Be On The Lookout For: How How To Replace Stolen Car Keys Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
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How to Replace Stolen Car Keys
There's no way to predict when you will lose the keys to your car. It could happen after running an errand, and then forgetting them on the seat, or when you accidentally throw them in a busy parking lot.
There are, however, some ways to make the process of replacing the keys to your car that were stolen simpler. Depending on the kind of key you have you may need an auto locksmith or contact your dealer.
Verify the VIN number of the vehicle.
The VIN is an unique identifier that's similar to the fingerprint of a car; no two vehicles share the same one. The VIN contains a wealth of information about a car such as the manufacturer year, model assembly plant, and much more.
You can usually find the VIN number by looking through the documentation of your vehicle or online using an auto decoder such as VINCheck. You can also use the VIN number to check for recalls or warranty claims on a vehicle. This is a great method to find out more about the history of a car.
For traditional keys, you can usually call a locksmith to make an entirely new key for your vehicle right there and then. But, if you're looking for a smart key (one that activates a proximity sensor in the car, allowing you to start it with a button) it is necessary go to the dealer. They've got the technology to pair your new key to the vehicle's system.
To determine your vehicle's type, you can look for the VIN on your vehicle's documents, such as its title or liability insurance papers. These documents should clearly show the VIN. If it isn't then you can check on the front of your car on the driver's side, near the windshield. You can also look for it on your dashboard or on the pillar of the driver's door.
If you have roadside assistance coverage that covers roadside assistance, they will sometimes offer to tow your vehicle to the dealership and create an entirely new key with the help of the VIN number. It's more expensive to replace a key with the dealership than at an independent shop.
The majority of car dealerships are equipped with the technology necessary to connect a new key to your vehicle. This may take a few days especially if the dealer has to purchase a new key and then get it delivered to them. It's best to always have a spare car key in your possession. One good idea is to make a copy of the key and keep it in your wallet, to ensure that you don't need to pay for a replacement in case your vehicle is stolen.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The number of car thefts that result from cars that are not locked and have keys inside is on the rise. It's therefore important to always have a spare. Finding and replacing keys for your car isn't as easy or as affordable as it used to be. If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you might be eligible to make a claim for lost or stolen keys to your vehicle under your personal property coverage. The best way to find out whether or not your insurance covers this type of expense is to call and speak with an insurance representative.
If you're planning to submit a claim to your insurance company, make sure to record the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is located on the driver's dashboard and will aid the locksmith or dealer determine the best method to create a new replacement key for your specific model.
Contact your insurance provider and ask if they offer roadside assistance which includes key replacement. If they do it, they'll send locksmiths to get you back on the road quickly. They'll probably expect you to pay a deductible.
If you have lost your keys, the first thing you must do is thoroughly inspect your house and office. Be sure to empty your pockets and look inside any bags you carry in your possession. You never know where you could have left them, or if someone climbed in your bag to grab something and knocked the keys loose. It's important to check your car's glove box if you haven't previously.
If you have a standard fob that's separate from the ignition key, it should be simple to replace it through an authorized locksmith or dealer. They can request a key from the manufacturer that can be linked to your car. It will be more difficult if you own a "smart key". You'll need to tow your vehicle to a dealership or another shop which can reprogram a smart key. This can cost hundreds of dollars and that doesn't include the towing cost.
Call an expert locksmith
There is no one who really thinks about just how much they rely on their car keys until they lose them. It can be costly and difficult to replace your car keys if they are stolen. There are a variety of options available to those who've lost their car keys.
It's important to remain calm and look for your car keys prior making any further moves. This can be accomplished by looking through your bags, pockets and any other places you may have placed the keys. If you've looked everywhere but still can't find them then it's time to move onto the next step.
The first thing you need to do is contact a locksmith. You'll need to locate an emergency locksmith within your local area who can provide a low-cost solution to replace the keys to your car. This will help you avoid needing to take your car to the dealer, and could even be covered under your insurance policy.
When you call locksmiths, they'll need to know the make and model of your vehicle and the year it was made. This will allow them to determine the kind of key that your vehicle requires. They will require evidence that you are the owner of the vehicle including your copyright or registration.
Many people contact the dealership when they're in a hurry, however, this can be expensive. It's common to pay for towing and the dealership's labor which can add up quickly. Instead, you can call an emergency locksmith in your area and have them design keys on the spot for half as much.
A Bluetooth key tracker can be attached to your keyring. These small devices emit a unique signature which can be detected by a smartphone. These devices can be used to track your car keys. They can also stolen car keys what to do be used to find keys when you need to get into your vehicle.
Visit the Dealership
It's one of the worst emotions to find out that your car keys are missing. It's not just a major inconvenience, but it can also put you and anyone else who could have the keys at risk of getting into your car without your permission. If this happens, it's crucial to report the loss promptly to ensure that no one else is able to use your vehicle.
It is tempting to call the dealership but it's worth making contact with locksmith. The dealer may have higher overhead and charge you more for the service, so a locksmith might be cheaper in the long in the long run. But, if your vehicle has a smart key that triggers a proximity sensor and allows you to open the car door or even start it, only the manufacturer can replace the key.
Find your keys carefully before contacting a locksmith a dealership. You may have accidentally ripped keys from your bag or set them on fire. Take everything out of your bags and pockets and look under every surface you can reach. Many people do not look behind their vehicles and so ensure you check behind your car.
If you're still having trouble finding your car keys, call a locksmith or the dealership to request a replacement. They'll likely require evidence that you're the owner of the vehicle and will require you to provide your registration and title, or purchase papers. If your car has a standard turn-key or electronic key fob, the dealership can reprogram your locks and ignition however this could cost hundreds of dollars.
If you have a spare key, contact your insurance company to determine whether the replacement will be covered by your insurance policy. Many policies do cover the cost of replacing stolen car keys, however the terms and conditions differ and you should review your policy thoroughly. It's recommended to contact your insurance company whenever you can, so they can be looking for keys that have been lost and notify you if they are located.