Lost Car Keys – What to Do
If you’re not careful enough it’s easy to lose your car keys. Before you panic, go back and check your day to find out where you might have lost them. Examine all your bags and pockets.
Depending on your car model and year, the procedure of replacing keys that have been lost will differ. Reina provides five steps to follow:
1. Call the Police
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful and common incident, but it is crucial. The police should be your first step. They can provide you with a reference number and help to keep you updated about any developments regarding your case. You should also inform your auto insurance agent about the theft, as they may require a copy or a copy of the police report to approve your claim.
The most important thing you can do if you lose your keys is to remain calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse and may result in you missing out on the opportunity to get a new key. Take a deep breath and try to remember when you last held them. Once you have the exact timeframe, start retracing your footsteps.
If you’re at home, look in the pockets of the clothing you were wearing and bags you may have been carrying. Also, check out places you aren’t used about, like under the couch or in the mail pile. Ask an employee in a public area like an eatery or library, if they’ve found anything.
The more thorough your search is the more likely to find your keys stolen. If you are still unable to locate them, you’ll have to contact your insurance and locksmith for assistance. They can provide advice on how to increase security for your keys and recommend a new key. It’s dependent on whether your car is equipped with an electronic or traditional key and ignition system.
2. Get a spare key
The number of car thefts is rising and it’s now more important than ever that you have an extra. There are cheaper ways to make a spare key if you don’t have one.
It is best to keep your spare keys somewhere else, other than your car. Many thieves take a purse or wallet and copy a key which makes it easier for them to gain entry into vehicles later. It’s recommended to keep a keychain that has a Bluetooth tracker on it. This will allow you to keep the track of your keys and even find them if they disappear.
You can request an extra key at the dealership or contact an independent locksmith to make one for you. The dealership has a copy of the key code for your vehicle in their database, and they can program it into the new key. The independent locksmith will require the VIN from your registration and other documents to obtain the necessary information.
When a locksmith provides you with an exchange, they typically erase the original key’s “memory” which means it won’t function in your vehicle any longer. This is a step that might not be worth it when your deductible is high or you have insurance that is comprehensive.
It’s also an excellent idea to file an official police report to ensure that those around you are aware of the situation and don’t try to steal your car. This can deter future crime or make it more difficult for thieves to impersonate your identity. It is recommended to act as quickly as possible, so that the keys to your car stolen are reported as stolen car keys what happens if your car keys are stolen to do (killer deal), not misplaced.
3. Get a New Keyset
There are several options to get new keys if yours have been stolen. It’s contingent on the type of key you have and the way it was stolen. If you have a traditional car key, you can contact locksmiths who can create a new key without the original on the spot. This is a less expensive and easier alternative than contacting a dealer to purchase one.
The process is slightly more difficult if you have a smart key or electronic fob. The dealership will need have the key code in order to make a new one. This will usually be included in the paperwork when you purchase or lease a vehicle. You could also bring it to the dealership if you need a key made.
Contacting roadside assistance is another option to obtain a replacement set when your car keys were stolen. They will transport your vehicle to the dealer, and then create a replacement key on site. Remember that your keys to your car are the only way to unlock and start your vehicle. Reporting a stolen key as quickly as you can is vital.
It’s very easy to lose car keys, particularly when you’re distracted or busy. To avoid this, put your keys in the exact same place each time you leave your home. This will help you remember where your keys are and will make it easier for you to find them in the future. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra set in the glove box or someplace else which is practical. If you drive a modern vehicle with an electronic starter button it is possible to keep your key fob in an aluminum tin or Faraday bag to block the signal while you’re not driving.
5. Visit the Dealership
When you lose keys to your car, you need to act quickly and remain calm. The police can provide you with a crime reference number and provide advice on protecting your vehicle and making sure it isn’t cars stolen with keyless entry in the future. They can also look over CCTV and ANPR to determine whether the vehicle has been used since you lost the key.
If you have a spare key, make sure that it’s stored in an area that is secure. It’s very easy for thieves to get a spare key from a safe and make use of it to gain access to your vehicle. If you do not have a spare, you can always contact the dealership for your car make to have a new one made. You might need to provide the proof of ownership and wait a little while since the dealer will have to order a new computer chip and pair it with your car. This process isn’t cheap, so it is worth checking if the expense is covered by your car insurance.
It’s important to take a look around before contacting the dealer. Take a look in all your pockets and bags, including places you would not expect to find them like the floor of your car or a table. Also make sure to retrace your steps and try to remember where you last saw the keys. This will allow you to pinpoint the exact location of the key and find it if you’re fortunate enough. If you’re unable to find them, contact your local locksmith as they will be able to make you an additional key and rekey your locks.