Car Keys Missing? Here's What to Do

Losing car keys is easy. It is possible to lose your car keys easily especially if you keep both office and home keys on the one key ring.

Fortunately the personal property coverage you have on your renters or homeowners insurance typically covers theft of keys to your vehicle. You may still be required to pay the deductible.

Retract your steps

You've had a long and tiring day. All you want to do when you get home is to change into a comfy sweatshirt, eat pizza and binge on television. Then you discover that your keys aren't where they should be and your perfect night is ruined. Panic sets in, and you begin to imagine all the worst scenarios possible. It does not work. The best thing to do is to be calm and take a deep breathe. Once you've regained control of your rational mind and you're ready to figure out the next step.

Retracing your steps is the first step. Remember when you held your keys in your hand and the place you went when you took them. Retracing your steps can help you figure out where they went missing and possibly find them. You should also call the police to report the theft of your car keys. This will enable them to investigate and apprehend the culprits.

After retracing your steps, you'll need to look around in strange places. Keys are often found in odd locations, such as the crease in a couch cushion. It's also worth asking family members, as they could have a spare car key stolen key they've hidden away in a safe place. If nothing else works you can contact a locksmith and have them create a new key. This can be expensive, but it will keep your vehicle and your home secure from theft.

Call the Police

After a long workday you're looking forward to getting home, change into your comfortable sweats and order a pizza and watch your favorite TV show. Then you discover that your car keys are missing. What to do now?

It's easy to become panicked when you first witness the situation, but it's crucial to be calm and think rationally. The police is the first step.

The police department in your neighborhood may not be able to locate your car keys. However, filing a report creates a paper trail that will aid authorities in tracking down a thief. A lot of insurance companies require you to file a police report before they reimburse you for stolen items.

When you contact us, be sure you give the police as much detail as you can. They will require the model and make of your car as well as registration number and any distinctive features. They could also make use of ANPR technology or CCTV footage to track your vehicle's movements.

Don't forget to mention if you had anything valuable in your vehicle at the time it was stolen car key. Thieves often search for items that they can sell or use as a way to fund their next crime.

It's also an excellent idea to inform the police if there was your wallet or purse with you at the time of the theft. This can help to prevent identity theft down the line if the thieves decide to use any financial documents or documents that they find in your wallet or purse.

You should also contact your renters or homeowners insurance company. Depending on your circumstances they might be able to cover the costs of replacing your missing keys, or other items stolen car keys from House together with them. They will also let you know the steps that they need to follow to make your claim. Certain homeowners might need to engage an expert locksmith to replace the locks on their home and others may require their keyless cars being stolen to be taken to an auto repair or dealer shop.

Contact Your Insurance Company

As soon as your car keys go missing, you should call the police. This will leave an evidence trail on paper, and make it much more difficult for thieves to steal your credit card information and other personal information. Insurance companies generally require you to report any theft.

Your insurance provider may pay the cost of replacing the fobs on your keys if you have comprehensive auto insurance, but it is advisable to check with your insurance provider prior to filing a claim. You'll need your policy number available along with the make and model of your vehicle.

Depending on your deductible and the cost of your key fob, it may not be worth the hassle of submitting an insurance claim for lost keys to your car. The majority of old mechanical keys cost less than the insurance deductible on a car and are easy to replace at any store that duplicates keys. However, a smart key fob has to be reprogrammed by the dealership or the manufacturer of the car key stolen but not car, and it can be costly, ranging from hundreds of dollars or more. In addition, if you file an insurance claim, it will likely be recorded on your records and increase your insurance rates the next time you need to renew.

Certain insurance policies, such as homeowners, will protect your keys in the event they are stolen. However this is more complex and is dependent on the policy's terms and conditions. The best way to safeguard yourself against losing keys to your car is always keeping spare keys in a safe place outside of your home, or at the office. You will have peace of mind if keys are lost, and you won't have to spend money to replace them. Don't forget to leave your keys inside the car. It is just asking for trouble. It is also a good idea to change the locks on your office or home especially if you've recently had a problem with theft.

Call a Locksmith

If you've tried retracing your steps, and you are still unable to locate your car keys, it's time to call a locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able to assist you without causing damage to your property. They can also provide you with an additional one on the spot so that you can have one in the future.

You should call the police as soon as possible when you realize that your keys are missing. This will stop the thief taking them. It's also a good idea to contact the police right away. This will give them a record of the incident, which can be useful if you decide to file a claim with an insurance company.

When you do call locksmiths, make sure to mention the VIN number for your vehicle and the type of key it uses. This will allow them to determine the type of key you need, and will let them know how much programming the new key will require. They'll also have to verify that you are the owner of the vehicle in order to ensure that they aren't doing anything illegal.

You can reduce the risk of losing your car keys in the future by making sure you keep a spare set at your home or in your office. This is especially helpful if your car has to be parked due to work or for some other reason. You could even get a locksmith to cut you a spare and keep it in a safe location that is difficult to reach, like the drawer.

Most people will have this experience at some time. You can minimize the damage to your home and life by staying calm and taking the proper steps. Avoid using more violent or shady methods to gain access into your home or car. They can cause more trouble in the future. Remember, a locksmith is only a phone call only a phone call away!