20 Things Only The Most Devoted Car Stolen Lost Spare Key Fans Understand
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What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
The loss of your car keys can be a frightening experience. Relax before panicking and look through your pockets, bags, and immediate surroundings.
In contrast to the past, when misplacing-or worse losing-a car key wasn't an issue, today's keys must be deactivated by a dealership or locksmith to stop theft.
Report it to the Police
Losing your car keys is an unsettling and stressful experience. It can ruin your day, cause delays in your plans, and could cost you more. If your keys have fallen out of your pocket or you have simply forgotten them somewhere there are a few things you must do to avoid further complications and protect yourself.
Try to remain calm. This could cause confusion and make it difficult to find an answer. Take a deep breath and carefully check your purse, pockets, or handbag for the keys. If you've lost your keys at work or in a public place, ask someone working there to see if they have found it. Also, if you happen to have spare keys at your home, be sure to take them to the store.
Once you have checked all the obvious places keys might be, it's time to report the incident to the police. The sooner you do this, the better. This will be an official police report that can help you with your insurance claim in the future.
You can complete an online crime report with the NYPD. You'll need your vehicle registration number and several other details to complete the report. After the report is filed, it is inserted into NCIC records and the state's auto theft computer file. This will discourage others from attempting to sell or get the title of your stolen vehicle.
It is also advisable to contact your insurance company to report the loss of your spare key. This will enable your insurance company to begin the claim process and they might even cover any additional costs you incur because of your lost keys. Your insurance agent will also guide you on ways to improve your car's security to decrease the likelihood of it being stolen. This might include a car alarm, an immobiliser, or tracking devices that could be connected to your vehicle key fob or apps for smartphones.
Get a Replacement Key
Losing things is a common event in our busy lives. If it's your debit or credit card, favorite pair of sunglasses or your car keys - losing them can throw a wrench into your plans and can seem like the end of the world.
It's not too difficult to change a key for a vehicle that has been stolen. There are a variety of choices when it comes time to obtain an alternative key. It depends on the type of keys you have in your vehicle.
You can call your dealership or an auto locksmith to make new keys for you. Dealers will charge you more, but they can make it happen quickly. They can also use your vehicle's VIN number to ensure that the new car key is paired with your specific car.
You can find a locksmith who will complete the task for less than a dealer if your car is old and still uses a mechanical key. The locksmith can create here the key on-site and even deprogram your old one to make it useless.
You may need to go to the dealer to order keys for a more modern vehicle with a remote-keyless or transponder chip. The dealer will require the make and model of the vehicle to match the key.
Always carry a spare key in the event that you lose your original or are unable start your vehicle for any reason. Check places you wouldn't normally search for your keys. For example in the pockets of your jacket or pants or in the bag that you brought to work. If you still can't locate your keys, think about purchasing a GEICO emergency roadside service plan. It will provide access to an auto locksmith network that is nationwide that can help you get on the road quickly. These policies can help you save money and stress in the event of your car keys are lost or stolen.
You can file a claim with your insurance company
There are few things that can create more anxiety than losing your car keys. Suddenly, your plans to get comfy sweats and order pizza, while you binge-watch your favorite show are thrown out of the window. In the aftermath of a moment of despair, you'll likely settle down, and start to think about what went wrong. It is important to contact the police at this point. This will not only give you an emergency number that will assist you in finding your keys, but also alert your insurance company to the situation and provide guidance on what to do next.
The majority of auto policies will cover the cost of a locksmith, or will pay for the cost of having the replacement key supplied by your dealer. If you have roadside insurance your insurance provider may be capable of helping you locate the key. Keep a copy of your police report, along with any receipts that pertain to the incident. Your insurer might ask to see these documents. It is a great idea to keep the phone numbers and names of everyone you talk with and any paperwork that they require.
It is also important to inform your insurance company of the incident so that they are on the lookout for any indications of attempted theft. If you are waiting too long you could be a target for someone trying to make use of the key that is missing to get into your car and leave scratches on the doors or ignition.
It is important to keep an extra key on hand in the event that you lose yours. As more cars come with smart keys, it's even more crucial to be aware of where your keys are. If you lose your keys, the above tips will ensure that it doesn't ruin your evening or the rest of your day.
Change Your Lock
We all know how it is to lose your keys. It's the end of an extended day, and you want to get home, change into your comfy clothes, grab some pizza and on your favorite show. You make your way to the car, only to realize that you're unable to locate your keys. The panic sets in.
While your first reaction might be to call your insurance company to request an alternative key, you should call a locksmith. Depending on the car and the locks it has, a locksmith will either replace or change the keys. Locksmiths can create keys immediately if your car uses an old-fashioned lock and key. If your car is more advanced and has a key-fob you'll need to take it to an auto dealer to have the new key programmed.
Rekeying locks is a great option since it guarantees that no one else has access to your spare key. This is important if you are worried that your keys might have been stolen with your purse or wallet. This will stop your sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands and expose you to identity theft.
A locksmith will usually charge anywhere from $20 to $75 to rekey your locks. Be sure to read reviews before you hire a locksmith, as they aren't all created equal. You'll also want to make certain that they have the right equipment and skills to work on your specific kind of vehicle.
The process of changing your locks after your vehicle is stolen can be a hassle and cost a lot of money but it's worth the assurance that no one else has access to your vehicle or your personal items. A police report can assist you in locating your property that was stolen and may even result in the arrest of a criminal. Also, don't forget make a report with your home insurance company in case your keys are lost at your home.