My flat was recently burgled and one set of car keys were stolen. Luckily we were away at the time with the car and the other set of keys but now I'm in a bit of a situation and I'm not sure what to do. So far we've parked the car at a friend's house and parked it a few streets away so it's not directly outside the property.

I've contacted the garage and they've advised a full lock replacement at a cost of £380. But the locks are on back order with an ETA of 1+ weeks with a max manufacture time of a month.

Car insurance (Diamond) doesn't cover the theft of keys. They will pay a "goodwill gesture" towards the cost of replacing all locks and keys, which they advise, for £100. If the car is stolen and I do not replace the keys, my insurance won't cover it. Likewise if I change the code on the keys.

No idea what to do in the meantime. I'm worried that the perpetrators could return and steal the car. Plus the fact I have to wait well over a week and need to use the car for work. Any suggestions?

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Getting the stolen key removed from the immobiliser with vcds would stop anyone starting the engine and may be handy in the short term. Obviously they will still be able to get in the car.

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Edited 6 April, 201610 yr by trundlenut

I think as above if you can get the key removed from the immobiliser that at least means they can't drive it away.

But long term your only option is to change the locks on the car unfortunately.

I think you have to assume the keys were stolen to take the car, therefore thieves will occasionally come back and try and find the car. Probably best to keep it away from the property until locks are changed.

Might be worth trying couple of other dealers in case one has stock in their spares Dept. Never keen on a dealer who believes 1 week + is acceptable for parts. You could always try asking for a loan car whilst they are awaiting parts (unlikely but it might encourage them to pay for express delivery by courier)

Might be able to claim on household contents insurance depending on level of cover you have.

Edited 6 April, 201610 yr by SurreyJohn

Had another thought, if the locks need to come from Europe, ask about paying for express overnight air courier. Might cost about extra £30, (shouldn't be too big or heavy) yes, it's extra money, but if you need them fitted asap then might be better than waiting for next routine parts delivery truck as can't really take car home at moment.

Locks come under a security parts order, this takes extra time. However I think the week quoted would be a lock set made to your car, which obviously you don't want (would be pointless). I'd make sure the time quoted is for a new set of keys and locks not to key number. After all it's only the ignition lock and one door lock isn't it?

If you want a bit extra security right now, buy a DiskLok from Halfords etc, it will cost round about £100 but it will cover the steering wheel and as it will be visible fromn outside the car so hopefully stop them wanting to try and move the car, though you will need to make sure nothing personal remains in the car while they have a key that fits your door lock.

Cheers guys for the advice, I took it all on board. Apologies for the late reply it's been a hectic week getting things back in order! I got a call today to say the lock set are in stock and are on order. Car is booked in for Tuesday to get everything changed and two new keys.

I managed to get the car in a couple of days after the break in to change the immobiliser code, so the thieves could not enter or start the car without knowing what they were doing. In the meantime it has been parked elsewhere with a wheel lock on.

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated chaps!

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