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If Your Key Fob Gets Stolen, Here's What to Do
You could be distracted by eating pizza and forget to look for your keys. Sometimes, your keys could be stolen.
The first thing you must do if you've lost your key fob is to retrace your steps. This means looking through the pockets of all your bags, clothes, and jackets.
Check Your Pockets
Car keys are the easiest thing to misplace. The fact that they're small, light, and can be tucked away in any pocket makes them an easy to lose. It's not surprising that 24-hour locksmiths get so many calls from customers looking for keys that have been lost. Here are four suggestions that will help you to keep track of it so you don't need to call an expert locksmith.
Keep your keys in the same location when you return home. If it's a designated place on the table or on an iron by the door, making this a habit will help you locate them. This will also prevent you from not removing them after you leave.
If you have children, it's likely they will steal your keys at one time or another. If this happens, look around the areas they're known for play in, like their bedrooms or their favorite places to hide. Also, make sure to look in their coats and bags too, as they're great places to store small items.
WCNC discovered recently that tech-savvy thieves make use of signals from your keyfob to steal and open vehicles without ever touching them. This is a problem that impacts everyone, including those who adhere to the rules.
Thieves make use of devices known as signal boosters to amplify the code from your key fob, which then allows them to gain access to your car or turn on your alarm. You can safeguard yourself by storing your key fob in a secure pouch, which blocks the signal and prevents thieves from gaining access to your vehicle.
If you carry your keys on an lanyard around your neck, you may think that you won't lose them, but it could occur at any time. If you lose your keys, try to recall the last time you held them in your hands, or the place you put them before you grabbed something.
You'll be required to complete an official police report if you lose your car keys. This is crucial because it will help the police determine who stole your keys. This will help you to file a claim.
Check Your Car
There are two kinds of key fobs available: electronic key fobs, and turn-key ignitions that are standard. Many newer vehicles have electronic key fobs. If the fob you have is stolen, you'll need to contact the dealer to disable it. The process will vary depending on the model of your car. It is possible that you only need to disable your car's electronic system or your key fob might require programming at the dealership.
Make sure you check your car prior to calling the police to determine whether you've lost it. It could be hidden within the trunk or even on the sunroof. Also be sure to check the glove box, the center console and all the little spaces in between the seats where you could easily hide keys to the car. If you can't find it, look in the pockets of your pants or jacket, or even your shoes. You should make it a habit to look through your car for items that you shouldn't be putting in there.
While this isn't as common but it's possible your car could be hacked to take your key fob. This is called a relay attack, and it involves a more info thief using a device that captures the signal between your vehicle and key fob. The signal is then transmitted to a third party, who will get into your car and then unlock the door.
The thief will then drive off leaving you with the keys and your car. This kind of theft is not covered by insurance. This type of loss may not be worth submitting an insurance claim if you have a an enormous deductible.
When not in use, the best method to safeguard your fob is to store it in a Faraday Bag. These bags block the signals from the key fob and are available on the internet or in stores at a reasonable cost. These bags aren't as effective as a locksmith who can deactivate the electronic locks in your car however they can help to protect your vehicle.
Call the Police
Car owners could be in a tricky position when they lose their key fob especially if the vehicle is equipped with smart locks or a high-tech security system. While fobs are simpler to use than traditional keys made of metal, they're also pricier and more complicated to replace in the event of theft or misplaced.
It is crucial to contact the police immediately if you notice that your fob is missing. The police report can be used as evidence of the incident and can assist the police to catch the perpetrator more quickly. It is also essential to contact your auto insurance company to let them know that a theft has occurred and you might need to make an insurance claim.
A police report can help you to retrace the steps you've taken, and will also give you the crime number you'll need to get the purchase of a new keyfob. You may also be able use your insurance coverage to cover the cost of a tow as well as a new lock.
Modern cars are equipped with fobs that make use of radio frequency (RF) technology to communicate with the vehicle's receiver, according to the AARP website. When you press the button on your fob, it transmits an RF signal that is unique to the receiver which authenticates and confirms its authenticity. This lets you unlock the door or turn off the engine from afar.
This dependence on RF technologies comes with the drawback that these systems are hackable, even if your key fob is in your pocket. Thieves can employ inexpensive tools to amplify and duplicate the signal and there are a variety of tips and tricks available on YouTube that will show you how to do it.
Key fobs are secured with proximity sensors, which detect the signal. They only unlock when they're within range. This makes them harder for opportunistic thieves to crack than regular keys. Businesses can improve the security of their premises by establishing an environment that allows employees to report easily lost or stolen keys, and restrict access to their facilities to those who are verified and cleared.
Find a New Key
A key fob can be an innovative and convenient alternative to the traditional vehicle key. It allows the driver to control various functions of their vehicle, including locking and unlocking the doors as well as activating the alarm, lowering all windows, opening the trunk, and much more. It is important to keep the fob securely, as thieves could easily steal it.
The best way to prevent losing the key fob of your car stolen is to store it in a metal container or a piece of wire referred to as Faraday cage, which prevents the signal from being snatched by hackers. But the most important factor is to be cautious when you are using the fob. If you're in a public space in which you are concerned that someone could be listening, cover the fob using aluminum foil. This will prevent any signals from being transmitted through the fob.
You should also get a better understanding on how your key fob works. Many automakers try to design their keys to be practical and discreet, which means that the key fob has numerous features that a normal person may not comprehend. This can lead to mistakes that can be seized upon by thieves.
You can replace your key fob with no need to change the locks or ignition if you take the key to a dealer. Many car dealerships can reprogram the replacement key fob to sync with the owner's unique vehicle system. Some dealers will only accept original factory fobs to reprogramme. If you're planning to purchase an original car key fob, be wary of websites that offer programmed remotes shipped directly to your doorstep, since they may not be authentic or require proof of ownership.
If you discover that the key fob you have is missing do not panic. It's better than if you lost the keys to your actual car, which is expensive and time-consuming to retrieve. Take a deep breath and look around for the places you've likely been, and then call the police to make an investigation.