How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. It was not an issue until recently, but as cars become more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.
You can lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table when you reach into your pocket to find something else. You can avoid this by keeping a spare key in your home.
1. Call a Locksmith
There's no doubt that losing your car keys can be a major hassle. There's no need to be in a panic. If you know what to do and who to call to get your car keys replaced will only take a couple of steps.
One of the first things to do is try and go back to where you started. This may seem obvious but it's difficult to do if are in a hurry or already concerned about losing your car keys. Check all your pockets, bags and the area around your vehicle.
Contact a locksmith in case you cannot locate your car keys. Locksmiths are typically able to create keys for your vehicle much quicker than a dealership. They can also do it for less than the dealership will charge.
Some dealerships can make replacement keys, but they might not be able to do so immediately or at any point. They often have a very large number of customers therefore they might not be able to assist your request right away. They may not also be able to create a exact copy of your current key.
You can also buy an online replacement key. Keys can be purchased on Amazon and other websites at a lower cost than what you would purchase from a dealer. However, they might not have the ability to cut and program the keys to your specific car model.
Some insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. It's a good idea to check your insurance policy to see if it will cover the cost of replacing a car key. Remember that you'll be required to provide proof of ownership and identification to the person or company who is responsible for the creation of the replacement key. This is required by law. If you're not able provide proof of ownership, it could be quite costly.
2. Contact the Dealership
A few years ago, misplacing - or even losing - your car keys wasn't an issue. It wasn't too expensive to buy a new key from a dealer. However, as cars become more technologically advanced - and the keys getting more expensive to replace - this isn't as easy as it was in the past. If you lose your keys today it's not uncommon to pay several hundred dollars to have them replaced.
You need to act calmly in the event that you've lost your car keys. This will allow you to think clearly and make the right choice about how to resolve the issue. You should also make sure that you have a backup set keys in your pocket or the trunk of your car so that if you do lose the originals, you won't be out any money. Find out whether your warranty or insurance covers the cost of a key replacement. This could save you money in the event of an emergency.
The next step is to do an exhaustive search of your car, home and wallet or purse for the missing keys. You can also go back through the steps you followed, and remember when you last had your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This could help you determine where they went and can be an enormous relief.
Call your dealership if you haven't been able to find your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are familiar with the vehicle they are servicing and can give you a replacement key. However, they're often busy and can't accommodate people on short notice, which could cause the process to be frustrating.
If you can get in touch with the dealership, they'll be able create keys for you based on the VIN number that is recorded on their system. They can also modify the immobilizer system that's required to start your vehicle. Locksmiths are a great option if you want a quick, reliable solution without having to wait at the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not so long ago, misplacing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could call a locksmith to travel to your place of residence and duplicate your keys at a reasonable cost. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so have keys, and they're now more expensive to replace than ever before.
Depending on the type of vehicle and year the replacement of a lost key could be a lengthy process and cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a good idea to keep an additional set of keys for your car on hand. This is particularly true in the case of an area that is prone to danger or a place with an extremely high rate of theft.
It might seem like a waste of time to call your insurance provider but it can actually save you money over time. Some policies will cover the cost of a new car key, so be sure to check with your insurance provider before you lose one and find yourself in need.
If your insurance policy provides roadside assistance, you should take into consideration this. If just click the next article have roadside assistance, a person could come to your aid. This is a less stressful option than dealing with a dealer or locksmith.
Make sure you thoroughly inspect your car prior to you contact your insurance company. If you think they're in the car, look in the trunk and underneath the seat. If you're at home, check the pockets of the clothes you were wearing as well as in other places you might have a habit of placing them. You should also double-check the places where you may have put them, such as your purse or a cluttered desk.
If you've managed to locate the car keys it's an excellent idea to call your dealership to have them replaced. Most of the time it won't be a problem and is much less expensive than hiring a locksmith or working through an insurance company.
Ask lost car key replacement to create an extra key for you, especially in the event that your car doesn't have an remote. The dealership will usually be able to duplicate an extra key for you, without having to change anything else in your car. If you do this, make sure that you keep the key in a place that is secure and safe so you can find it in the event that you lose it.
4. Call the police
Reporting lost car keys can help you find them and ensure your safety. If someone drives your vehicle on public roads or private property without permission, the individual could be charged with a fine. You can protect yourself by reporting your keys stolen prior to someone stealing your vehicle. This will leave a trail of paper that reveals who and when they reported the theft.
Losing car keys is a common problem but it doesn't need to be a disaster. If you contact the right people, you'll be able to get an alternative key quickly and easily. You can also avoid any future key loss by following the suggestions given in this article.
Take a step back. This will give you a clear idea of where the key might have been lost, and it can also aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. For instance, if you were driving home from work and then went to eat at a restaurant, you might be able to remember that the keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you can't find your keys, it could be in the bag you carried things around or on the table where you sat down for dinner.
Posting your key online is a good idea. This will increase the likelihood of finding the key by reaching a wider audience. You can also look up local businesses and bulletin boards in the community.
Before you begin searching for your keys, it's important to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is needed to replace your keys, so you must keep it secure. The VIN is usually found on your driver's license, but can also be found on your insurance card and in your car's owner's guide.
Call the police once you've exhausted other options. They'll be able to provide you with temporary replacements for your vehicle and can file a report that will come in handy if the keys are ever discovered.