The People Closest To Car Stolen Lost Spare Key Share Some Big Secrets
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What to Do If Your Car Keys Are Stolen
The loss of your car keys can be a terrifying experience. Take a deep breath before panicking and look through your bags, pockets and your immediate surroundings.
Unlike in the past, when misplacing-or worse losing-a car key was not an issue, nowadays keys should be disabled by a locksmith or a dealer to avoid theft.
Report it to the Police
There is no question that losing your car keys can be a very stressful and stressful experience. It can interrupt your day, alter your plans and even cause you to incur extra costs. Whether your keys have slipped out of your pocket or have simply forgotten them somewhere there are a few things you must do in order to prevent further issues and ensure your safety.
It is important to first remain calm. This could cloud your judgment and make it more difficult to come up with the solution. Take a deep breathe and examine your pockets, purse, or bag. If you've lost your keys in a public area or workplace setting, ask someone to check if it was found. Also, if you have spare keys at home residence, be sure to look them up.
After you have searched every possible place to find the keys, it's now time to contact the police and file a police report. The earlier you report it, the more effective. This will result in a police report and can assist you with your insurance claim in the future.
You can complete this online by filling out an online crime report with the NYPD. You will need to have your registration number for your vehicle and a few other pieces of information in order to complete the report. Once the report is filed it will be added to NCIC and the state auto computer records for theft. This will stop others from trying to sell your vehicle or obtain an alternative title for your stolen vehicle.
It is also advisable to contact your insurance company to inform them of the loss of your spare key. This will allow your insurance company to begin the claim process, and they could even pay any additional costs you incur because of your lost keys. Your insurance agent will also advise you on how to increase the security of your car to decrease the possibility of it being stolen. This could include an immobiliser for your car or tracking devices which can be linked with your key fob, smartphone applications or the fob of your car key.
Get a New Key
It's not unusual to lose things in the shuffle of your hectic life. Whether it's your debit card, your most cherished pair of sunglasses, or even your car keys, losing them could put a wrench in your plans and can feel like the end of the world.
It's not a big deal to replace a key for a vehicle that has been stolen. There are several options to purchase a replacement key. It depends on the type of keys you have in your vehicle.
You can contact your dealer or an auto locksmith to request a new key. The dealer will likely charge the most, but they can complete the process quickly. They will also be able to use your VIN number to ensure that the new key is compatible with your specific car.
You can find a locksmith who will do the job for much cheaper than a dealer if your car is old and still has a mechanical key. The locksmith will create the key on site and deprogram your old one to render it useless.
You may have to visit the dealer to purchase a key for a more modern vehicle with transponder chips or a remote-keyless chip. The dealer will need the make and model of the vehicle to match the key.
Always carry an extra key in case you lose your primary key or are unable start your vehicle for any reason. You should also check places where you aren't likely to look for your keys, such as inside pockets of your pants or jacket or in a bag you took to work. If you are still unable to locate your keys, consider getting a GEICO emergency roadside assistance policy. It will grant you access to a nationwide network of expert locksmiths that can help you get back on the road in no time. These policies could save you money and stress in the event of your car key is lost or stolen.
You can make a claim through your insurance company
Losing your car keys can cause anxiety. Suddenly, your plans to get comfortable sweats, order pizza and binge-watch your favorite TV show are thrown off the rails. After a brief moment of dismay you'll likely settle down and begin to think about what happened. This is the time to remember to call the police. This will not only provide you the number for a crime that can assist you in locating your keys, but will also inform your insurance company about the situation and provide instructions on what to do next.
Most auto insurance policies will cover the cost of a locksmith, or will reimburse you for the cost of having the replacement key supplied by your dealer. If you have roadside assistance coverage, your insurance company is likely assist you in finding the key. Be sure to keep an original copy of the police report and any receipts that you have relating to the incident in case your insurer requests them. It is a good idea to keep the phone numbers and names of everyone you talk with, along with any documentation they ask for.
It is also crucial to inform your insurance company of the incident to ensure they are looking for signs of attempted theft. If you wait too much it is possible that someone will use the key that is missing to gain entry into your vehicle. They may leave scratches on your door or ignition.
As more cars are being equipped with smart key technology that is why it is more crucial to be aware about the location of your car keys and to keep an extra key in your possession just in case. If you do lose your car keys, these tips will ensure that your day or evening will not be destroyed.
Change your locks
We all know what it's like to lose our keys. It's the end of an exhausting day, and you would like to get home, change into your comfy sweats, grab some pizza and binge on your favorite show. You get to the car and then realize that you're unable to locate your keys. The panic begins to set in.
While more info the first thought might be to call your insurance company to request a replacement key, you should also contact locksmith. Depending on your vehicle and its locks, a locksmith will either replace or rekey your keys. Locksmiths can create keys in a flash if your car uses locks that are traditional and keys. On the other side, if your vehicle has a key fob and is more technologically advanced you'll likely have to take it to a dealership and get an entirely new fob programmed for you.
Rekeying your locks is a good idea as it will ensure that no one else has your spare key. This is particularly crucial if you're worried keys that you lost may have been stolen along with your purse or wallet. This will stop your sensitive information from falling into wrong hands and putting you at risk of identity theft.
Rekeying your locks can cost anywhere between $20 and $75. Check reviews before hiring a Locksmith because they're not all made equal. You'll also want to make sure that they have the proper equipment and knowledge to work on your specific kind of vehicle.
It can be costly and a hassle to replace your locks after your vehicle is stolen and you are in a state of mind that comes with knowing that no one else will have access to your vehicle or personal belongings is well worth it. A police report can help you locate the property that was stolen, and could result in the arrest of a criminal. Lastly, don't forget to make a report with your insurance company for your home as well if keys have been stolen from your home.