How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose car keys. In the past, it wasn't a big issue, but it's becoming more complicated as cars become technologically advanced.
You can lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pocket to grab something else. You can avoid this by keeping a spare key in your home.
1. Contact a locksmith
There's no denying that losing your car keys could be a huge inconvenience. It's not a reason to be in a panic. As long as you know who to call and what you should do you should only need to take only a few steps to get your keys to your car replaced.
You should try to retrace the steps you took. This may appear obvious but it's hard to do if you are in a hurry or already worried about losing your car keys. Be sure to look in all your pockets and bags where you might have set them down, and also the space around your car.
Contact a locksmith in case you cannot locate your car keys. Locksmiths are able to create keys for your car quicker than the dealership. They can even do it for cheaper than a dealership would cost.
Some dealerships are able to create replacement keys, however they may not be able do so in the immediate future or at any time. There are key lost car with an abundance of customers, so they might not be able to accommodate your request immediately. Additionally, they might not be able to create an exact copy of your key.
You can also purchase a replacement key online. They are available on Amazon and other places at a much lower cost than what you would pay at a dealer, however, they might not be able to cut and program them to the specific model of car you have.
Some insurance policies will cover the cost to replace a stolen or lost vehicle key. It is worth examining your insurance policy to see whether it covers the cost of replacing a car key. Remember that you'll need to provide proof of ownership to the person or business who is responsible for creating your replacement key. This is required by law. If you're not able to prove ownership, it can be quite costly.
2. Call the Dealership
A few years ago losing - or losing your car keys was not a huge deal. It was not expensive to purchase new keys from the dealer. This is no longer the case as cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive. If you lose your keys today it's not uncommon to spend hundreds of dollars to get them replaced.
You need to act calmly in the event that you've lost your car keys. This will help you think clearly and make the right decision. If you lose your original keys, you should keep an extra set of keys in your wallet or car trunk. This will ensure that you're not in a financial bind. Make sure to check whether your insurance or warranty covers the cost of replacing a key. This can help you save money in the event of an emergency.
The next step is to do an exhaustive search of your home, vehicle, and your wallet or purse for keys that have gone missing. You can also go back through the steps you took, recollecting 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 relief.
Contact your dealer if you haven't found your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are knowledgeable about your particular vehicle, which is why they're the best option to get a replacement key. However, they're typically busy and can't accommodate people at short notice, which can cause the process to be frustrating.
If you can get in touch with your dealer, they will be able create keys for you using the VIN number that is saved on their system. They can also reprogram your immobilizer system that is needed to start your vehicle. Locksmiths are an excellent choice if you want a quick, reliable solution without having to wait at the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago the time when you lost your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could get an locksmith to come to your place of residence and duplicate your keys at a reasonable cost. As cars have become more technologically advanced, the keys are also becoming more expensive.
Depending on the type of vehicle and year, replacing a lost key could be a lengthy process and cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a good idea to have an additional set of keys for your car in your pocket. This is particularly true in the case of an area of danger or a place with a high rate of theft.
While it might seem like an unnecessary effort to contact your insurance company, it could save you money in the long run. Contact your agent to see if you can get an alternative car key that is insured by your policy.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether your insurance policy offers roadside assistance. If you have roadside assistance, someone might be able to help you. This is a less stressful option than dealing with a dealer or locksmith.
Make sure you thoroughly inspect your car prior to you call your insurance provider. 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 placing them. You should also check the areas where you might have left them, such as in your purse or a desk that is cluttered.
Once you've done your best to locate your car keys, it's a good idea to call your dealer to have them replaced. In most cases this shouldn't be a problem, and it is much less expensive than hiring a locksmith or going through the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to create an extra key for you, specifically when your car doesn't come with a remote. Most of the time the dealership will be able to make an extra key for you, without changing anything else inside your vehicle. If you do this, make sure you keep the spare key in a secure and safe place so that you can find it next time you lose yours.
4. Call the police
Not only will the act of reporting lost car keys to police help you locate them It also helps keep you safe from thieves. If someone steals your car without permission, they could be subject to fines when they drive it on public roads or on private property. If you report your keys lost before the person makes off with your vehicle, you'll know that there's an official paper trace of when it went missing and who reported it.
The loss of car keys is a frequent occurrence, but it doesn't have to be a catastrophe. As long as you call the appropriate people, you'll be able to get the replacement key fast and easily. If you follow the suggestions in this article, you'll even be able to avoid future key misplacements!
Retrace your steps. This will give you a clear idea of where your keys might have gone missing and will aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work and then stopped at a restaurant to purchase food and drinks, you might remember that keys were in your pockets when you left your vehicle. If you cannot find your key, you might have put it in the bag that you used to carry around things or on the table you dined at.
Another option is to share your primary loss online. This will be seen by a large audience and increase the chances of finding it. You can also check with local businesses and other bulletin boards.
Before you begin looking 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 should keep it secure. The VIN is typically located on your driver's licence, however, it can also be found on your insurance card as well as in your car's owner's guide.
After you've exhausted all other options then it's time to call the police. They'll be able to provide you with an interim replacement for your car, and they can also prepare a police report that could help in the event that keys are discovered.