The Most Common Car Stolen Lost Spare Key Mistake Every Beginner Makes
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What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
It can be a scary experience to lose your car keys. Relax before panicking and check your bags, pockets and your immediate surroundings.
In contrast to the past, when losing or misplacing a vehicle key wasn't an issue, today's keys need to be deactivated by a locksmith or a dealer to avoid theft.
Report it to the Police
There is no doubt that losing your car keys could be a very frustrating and stressful experience. It can disrupt your day, delay your plans, and even cost you to incur extra costs. If your keys have fallen out of your pockets or have lost them in the wrong place there are a few things that you should take care of to prevent further complications and protect yourself.
First, make an effort to remain calm and not be overwhelmed. This could cloud your judgment and make it difficult to come up with an answer. Take a deep breath, and be sure to check your pockets, purse or handbag for keys. If you've lost your keys in a public area or workplace setting and you need to ask someone else to verify if it was found. If you happen to have spare keys at home residence, be sure to take them to the store.
Once you've checked all the obvious places 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 and will help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You can do this online by filling out an online crime report with the NYPD. To submit the report, you will need your vehicle registration number as well as a few other details. After the report is completed, it will be entered into NCIC records and the state auto theft computer files. This will stop anyone who is trying to sell the vehicle or apply for an e-title.
Report the loss of your keys that you have spare to your insurance company. This will enable your insurance company to begin the claim process and they could even pay any additional costs you incur because of the keys you lost. Your insurance agent can also guide you on ways to improve your car's security to decrease the chance of it being stolen. This might include a car alarm, an immobiliser, or tracking devices that could be linked to your car key fob or apps for smartphones.
Get a Replacement Key
It's not uncommon to lose things in the shuffle of your hectic life. It doesn't matter if it's your debit card, your most cherished pair of sunglasses or your car keys, losing them could put a wrench in your plans and feel like the end of the world.
It's not that difficult to replace a key on an automobile that's been stolen. There are several options to obtain a replacement key. It all depends on the type of keys you have in your vehicle.
You can contact either your dealer or an auto locksmith to request an updated key. Dealers will charge more but they will make it happen quickly. They may also use the VIN number of your vehicle to pair the new key to your specific vehicle.
If your vehicle is older and is equipped with a traditional mechanical key, you will probably find a locksmith that can do the job for cheaper than the dealer. The locksmith can make keys on the spot and remove the old one's programming to render it useless.
You may need to go to the dealer to order a key for a more modern vehicle with a remote-keyless or transponder chip. The dealer must know the model and make of your vehicle in order to match the key to it.
Always have an extra key in case you lose your original key or are unable to start your vehicle for any reason. Look in places where you would not normally check for your keys. For example, in the pockets of your pants or jacket or in the bag you took to work. If you're still having trouble finding your keys, consider getting a GEICO emergency roadside service policy. This policy will grant access to a nationwide auto locksmith network which can assist you in getting back on the road in a hurry. The presence of one of these policies in place will help you avoid a lot of stress and money in the case of a lost or stolen car key.
You can file a claim with your insurance company
There aren't many things that can create more anxiety than losing your car keys. Your plans to order pizza, change into comfortable sweats and watch a favorite show are thrown into chaos. After a brief moment of dismay it's likely that you'll settle down and begin to think about what happened. It is important to contact the police at this point. This will not only provide you a crime number that can assist you in finding your keys, but it will also alert your insurance company to the situation and give advice on how to proceed.
The majority of auto insurance policies will cover the cost of locksmith services, or reimburse you if your dealer makes a new key. If you have roadside coverage, your insurer may be in a position to assist you in finding the key. Keep an original copy of your police report, along with any receipts that pertain to the incident. Your insurer might ask to review these documents. It is recommended to keep the name and phone number of everyone you interact with at your insurer, as well as copies of any paperwork they request.
It is also essential to inform your insurance company about the situation so that they are on the lookout for signs of attempted theft. If you are patient, someone could try to use the key that is missing to get into your vehicle. They may leave scratches on your doors or ignition.
As more and more cars are equipped with smart key technology, it is even more important to be alert about the location of your car keys and to keep an extra key just in case. However, if you have lost your keys, the above guidelines will ensure that it does not ruin your evening or the rest of your day.
Change Your Lock
We all know how it feels to lose your keys. You've had a tiring, long day and you're eager to go home, change into your comfortable clothes and grab a pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You walk to your car, only to discover that your keys are nowhere to be found. The panic begins to set in.
You should call locksmiths as well. While your first reaction may be to contact your insurance company, they can provide you with a replacement key. Depending on the type of vehicle you own and the locks on it, they can either replace your keys or change them. A locksmith can make a new key in a flash if your car uses locks that are traditional and keys. If your car is more advanced and has a key-fob, you'll have to go to an auto dealer to have the new key programmed.
Rekeying your locks is a good idea, as it will ensure that no one else has your spare key. This is crucial if you are worried that your keys might have been stolen from your purse or wallet. This will stop your sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands and putting you at risk of identity theft.
Rekeying your locks could cost you anywhere between $20 to $75. Check reviews before hiring a Locksmith because they're not all made equal. You should also be certain that they have the proper equipment website and knowledge to work on your particular kind of vehicle.
The process of changing your locks after your vehicle is stolen could be a hassle and expensive however it's worth the peace of mind to know that nobody else has access to your vehicle, or your personal belongings. A police report will also assist you in locating your property that was stolen and could even lead to the arrest of a criminal. Lastly, don't forget to file a report with your home insurance company as well if keys have been stolen from your residence.