Car Keys Stolen: 11 Things You've Forgotten To Do
Wiki Article
Car Keys Stolen Without a Spare
The loss of car keys is a nightmare scenario that can ruin your entire day. It happens to everyone and is generally inevitable.
If you have roadside assistance and they will send locksmiths to make a duplicate key. You'll have to pay for this service, but it's much less expensive than what an auto dealer would be.
Check Your Locks
It's easy to lose your keys, particularly when you drop them on the floor while running an errand or while you're in a hurry. If you don't have an extra set of keys key, finding the lost one and getting them back to the road can be difficult. Luckily, you can make your vehicle more secure and less susceptible to theft by taking the appropriate steps.
First, check your locks. This sounds obvious, but you may be shocked by how many people miss this step. Check every pocket, your bag, or anywhere else you may have put your keys for a moment to find something. You should also look in areas you don't normally go to, such as the floor or under a car seat.
If you've completed an exhaustive search but aren't able to locate your keys you may have to consider that they've been taken. Look for signs of tampering, like a small hole in the lock cylinder or screw marks around the keyhole. Get advice from a locksmith in case you are unsure about the lock you have.
One of the main reasons for theft in modern vehicles is the inability to lock your vehicle! Thieves use an instrument that plugs into the vehicle's onboard diagnostic port (OBD) to download information and create a brand new key that works with your car. They then take the vehicle and drive off.
This can be avoided by putting your keys in the same spot each time you return home. It's important to establish a habit of doing this, because it's more difficult for you to forget where you put your keys. If you put your keys in a bowl or on a hook near the door, you will be less likely to lose them when you are in a rush. You can also try investing in an auto tracker that will allow you to find it in the event of theft and provide valuable surveillance evidence in the event of a crime.
Retract your Steps
Sometimes you can lose something without knowing it. Maybe you were running a quick errand and left your keys on the seat or perhaps you arrived home from work and left keys on the table at the restaurant. Always take a second look at the steps you took. It's easy, but when you're feeling panicked, it can be overwhelming. Remember when you last saw the item you lost, and then go through all the places you think they might be.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You don't have to panic if you lose your car keys. There are some things you can do quickly to retrieve your car.
Find an auto locksmith that is MLA certified. They can help you with any vehicle, be it a car, van or motorcycle. Be sure to have your address and postcode so they can get to you quickly.
Then, you should check your car insurance policy to see if you have key protection included. It's usually available as an add-on or upgrade to your existing policy. If you have key coverage, you might be able to get your stolen keys replaced. It's worth looking into if it will also affect your no-claims discount.
If you don't own an extra key, you can call your local locksmith and ask them to make you one. However, this could be quite costly and you will likely need to bring your car to a dealership and purchase the new key from the manufacturer. This can be a lengthy process, depending on the model and make of the car.
A bluetooth tracker can be affixed to your keychain. These tiny devices emit a signal which can be interpreted by your smartphone and even have an app that can help you find your keys you've lost! This is a great option to consider in case you're worried about losing your keys in the future.
There is no guaranteed way to stop your car keys from being stolen, however following a few easy steps can make a difference. If you have an extra key, put it in a secure place in order to be able to access it in the event of losing yours. Also, ensure that you don't keep your keys in prominent places such as the mailbox or a flower planter since thieves are likely to search there first. You can also keep an extra key in the possession of a family member or trusted friend in case of.
Contact an expert locksmith
It is impossible to predict when someone will lose their car keys, or worse, have them taken. It could happen by accident while running a quick errand or when you return home and put them in the driveway. Either way, it's a scary and stressful experience, especially if you don't have a spare. But, there are actions you can take to avoid it happening again and save yourself a lot more info of stress in the future.
Take a step back. This will help you locate your keys. Check places you would not normally check, such as your shoes or pockets of the clothes you took off from your house. Call a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys.
A professional locksmith will be able open the locks and make a duplicate key for you. You'll have to provide them with some details, including your vehicle's VIN number and proof of ownership. They will require this information so that they can match your new key with the original one.
A locksmith can also remove keys that have been bent or broken within the lock without damaging the lock. Do not attempt to remove a broken or bent key yourself because you could damage it even more.
Another option is to use an Bluetooth key tracker. This is a small device that can be connected to your key ring and link to an app on your phone. Once you have it connected, the app will show you where your keys are so that you can return and locate them.
Cars have gotten much more advanced than they ever were, and as has the technology that comes with them. That means that losing your car keys can be a more serious problem than it used to be. Contact a local NYC Locksmith right away if you're in a situation that keys to your car have been lost or stolen and you don't have an additional set.