What to Do if Your Car Keys Are Stolen [2024]
If you're wondering what to do when your keys are stolen, the first thing to do is call the cops as soon as you know. You may also need to call your home insurance company if your house keys were with them.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 22, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 22, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
We’ve all locked ourselves out of our cars at one time or another, right? How do you get keys locked in a car? It’s a common predicament that can be both frustrating and inconvenient. Whether it’s due to a momentary lapse of memory or an accidental lockout, finding yourself on the wrong side of a locked car door happens to the best of us. However, there’s something even worse when it comes to cars and keys, something that most of us will never experience. That something is having our car keys stolen.
If this ever happens to you, try not to panic, because there are some fairly simple things you can do to protect yourself and regain your peace of mind.
If your car keys were stolen, it can be merely a minor inconvenience to some. To others, it can be a nightmare compounded by the fact that most of us carry our house keys on the same key ring.
If you keep our car’s registration or insurance card in the car, it then becomes possible for the thief to easily find out where we live. If the thief then has both your car and house keys, you become extremely vulnerable no matter where you are.
Entering your ZIP code in the box above gets you started on your way to finding competitive lost car key insurance rates online.
- You can call the police if someone has stolen your keys
- If your keyring also contained your house keys, call your homeowners’ insurance company
- If the car is a newer model with computer chips embedded in the car keys, you probably won’t need new locks
What should you do if you lose your car keys?
Losing your car keys is quite different than having them stolen. You should always call the police about stolen car keys. That way you can figure out who took them and put a stop to anything they may want to do.
Losing them can be frustrating, but maybe not as scary. Try to retrace your steps, but if they’re truly gone, check if car insurance covers lost key fobs. If not, you will want to visit the dealership so that they can program new keys.
The other option is to have your locks changed. You can deactivate the lost key fob to your car. To deactivate lost or stolen car key fobs, visit your car dealership. You can also purchase a new remote.
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What about if my car keys were stolen from the car?
The first thing to do is immediately call the police as soon as you know your keys have been stolen. Worry about where they’re headed before concerning yourself with a stolen car key replacement.
Fill out a police report with as much detail as possible, including trying to think of anyone you know who might be motivated to steal your keys. Include as much information as you can, because every detail counts in a police investigation.
After you file the police report, the officer will probably advise you as to whether or not you need to take certain safety precautions.
From there you should call your car insurance company to see if you’re covered for replacement locks. If your keyring also contained your house keys, a call to your homeowner’s insurance company is also in order.
Both insurance companies may cover the cost of lock replacement, or they may not. But the only way you’ll know for sure is by contacting them and asking the question. If they do, at least that is some benefit.
Do you need to change your locks after your keys are lost or stolen?
Can key fobs be deactivated? If your car is a newer model with computer chips embedded in the car keys, you will probably not need to change the locks on your car door. Instead, you’ll be able to go to a local dealer who sells cars from the same manufacturer and have them reprogram a new key for you.
This is probably the cheapest way to go, although you still might be charged a few hundred dollars.
If your car is older, and programmable keys are not part of the equation, you’ll need your locks and your ignition changed.
As far as your house locks are concerned, whether or not you need to change them depends on several circumstances.
Home Security if House Keys Are Stolen With Car Keys
| Your Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Renting a home or apartment | Call your landlord. |
| Own your home with standard locks | Replace your locks. You make the decision of what to buy. |
| If you're a home-owner with heavy-duty, expensive locks | Consider having a locksmith re-key the locks. |
Regardless, changing your home locks is probably vastly more important than changing your car locks. With your home, your personal safety, as well as that of your family, is at risk.
Is there anything else you should do if your keys are lost or stolen?
The last thing you need to do if your car keys are stolen is to pay attention to suspicious people who might be hanging around. Even after your car locks have been changed, the thief may not be aware of that fact.
You may see someone suspicious in the neighborhood, or in a public parking lot, giving you plenty of reason to be anxious.
If you are nervous at any time, you should err on the side of caution and call the police.
You should also keep your eyes open for your keys just in case it turns out that you really misplaced them. If that ends up being the case, you’ll need to report that to the police as soon as possible. If you’re unable to find them, and you end up having to leave your vehicle alone, or items are stolen from your car before you realize your keys were taken, you’ll want to follow up with the police and your insurance.
Don’t worry, everyone makes mistakes. If you found your lost car keys, the police will not have an issue that they weren’t stolen after all.
The only way you’ll get in trouble is if you found your lost keys and failed to inform the police, causing them to continue a fruitless investigation.
It only takes a few minutes to see side-by-side car insurance quotes, so why not enter your ZIP code in the box below right now?
Read more: Does car insurance cover lost car keys?
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Case Studies: What to do if your car keys are stolen?
Case Study 1: Immediate Police Report
Lisa’s car keys were stolen, and she immediately called the police to report the incident. She followed the necessary steps, including filing a detailed police report and contacting her car insurance company and homeowner’s insurance company. This case study emphasizes the importance of promptly notifying the authorities and insurance providers when car keys are stolen.
Case Study 2: Changing Locks and Ignition
Mark’s car keys were stolen, and his vehicle did not have programmable keys. As a result, he had to change the locks and ignition of his car to ensure security. This case study highlights the need to take appropriate measures, such as lock replacement, to protect against potential unauthorized access to the vehicle.
Case Study 3: Safeguarding Personal Safety
Emma’s car keys were stolen, and she was concerned about her personal safety since her house keys were also on the same key ring. She reported the incident to the police, changed her locks, and remained vigilant for any suspicious activity. This case study emphasizes the importance of prioritizing personal safety and taking necessary precautions after car key theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do when you lose both your car keys?
If you lose your car keys, you should call the police and report the loss. Retrace your steps to see if you can find them, but if you can’t find your car keys, check with your auto insurance company to see if a lost fob is covered. If not, you may need to visit the dealership to have new keys programmed.
What about if my car keys were stolen?
If your car keys are stolen, the first thing you should do is call the police immediately. File a detailed police report, including any information about potential suspects. After filing the report, contact your car insurance company to check if you’re covered for replacement locks. If your keyring also contained your house keys, inform your homeowner’s insurance company as well.
Do you need to change your locks after your keys are lost or stolen?
Whether you need to change your locks depends on the type of car and the presence of computer chips in the car keys. For newer models, you can have a local dealer reprogram a new key for you. If your car is older and doesn’t have programmable keys, you’ll need to change the locks and ignition. As for your house locks, it’s recommended to change them for added security.
Is there anything else you should do if your keys are lost or stolen?
If your car keys are lost or stolen, pay attention to any suspicious individuals in your surroundings, even after changing your locks. If you feel unsafe, contact the police. Also, keep an eye out for your keys in case you misplaced them. If you find your lost keys, inform the police to avoid unnecessary investigations.
Does insurance cover stolen car keys?
In most cases, comprehensive car insurance may cover the cost of replacing stolen car keys.
Does insurance cover stolen car if the keys were left inside?
Typically, comprehensive car insurance will cover a stolen car with your keys in it. However, if you leave your keys in the car and it gets stolen, it might be considered negligence, and this could impact your claim.
Does car insurance cover lost keys?
Standard car insurance policies do not cover lost keys. Some insurers might offer an optional add-on for key replacement coverage.
Does Progressive cover lost keys?
Progressive offers optional coverage for lost or stolen keys. This is not included in standard policies but can be added at an extra cost.
How to replace stolen car keys?
If you have coverage, you should contact your insurance company. They will advise you on the next steps.
How to find a car key when it is lost?
Think about where you last had your keys. Look in places where you typically put your keys. If you have a Bluetooth key tracker, use it to locate your keys.
How to find a lost key fob in your house?
Here are some steps on how to find lost car keys:
- If your key fob has a Bluetooth tracker, use the app to locate it.
- If your fob has an alarm, try to activate it to help locate it.
- Look in places you frequently use or pass by.
Does car insurance cover key replacement?
Standard insurance policies do not cover lost key replacement. However, lost car keys are covered by insurance if you choose optional key replacement coverage as an add-on.
Is stealing car keys a crime?
Yes, stealing car keys is considered theft and is punishable by law. If your car keys are stolen, you should report the theft to the police as soon as possible.
Can you report a car stolen if they have the keys?
Yes, you can report a car stolen even if the thief has the keys. The fact that the keys were used to steal the car does not make it a legitimate use; it is still considered auto theft.
How to deactivate a stolen key fob?
You can deactivate a stolen key fob by contacting your dealership. Some cars have a process to reset or reprogram the key fobs which might be detailed in the manual. A professional car keys locksmith can also help in deactivating and replacing your key fob.
Does Geico cover lost keys?
Geico does not typically cover lost keys under a standard auto insurance policy. However, Geico offers key replacement coverage or emergency car lockout service as an optional add-on.
How to disable a lost key fob?
Most dealerships can deactivate a lost key fob and program a new one. A locksmith who specializes in automotive services can also help disable and replace the lost key fob.
How to report lost keys?
If you have coverage for lost keys, report the loss to your insurance company to file a claim. Let your car dealership know about the lost keys so they can assist in deactivating and replacing them. If the keys were stolen, you should report the theft to the police.
Does insurance cover keys locked in car?
A standard car insurance policy does not cover the cost of retrieving keys locked inside a car. However, many insurers offer roadside assistance as an optional add-on.
Does insurance cover locksmith services?
Insurance policies typically do not cover locksmith services under standard coverage. However, many insurers offer optional roadside assistance or lockout services that include locksmith services for unlocking your car, retrieving locked keys, or even replacing lost keys.
Can an officer take your keys?
Yes, under certain circumstances, a police officer can take your keys. This might occur if:
- You are arrested, and the vehicle needs to be secured.
- The vehicle is being impounded.
- The officer deems the vehicle or situation as a threat to public safety.
How long do you have to wait to report a car stolen?
You do not have to wait to report a car stolen. If you believe your car has been stolen, you should report it to the police immediately.
How much does a locksmith charge to replace car keys
The cost of replacing car keys can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of key and the make and model of the vehicle. Here are some typical costs:
- Standard Car Key: $50 to $150
- Transponder Key: $150 to $250
- Key Fob: $200 to $400
- Luxury or High-Tech Key Fobs: $300 to $600 or more
Can you go to jail for stealing your parents’ car?
Yes, you can go to jail for stealing your parents’ car. Legally, taking a car without permission, even if it belongs to a family member, can be considered auto theft or unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Can someone take your car if they have the title?
Possession of the car title does not automatically grant someone the right to take your car. The title signifies ownership, but transferring a title legally requires a signed title and, in many jurisdictions, additional paperwork such as a bill of sale.
Can you change the locks on a car?
Yes, changing your car locks after a theft is possible. Your dealership can replace the locks and ensure that any new keys are properly programmed to your vehicle.
Free Car Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap car insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Daniel Walker
Licensed Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.