"A Guide To Stolen Car Keys What To Do In 2024

Lost Car Keys - What To Do If Car Key Is Stolen to Do

If you aren't careful it's easy to lose your car keys. Before you panic, go back and look over your day to see where you might have lost them. Examine all your bags and pockets.

The procedure for replacing keys for your car will vary depending on the year and model of your vehicle. Reina gives five steps you need to take:

1. Contact the police

Losing your car keys can be a stressful, common incident, but it is crucial. The police should be your first step. They can provide you with a crime reference number and help to keep you informed of any developments in your case. You should also inform your auto insurance agent about the theft, as they might require a copy of your police report to approve your claim.

The most important thing to do when you've lost your keys is to remain calm. Doing anything to make the situation more difficult and could cause you to miss the chance to obtain a replacement key. Take a deep breath and try to remember when you last held the keys. Once you know the exact timeframe, start retracing your footsteps.

If you're at home, take a look in the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and bags you may have been carrying. Also, check out places you aren't used to, like under the couch or in a pile of mail. If you were in a public place such as an establishment or library, ask an employee if they have discovered something.

If you're still unable to locate them, contact your insurance company and locksmith for assistance. If you are still unable to locate them, you'll have to contact your insurance company and locksmith for assistance. They can give you tips on how to improve security for your keys and suggest a replacement key. It depends on whether your car is equipped with a smart or traditional key and ignition system.

2. Get a spare key

Car thefts are increasing and it's more crucial than ever to have an extra key. There are a lot of cheaper methods to make a spare key if you don't already have one.

If you have spare cash, it's best to leave it somewhere other than your car. Many thieves steal purses or wallets and copy keys making it easier for them to gain entry into vehicles later. It's an excellent idea to keep a keychain that has a Bluetooth tracker attached what to do if car keys stolen it. This will allow you to keep an eye on your keys and locate them when they are lost.

You can ask the dealer for a spare or you can seek out an independent locksmith who will create one for you. The dealership will likely have an image of your key code for your car in their database and can program it into the new key. The locksmith you choose to use will need to use the VIN from your registration and other documents to obtain this information.

If a locksmith offers you a replacement, they will typically erase the original key's "memory" which means it won't work in your vehicle anymore. This extra step may not be worth it if you have a high deductible or comprehensive insurance.

You must also make a police report to ensure that your friends and family know about the situation and don't take your car. This may deter future crimes or make it more difficult for thieves to steal your identity. It is a good idea to act as quickly as you can, if you are able, so that the keys to your car keyless cars being stolen are reported as stolen instead of misplaced.

3. Get a New Keyset

There are several ways to go about getting new keys if your keys are stolen car key what to do. It will depend on the type of key you have and how it was lost. If you have an old-fashioned car keys, locksmiths can create one that is identical to the original. This is much easier and less expensive than having to go to a dealership to request an alternative.

If you have an electronic key fob or smart key, the process is a bit more difficult. The dealer will require the key code to make a replacement. It's usually on your paperwork when you purchase or lease a vehicle. You could also bring it to the dealer if you require a new ignition key.

Another option to get an additional set of keys in the event that your car keys are stolen is to call roadside assistance. They'll take your vehicle to a dealer and will have a replacement key programmed at the dealership. It's important to remember that your car key is your sole means of opening and unlock your vehicle, so it's essential to report a stolen car key as quickly as you can.

You could easily lose your car keys if you're distracted or busy. To avoid this, put your keys in the same spot each time you leave your home. This will give you a better picture of where they are and make them easier to locate in the future. It is also possible to keep an extra set of keys in the glovebox or some other convenient location. If you have modern vehicles with the push button starter You can store your key fob inside a metal container or Faraday bag in order to block the signal while you're not driving.

5. Visit the Dealership

If you lose your keys to your car, you need to act quickly and remain calm. The police can provide you with a the number of a crime reference and provide advice on protecting your vehicle and making sure it's not stolen in the future. They can also check CCTV and ANPR systems to determine whether your vehicle was used after you lost the keys.

If you have an extra key, keep it in a secure place. It's very easy for thieves to take a spare key and use it to gain access to your vehicle. If you don't own an extra key, you can call the dealership of your vehicle to purchase a new one. You may need to wait and provide proof of ownership as the dealer will need to purchase an electronic chip to pair with your car. This process isn't cost-effective, so it's worth checking whether the cost is covered by your automobile insurance.

Before making a call to the dealer, it's important to have an honest look around. Examine all bags and pockets, including places you wouldn't expect to find them, such as the floor of your vehicle or a table. Also take a step back to try to remember where you last saw the keys. If you're fortunate, this will assist you in locating the exact location of your key. If you can't find them, you can contact your local locksmith who will be able make keys and rekey the locks.