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Have you ever lost your car keys?
Report lost car keys when it protects you. If the keys were stolen, or someone may use them, report it to the police. If you want your insurance to pay for the replacement, call your insurer first, because cover depends on the policy. Then have a new key made, and ask whether the lost key can be removed from the car’s memory so it no longer starts the car: Toyota, for example, warns that a lost electronic key raises the risk of theft and tells owners to bring all remaining keys to the dealer (Toyota owner’s manual).
Losing a set of keys might not result in the worst scenario, but it will cause some problems. There is no reason to avoid reporting lost car keys because of this, but there are plenty more reasons to report such things.
What to Do After Losing Car Keys
In a situation where you have lost your car keys, you will need to take action immediately. You should know what to do after losing a set of keys before you misplace them so that you can be prepared in the event it happens. Here are some steps for what to do if someone has lost their car keys:
Contact Your Insurance Company
If you have comprehensive insurance on your vehicle, then contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Some policies, or roadside-assistance add-ons, pay for a locksmith or replacement keys up to a limit, and others do not, so ask what your policy covers and what your deductible is before you book the work.
Call the Phoenix Police
If your car keys were stolen and you haven’t already contacted the police, contact them immediately. A police report gives you a record if the car is later stolen or broken into, and your insurer may ask for the report number if you make a claim.
Rekey Your Home and Office Locks
If your house or office keys were on the same ring, it’s a good idea to rekey those locks or change them, so the lost keys no longer open your home or office. It’s also recommended that you buy high-quality locks to protect your property better.
Be Careful With Locksmith Scams
If you’re shopping for a locksmith, be careful with locksmith scams. The FTC has warned that some locksmiths who advertise may not be local at all, and that others may not have professional training (FTC). Get the full price before any work starts, and expect a legitimate locksmith to check that the car is yours, with your registration and ID, before making a key.
Why You Should Report Lost Keys
Should you report lost car keys? Well, here are good reasons for reporting lost car keys.
It Puts the Loss on Record
If your keys were stolen, report it to the police as soon as possible. A prompt report matters for two reasons:
Tracking Down a Stolen Vehicle Can Be Much Easier When Done Quickly
If somebody finds the keys and keeps them, this person might use them to gain access to your vehicle or house, meaning that there would now be an unauthorized user in possession of those objects.
Your Insurer Can Tell You What Is Covered
Breaking into your own car can add the cost of a window or door repair to the cost of the key. Whether your insurance pays for lost keys, a lockout or any damage depends on your policy and deductible, so call your insurer before you book the work.
A Lot of Anxiety Can be Avoided
It is crucial to report lost car keys as soon as possible. This helps people around you to be aware that no one else should use your car without permission.
The police department should be informed as soon as possible to avoid problems that could have been avoided with a simple call. Then have a new set of car keys made by a locksmith or your dealer.
You Can Get the Right Replacement Key
A locksmith or dealer can make new car keys. Cutting and programming are separate steps, and some newer systems can only be programmed by the dealer, so give the year, make and model when you call. Expect to show your registration and ID before a key is made.
Reporting stolen keys quickly, checking your insurance before you claim, and having the lost key removed from the car’s memory where possible all protect you if the keys turn up in the wrong hands.
Call Diamondback Lock & Key today to see how we can help!
Sources
- If you lose your keys, 2025 Tacoma Owner’s Manual (Toyota)
- FTC Urges Consumers to Use Caution When Seeking a Locksmith (Federal Trade Commission, May 30, 2008)