Stolen Car Keys

madmish00

So last night we were burgled. All they took was my keys and laptop as I think they were disturbed by my partner coming home.

This morning I have found the laptop and door keys discarded in the woods at the side of the house but no sign of my car key.

I have been trying to get some advice from locksmiths but can't get anyone to come out to me until Monday! I have a steering wheel lock on and the car has been blocked in on the drive by my partners car but obviously I need a longer term solution as it looks like they may try to come back for it.

I have been advised that I can just get a new fob and they can code it so that the old key will no longer operate the immobiliser.

One locksmith said they would still be able to get into the car but wouldn't be able to start it. This got me thinking - will the key still operate the central locking or can they only get in by using the key manually? I ask because if my car is unlocked manually the key has to be put in the ignition within 15 seconds or the alarm will activate (and presumably given that it is recoded the key would not be recognised in the ignition?)

Anyone know how much I am looking at for a new key and recode - it's a 58 plate Seat Leon. I have had one quote of 'around about £140' and two others were meant to get back to me and didn't. I am assuming going through Seat would cost significantly more

Thanks

Stooby2

Only a dealer can give you a realistic cost for the replacement - although I would assume it's for the ignition barrel and one or two door locks as well - whilst the thieves can't start it if you just get a new key and recode, it could be entered, unlocked and pushed away to a tow truck. I would also contact your household insurance to see if the cost is covered, it might not be, but if it is, it could save you a bit.

dacouch

You may find your car insurance includes cover for replacement keys in these types of circumstances as it could potentially save them a lot of money.

If you have young kids, you can put the baby monitor in the car if it's wireless and put the monitor by your bed. If anyone goes in the car it will wake you up.