How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. In the past, it wasn't a big issue, but it's becoming more complicated as cars become technologically advanced.
Sometimes, keys are lost due to the fact that you've reached into your pocket to find something else and have accidentally knocked them off somewhere. A spare key in the house can save you from such situations.
1. Contact a locksmith
Losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. There's no need to panic. If you know what to do and who to call to get your car keys replaced should only take a couple of steps.
One of the first things to do is try to retrace your steps. This might sound like a straightforward step but it can be difficult when you're in a hurry or are already panicking over the loss of keys to your car. Be sure to inspect all bags and pockets where you might have set them down, as well as the area around your car.
If you've been unable to locate your car keys, it's time to contact locksmith. Locksmiths can usually make keys for your vehicle faster than the dealership. They can also do it for much cheaper than a dealership will cost.
Some dealerships are able to create replacement car keys as well but they might not be able to complete it immediately or at all. There are many dealerships that have a high volume of clients and therefore may not be able to help you right away. They may not also be able to make an exact copy of your current key.
You can also buy an online replacement key. Keys can be purchased on Amazon and other sites for a price that is lower than you'd pay the dealer. However, they might not have the ability to cut and program the keys to your specific car model.
Some insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a lost or stolen vehicle key. It's a good idea to check your insurance policy to determine whether it covers the cost of a replacement car key. Just remember that you will have to prove ownership and identification to the individual or company who is responsible for the creation of the replacement key. This is legally required. It can be very costly if you are unable to provide proof of ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
Not too long ago losing - or losing your car keys was not an issue. It wasn't too expensive to buy a new key from a dealer. However, with cars becoming more advanced in technology and keys becoming more expensive to replace - this isn't as easy as it was in the past. If you lose your keys today it's not unusual to spend hundreds of dollars to have them replaced.
You need to act calmly if you have lost your car keys. This will allow you to think clearly and make a good decision. If you have lost your original keys you should have an extra set of keys in your pocket or in your car trunk. This will ensure that you're not out of money. Also, see if the key replacement is covered by your warranty or insurance for your car, which can help you save some money in a crisis.
The next step is to conduct thorough searches of your home, car, and your purse or wallet for keys that have gone missing. You could also retrace the steps you took, remembering the last time you had your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This can help you find out where they are, which is a huge relief.
Once you've done an exhaustive search but are unable to locate your car keys, the next option is to call your dealership. Dealerships are familiar with your specific vehicle, so they're the best option for a new key. However, they're often busy and can't accommodate people at short notice, which can make the process difficult.
If you're able to contact the dealership you're dealing with they'll be able to create an entirely new key for you in accordance with the VIN number that is on file. They can also reprogram the immobilizer system which is needed to start your car. But if you're looking for a fast, reliable solution that doesn't require waiting at the dealership, a locksmith may be the best option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't too long ago that losing your keys to cars was not a major issue. You could contact a locksmith to drive to your location and duplicate your key at a reasonable cost. As cars have become more technologically advanced, keys have also become more expensive.
Depending on the kind of vehicle and the year The process for replacing the car key that was lost could require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars. It's recommended to keep an additional set of keys on hand, especially if you reside in a neighborhood that is dangerous or an area where theft is a common occurrence.
While it may feel like a waste of time to contact your insurance company, calling them can save you money in the end. Contact your agent to see whether you are able to get an alternative car key that is covered by your policy.
Another thing to consider is whether your insurance policy offers roadside assistance. If it does, the company could send someone out to assist you out of your situation, and that might be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or dealership.
Before you call your insurance company, be sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you think they're in the car, check under the trunk and under the seat. If you're at home, check the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places you may have a habit of putting them. You should also check the places where you may have put them, such as your purse or desk.
Contact your dealer to replace the keys once you've tried to locate them. This is usually not an issue, and it's cheaper than calling a locksmith or visiting the insurance company.
While you're at the dealer you may want to ask whether you can have a spare key made, particularly if you don't have a key fob. lost vehicle key of the time, your dealership can clone the spare key for you without altering anything else in your vehicle. If you choose to do this, be sure to keep the key in a safe and secure place to find it when you lose it.
4. Call the Police
Not only will reporting your lost car keys to police help you locate them however, it can also help keep you safe from thieves. If someone steals your vehicle without permission, they could be subject to fines for driving it on streets in the city or private property. If you report the keys missing before the person makes off with your car, you'll know that you have an official paper trail of when it was missing and who reported it.
It's common to lose your car keys, but it doesn't need to be a disaster. You can get a replacement car key quickly and easily if you call the right people. You can also avoid the possibility of losing keys in the future by following the guidelines provided in this article.
Follow your steps. This will give you a good idea of where your keys might be, and it can also aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work, then stopped at a restaurant in order to take a bite and drinks, you might remember that your keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you can't locate your key, you might have put it in the bag you used to carry around things or on the table you ate at.
Another good idea is to publish your most important loss online. This will reach a large audience and increase the chances of finding it. You can also contact local businesses and other bulletin boards.
Before you start looking for your keys, be sure to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. You'll require this information to replace your keys It's crucial to keep it in a safe place. You can usually find the VIN on your driver's licence, but it's also sometimes printed on your insurance card or in the owner's manual for your car.
Once you've exhausted all other options then it's time to call the police. They'll be capable of providing you with an interim replacement for your vehicle and can prepare a police report that could help if the keys are ever discovered.