Some Of The Most Common Mistakes People Make With Keys Stolen
Wiki Article
Four Steps to Prevent Car Keys From Being Stolen From an Unlocked House
There are many ways to safeguard your car keys in the event that you are leaving them at home. A few simple tips include placing your key fob in a metal container, like an aluminum tin, or your grandma's biscuit tin, or a Faraday pouch.
You should also look over your insurance policy for your home to determine if it provides insurance for keys to your car that are stolen from an unlocked house.
Check your keys
If you're in a rush or forgetful, keys can disappear. It's a frustrating moment however don't be in a panic! Here are four steps you can take if you lose your keys.
Retrace your steps. It's easy to forget the last spot you put your keys when trying to keep them separate from other items in your hand. Try the pockets on the jacket or pants that you wore for your departure or the bag you took home to get back. Check any places you would not think of finding your keys, for instance in the bottom of a bag or in the shoes you wear when you run.
You may also consider using a smartphone application to help you locate your keys. These apps, like Tile and AirTag connect to your keys, and utilize GPS technology in order to determine their location. These apps work only if you are carrying your phone and won't be able to help in the event that your keys vanished.
Contact the police if are unable to find your keys. You'll receive a crime report which you can forward to your insurance. They may also be able give you additional tips for protecting your car, like locking the steering and using locks.
Even if your car keys were stolen, you must contact your locksmith and inquire whether they can assist you get back into your vehicle. A good locksmith will be able to cut a new key in-person and disable the stolen keys so that they are not needed anymore. They can also rekey locks to prevent you from locking yourself out in the future. This can help you avoid having to purchase a brand new set! This is one of the best ways to safeguard yourself from car thieves. If you follow these guidelines you'll have a lower chance to lose your car keys again!
Call the Police
You've had a lengthy, exhausting day and you're eager for the weekend to arrive. You're excited to go home, put on your sweatpants, snooze on a show, and eat some pizza. However you make one final stop before heading in and you reach into your bag or pocket for your keys only to find they're gone!
Report the theft to the local police. This will help you create an account and increase your chances to get your keys back, or to track down the person who took the keys.
Asking friends and family to help you locate your keys is an excellent alternative if you're unsure about calling the police. They will be happy to assist you, and they'll be grateful that you are being responsible for protecting your belongings.
Check your keys at every location you suspect, including the car. It's easy to forget you've left something behind when you're moving things in and out of your car So, be sure to give everything a thorough examination before you give up and calling the police.
If you've left a spare key with a family member or friend, ask when you can get it. If you gave a spare key someone at work, check with them to see if they're able to find it. You can also contact your local locksmith who might be able to cut keys or provide suggestions on how to avoid losing your keys in the future.
Consider storing your keys in different rings to decrease the chance of them being lost or stolen. This may be an inconvenience to carry, but it's better to have all of them on one ring rather than leave your entire home vulnerable to burglary should one set is lost or stolen. Of of course, this is dependent on your own personal security and insurance policies, so be sure to consult your insurance provider for more details. You'll know if it's worth filing an insurance claim in the event that you lose or steal keys.
Get a New Key
It can be incredibly frustrating and expensive to lose your only set. However, it is not impossible to gain access back to your home or car if you follow the right steps. Begin by retracing the steps you've taken and looking for your keys in obvious places. Examine all windows and doors particularly those at floors. You might also want to ask your friends or restaurant if they have your keys. If you are still unable to locate them, you can contact an locksmith.
Most locksmiths will ask you for your ID number and serial number prior to making the new key. This will ensure that the key they're making is the same as the one you lost. You will be given an estimate of cost prior to when they begin work.
Once the locksmith has all the information they require, they'll cut a new key and insert it into your ignition. This is a lot less expensive than getting a replacement from a dealer and usually does not require your car towed.
Some cars come with electronic keys that dealers program. They are referred to as smart keys or transponder keys, and they use a small chip to communicate with the car's computer. The chip sends a signal to the engine control unit in the car, which prevents theft.
To replace a smart lock, the locksmith will need to make an impression of your car lock and cut you a replacement key based on the information. This process can take a while however it's cheaper than buying a new key from a dealership.
If you own a standard turn-key car, it's bit more complicated. You'll need to get the car locks changed and the car ignition which is expensive. It will cost less than having the car stolen and rebuilt. Contact your insurance company if you require to have the car rekeyed and locked.
Rekey Your Locks
If you've lost your keys to your car or bought a new house and are worried the previous owners have duplicate keys, rekeying your locks is an inexpensive and easy method to provide yourself with peace of mind. Rekeying involves a professional locksmith changing the keyway of your lock so that the same key is able to open it. It's a great method to stop your car being taken away from your home.
Rekeying is a quick and affordable service that's well worth the investment. The majority of home warranty plans cover the cost, so it's a great option for homeowners to have in their toolbox. Additionally, if you decide to make your own rekey, it's a fun and rewarding project that could help you learn a new skill.
A rekey kit comes with everything you need to get started starting with the c-clip removal tool, which is attached to your existing cylinder plug to the rekey pins and springs. Follow these step-bystep instructions once you have your tools to take out the old plug from your cylinder.
You can also secure your car by storing it in a pouch 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 keep it from being taken away, but this isn't recommended as it could damage the key.
You can also put in an actual steering lock to discourage thieves from stealing your vehicle. These devices can be bought at a reasonable price from many auto parts stores. They are a great way to slow down thieves and make them read more think twice before attempting to steal your vehicle. You should also contact the police if you suspect something was stolen from your car or home. This will help investigators to find the culprits and pursue them. You may also be able submit a claim to your insurance company based on the coverage you have.