what to do if car key is stolen to Do If Your Keys Are Stolen
A key theft can be an issue of major concern. The time staff spends looking for keys that have been lost or coordinating rekeying processes is time they could have used on tasks that generate revenue.
Thieves who find the car keys are able to open the vehicle and drive it away, evading numerous security measures that are traditional. This is why it's essential to report any stolen keys immediately.
1. Contact the Police
The first thing you should do if you suspect your keys have been stolen is to call the police. Even if your vehicle or other possessions were not stolen, it's important to notify the police. This will be an account that could be useful to insurance companies or for other purposes in the future.
A key is a tiny metal piece that can open or secure a lock. It can also be used to start or stop an engine in a
car keys stolen from unlocked house. There are various kinds of keys including electronic key fobs and traditional turn-key ignitions.
It is easy to lose your keys, especially if you are in a hurry or distracted by something else. This is why it's important to keep your keys in a secure place at all times, like on your person or in your pocket. If you have an extra key, think about leaving it with a trusted friend or family member to help prevent the loss of your valuables.
stolen car key replacement keys are frequently used to break into vehicles and homes. If the person who has
stolen keys becomes aware, they may attempt to break into the vehicle or house to find keys. This could lead to additional expenses, such as expensive repair work and replacement costs for doors and windows. It is advised to report the theft of keys immediately to the police in order to avoid these additional costs.
The police will be able to investigate the crime and hopefully find your keys. They can also use ANPR (automatic plate recognition) or CCTV footage from nearby cameras to track the thief's movements. They can also tell you where to look, including any hidden areas you might have missed.
It is a good idea in the case of a home owner, to inform your insurance provider, since they may be able to pay for replacement keys. Also, you should remove any credit cards or bank cards connected to the keys since this will stop fraud from being committed in your name.
2. Notify Your Insurance Company
It is essential to inform your insurance company right away when your vehicle is stolen, with the keys inside. This will prevent people from using your vehicle without permission and you'll save yourself many headaches in the future. In addition, if you have comprehensive auto insurance on your vehicle, the costs of getting new keys will be covered under your policy. You should also inform your insurer know if you lose your keys so that they can ensure that no one else drives your car.
It is fairly inexpensive to replace traditional mechanical keys. This can be done by a locksmith, or at the hardware store. Electronic key fobs or smart keys may be more expensive to replace and may require ordering directly from the manufacturer. It might be worthwhile filing a claim if you have specific keys.
Certain insurance companies offer roadside assistance as an optional add-on. If you have the coverage and you lose your keys, you may be able to get a locksmith from the company. Additionally, certain property insurance policies like renters or homeowners insurance offer personal possessions protection that shields your possessions from theft even when they are not in the vehicle.
There are a variety of reasons to report your keys when they are lost, but the most important reason is to stop others from using your vehicle. If you do not immediately notify the police, someone else could access your car without permission and cause damage to your doors or ignition. If this occurs, the other driver will be accountable for any repairs to your vehicle or for any fines enforced by the authorities. If you report your keys lost at an early stage you will not have to worry about these issues!
The act of reporting your keys can aid in the search for the suspect. If the person who took the car is discovered, he or she will be arrested and accused of violating the law. If your keys are found in the
car key stolen but not car, police have a much better chance of finding them.
3. Get a Replacement Key
It wasn't too long ago that losing keys to your
car stolen with keys in it was not a major problem. It was easy to call your local hardware store or locksmith and have a new key made. The cost of a new car key could be up to $200.
If you have a spare, be sure you keep it somewhere other than on your keychain. It could be in your wallet, in your bag, or with a neighbor, friend or family member.
Your first step should be to retrace your steps and then look around the area where you last saw them. Check your pockets your purse or wallet, your car, and wherever else they might be. You can also search in places you would not normally go to, like the back of your shoes if you were wearing them when you lost them.
Once you've done your best to find them, it's time to call a professional. A locksmith who is licensed and insured should be able to help you out, and they must have the latest technology for key cutting and programming. Whether you need a standard key, a smart key, or transponder key, they'll be able to help out.
It is essential to record your vehicle's identification number (VIN) so that you can hand it over to the person that will help you find a replacement key. The VIN is usually engraved on the metal plate that is located in the engine bay or on your dashboard. You can also search for it on your car's insurance information If you're not certain where it is.
If you have an older vehicle that isn't key chipped, or if your vehicle is a more recent model with push-to-start functionality then you can call your dealer. This option requires you to be towed to the dealership and have proof of ownership, but it is a quick and reliable solution. Your new key will come with a warranty.
4. Keep Track of Your Keys
Nearly everyone has lost keys at least once. It's infuriating and often leads to delays or even an early arrival. The repercussions for business owners can be far worse. It could result in lost productivity, a bad experience for customers and even security issues.
If you've lost your keys, the first step is to not be panicking. Relax and count to five, then try to rein in your emotional response. It's important to calm down and think clearly so you can go back to your steps. Look in your pockets, emptied bags, on counters in your office or home and even in places you would never think of checking like under your car seat.
After you've completed that, contact or visit your local locksmith to order a duplicate key. This will not only provide you a spare key, but also assist police track down stolen keys.
In the future it's recommended to make sure you keep your keys in a designated spot prior to and after leaving your home or office. If you're sharing your keys with another person, ensure that they also use the designated location. As time passes, this will become routine and it'll be easier to locate them. It's a good idea leave an extra key with someone you be sure of in the event you need it.
For companies, it's an excellent idea to think about investing in a key management system. Using a system like KeyTracer will allow you to locate quickly a lost key or asset and prevent loss and theft in the future. You can also save time searching for keys, and use that energy to invest in other areas that generate revenue.
With the proper key management system, you can avoid costly lost-key incidents and minimize your risk of theft. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help protect your company's assets while reducing operational costs.