The Best Advice You'll Ever Get About Keys Stolen
Wiki Article
Four Steps to Prevent Car Keys From Being Stolen From an Unlocked House
There are a number of ways to protect your keys to your car from being stolen when you are leaving them at your home. Some simple tricks include putting your keys in a container made of metal, such as an aluminium tin or your grandmother's biscuit tin, or using the Faraday pouch.
Check your home insurance policy to see if you are covered if car keys are stolen from a home that isn't locked.
Check Your Keys
If you're in a hurry or forgetful, keys can disappear. Don't panic. It's a stressful situation. Here are four options to consider if your keys disappear.
Then, go back to where you started. It's easy to overlook the last spot you put your keys when juggling them with other items in your hands. Look into the pockets of the jacket or pants you were wearing when you left, or the bag you used to bring home. Be sure to search for places where you'd think your keys shouldn't be, like the bottom of a purse or inside the shoes you put on when running.
You may also want to make use of a smartphone app to help you locate your keys. These apps, such as Tile and AirTag connect to your keys and utilize GPS technology to track their location. These apps only work when you're carrying your phone and will not help when your keys are missing.
If you're still unable to locate your keys, contact the police. They'll provide you with a crime report number, which you can then forward to your insurance company. Additionally, they may be able to offer additional tips around protecting your vehicle, including locking the steering wheel, and using an ignition lock for the wheel.
Even if your car keys have been stolen, you should call your locksmith and ask whether they can help you get back into your vehicle. A reputable locksmith can cut a spare key in-person and ensure that the stolen keys aren't working, which means they're not useful to anyone else. They can also rekey locks to prevent you from locking yourself out in the future. This investment can save you from needing to purchase a new set! This is among the best ways to protect yourself from car thieves. If you follow these guidelines you'll have a lower chance to ever lose your keys to your car!
Call the police
You've had a long and tiring day and can't wait for the weekend to begin. You're eager to get back home, put on your sweatpants, snooze on an episode, and then eat pizza. You make one final stop before entering your home and go to your bag or pocket to retrieve your keys, only to discover they're gone!
The first thing you need to do is inform the police. This will create a record of the incident and increase your chances of getting your keys back or catching whoever stole them.
The idea of asking your family and friends to help you find your keys is an excellent alternative if you're unsure about calling the police. They'll be more than willing to assist you and they'll also appreciate that you're accountable for protecting your possessions.
Check your keys at every location you suspect, including the vehicle. It's easy to forget you left something behind when you're hauling things in and out of your car, so be sure to give everything a thorough look-over before giving up and calling the police.
You should check if you left an extra key with a friend or family member If so ask them when you can pick it up. If you gave a spare key to someone at work, contact them to see if they're able to locate it. You can also contact your local locksmith for cars, who may be able to cut keys for you or provide you with tips on how to avoid losing your keys in the future.
It's also worth considering keeping your car keys in different rings to make them less likely to be lost or stolen in the future. This may be difficult to carry around but it's better to keep all of them on one ring rather than leave your entire home vulnerable to burglary should only one set of keys is lost or stolen. Of course, this is all dependent on your personal security and insurance policy so be sure to consult your insurance provider for more details. You'll be able to determine if it's worth filing an insurance claim in the event that you lose or steal keys.
Find a New Key
It can be incredibly frustrating and expensive to lose your only set. If you follow the right steps, it's not impossible to gain entry into your vehicle or your home. Begin by retracing the steps you took and looking for your keys in obvious places. Check all doors and windows especially those on the floor level. You may also want to check with restaurants or friends if you gave them your keys. If you still can't find them, contact a locksmith.
The majority of locksmiths will ask for your ID number and serial number prior to making new keys. This will ensure the key is the same one you lost. They will also give you an estimate of cost before starting the work.
The locksmith will then cut a new ignition key and then install it after they have all the information needed. This process is less expensive than purchasing a new key from a dealer and usually doesn't require your vehicle tow.
Some cars come with electronic keys that are programmed by dealers. These are called transponder keys or smart keys, and they employ a small chip to communicate with the car's computer. This chip sends an alert to the engine control unit, preventing theft by making sure that only your key can start it.
To replace a smart key, the locksmith will need to take an impression of the lock on your car and cut you a new key based on the information. This process may take a bit longer, but is cheaper than purchasing an additional key from the dealership.
If you own a standard turn-key vehicle, it's a bit more complicated. You'll need to get the car locks changed and the ignition of your car, which can be expensive. It's less expensive than having the car stolen and rebuilt. Contact your insurance provider if you want to have the car rekeyed, locked and rekeyed.
Rekey Your Locks
Whether you've lost your car keys or just moved into a new house and more info are worried the previous owners have duplicates Rekeying your locks can be an easy and inexpensive method to provide yourself with peace of mind. Rekeying is a process completed by a professional locksmith. It involves changing the keyway of your lock so the same key will open it. It's also a great method to stop your car from being stolen from your home.
Rekeying is an affordable and quick service that's well worth the investment. Most home warranty plans include the cost, which means it's an excellent addition to any homeowner's toolbox. Additionally, if you decide to make your own rekey, it's a fun and rewarding task that will help you learn an entirely new skill.
A rekey kit will include everything you need to begin starting with the c-clip removal tool that's attached to your cylinder plug to the springs and pins for rekey. Once you've got the tools, follow these step-bystep instructions to take off your old cylinder plug, and replace it with a new rekey the cylinder.
You can also safeguard your car by placing it in a bag or container that blocks signals. There's some advice making the rounds on social media sites that suggests you should put your key fob in a microwave or freezer to stop it from being taken away, but this is not advisable because it could cause damage to the key.
You can also use a physical steering lock to stop thieves from stealing your vehicle. These devices can be bought for a relatively low cost from most auto parts stores. They are great for slowing down thieves and make them really be wary of attempting to take your vehicle. Lastly, make sure you contact the police when something is taken from your home or car, as this will help investigators find the culprit and bring them to justice. You may also be able make a claim through your insurance company depending on the coverage you have.