges anywhere from $20 to $75 to rekey your locks. Check reviews before hiring a locksmith, as they are not all created to be the same. You'll also want to be sure that they have the right equipment and skills to work on your particular type of car.
Changing your locks after your vehicle is stolen can be a hassle and cost a lot of money, but it's worth the security of knowing that nobody else has access to your vehicle, or your personal belongings. It's recommended to file a police report, because this can aid in the search for your lost property and may result in the arrest of an incriminating criminal. Don't forget to declare the loss of your keys to your insurance company for your home.