How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose car keys. It wasn't that long ago, this was not a big issue, but it's becoming more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.
Sometimes, keys are lost because you've reached into your pocket for something else and have accidentally thrown them away somewhere. A spare key in the house will help you avoid these situations.
1. Contact an expert locksmith
Losing your car keys can be an enormous inconvenience. However, 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 be a matter of a few steps.
One of the first things you need to do is try and try to retrace your steps. It may seem obvious, but it can be difficult to accomplish if you are in a hurry or already worried about losing your car keys. Examine all pockets, bags, and the space around your vehicle.
Call a locksmith if you are unable to locate your car keys. Locksmiths are able to create keys for your car much faster than the dealership. They can even do it for less than a dealership would cost.
Some dealers are able to create replacement keys, but may not be able do it immediately or at any point. There are many dealerships with many customers which means they may not be able accommodate you right away. Additionally, they might not be able to make an exact replica of your current key.
You can also purchase an online replacement key. They are available on Amazon and other places for much cheaper than the price you pay at a dealer, although they may not be able to cut and program them to your specific car model.
Some insurance policies will cover the cost to replace the vehicle's lost or stolen key. It's worth checking your insurance policy to see whether it will cover the cost of replacing a car key. Remember to provide proof of ownership to the person or business who is responsible for creating the replacement key. This is required by the law. It can be very expensive if you're not able to provide proof of ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. what to do if lost car keys was not expensive to purchase a new key from a dealer. This is no longer the case, since cars are more sophisticated and keys are more expensive. If you lose your keys today it's not uncommon to spend several hundred dollars to have them replaced.
It is important to be calm if you have lost your car keys. This will allow you to think clearly and make the right decision. If you have lost your original keys, you should keep a spare set of keys in your pocket or in your car trunk. This will ensure that you are not in a financial bind. It is also important to determine if the replacement is covered under your warranty or insurance for your car which could assist you in saving money in the event of a financial crisis.
The next step is to search your vehicle, your home or your purse your wallet for keys missing. You can also go back through the steps you took, remembering when you last had your keys and where you were when you lost them. This might help you determine where they ended up, which can be an enormous relief.
Contact your dealer if aren't able to locate your keys after a thorough search. Dealerships are familiar with your specific vehicle, so they're the best place to go for a replacement key. However, they're typically busy and aren't able to accommodate customers at short notice, which can cause the process to be frustrating.
If you get in touch with the dealership, they'll be able create a key for you using the VIN number that is recorded on their system. They can also reprogram the immobilizer device that is required to start your car. Locksmiths are an excellent choice when you need a quick and reliable solution that doesn't require you to wait at the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't long ago that losing your keys to your car was not a big issue. You could contact a locksmith to drive to your location and duplicate your key for a reasonable fee. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have the keys, and they're more expensive to replace than they were before.
Depending on the type of vehicle and year, replacing a lost key can be a lengthy process that can cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a smart idea to keep an extra set of car keys in your possession. This is especially important in the case of an area of danger or an area that has a high rate of theft.
While it may feel like an unnecessary effort to call your insurance company, it could save you money in the end. Certain policies will cover the cost of a brand new car key, so be sure to check with your insurance agent before you lose a key and you find yourself in need.
Another thing to think about is whether your insurance policy offers roadside assistance. If it does, the insurance company could send someone out to help you with your situation and it could be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or a dealership.
Before you call your insurance company, be sure to search thoroughly for your keys. If you believe they're in the car, check the trunk and under the seat. If you're at home, look in the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places you may have a habit of putting them. Also, double-check the areas where you might have put them, such as your purse or a desk that is cluttered.
Once you've done your best to locate the keys to your car, it's a good idea to call your dealership to have them replaced. In most cases this shouldn't be a problem and it will be much cheaper than hiring a locksmith, or going through the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to make an extra key for you, especially in the event that your car doesn't have a remote. Usually you can have your dealership make an extra key for you, without altering anything else in your car. If you choose to do this, be sure to keep the key in a secure and safe location so that you can find it next time you lose yours.
4. Call the Police
Notifying your car keys that you lost can help you find them and keep you safe. If a person drives your car on public roads or on private property without permission, the person may be fined. If you report your keys lost before the person gets away with your vehicle, you'll know that there's an official paper trace of when it went missing and who reported it.
Car keys are lost is a common problem, but it doesn't have to be a catastrophe. You can obtain a replacement car key quickly and easily if you contact the right people. If you follow the suggestions in this article, you'll be able to avoid any future key loss!
Follow your steps. This will help you recall where you might have lost your keys. For example, if you were driving home from work, and then went out to eat at an eatery, you might be able to remember that the keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you are unable to locate your key, you could have put it in the bag you carried around with things or on the table you dined at.
Another option is to share your primary loss online. This increases the chances of finding the culprit by reaching a wider audience. You can also search local businesses and bulletin boards for community groups.
It's crucial to note down the VIN of your car before you start searching for your keys. This information is needed to replace your keys, which is why you must keep it secure. The VIN is typically located on your driver's licence, but it's also on your insurance card and in your car's owner's guide.
After you've exhausted all other options and have exhausted all other options, it's time to contact the police. You can obtain a temporary replacement car from the police, and they'll also file an investigation report that can be helpful if your keys are ever recovered.