How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. In the past, this was not a big problem, but it's now becoming more complicated as cars become technologically advanced.
Sometimes, keys are lost because you've reached inside your pockets for something else, and then accidentally knocked them off somewhere. You can avoid this by keeping a spare key at home.
1. Contact a locksmith
Losing your car keys is an extremely frustrating experience. However, there's no need to be in a panic. As long as you know who to contact and what you should do, it should only take just a few steps to have your keys to your car replaced.
One of the first things you need to do is go back to where you started. This may seem obvious but it's difficult to accomplish if you are in a hurry or already concerned about losing your car keys. Examine all pockets, bags and the surrounding area around your vehicle.
Contact a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your car keys. Locksmiths are usually in a position to make a new key for your vehicle faster than a dealership. In addition, they will usually do it for a lot less than what a dealership would charge you.
Some dealers are able to make replacement keys, but they might not be able to do it in the immediate future or at any time. They typically have a large number of customers, so they may not be able to accommodate immediately. In addition, they might not be able create an exact replica of your current key.
Another option is to buy an online replacement for your car key. They are available on Amazon and other places for much cheaper than you would purchase from a dealer however, they might not be able to cut them and program them to your specific model of car.
Some insurance policies will cover the cost to replace a lost or stolen vehicle key. So, it's always worth checking whether you have coverage that would help cover the cost of getting an additional key for your vehicle. Be aware that you'll need show proof of ownership to the person or business who makes the replacement key. This is legally required. If you're not able provide proof of ownership, it can be very costly.
2. Contact the Dealership
A few years ago the possibility of misplacing or losing - your car keys wasn't an issue. It wasn't expensive to get a new key from the dealer. However, as cars become more technologically advanced - and the keys getting more expensive to replace It's not as easy as it used to be. If you lose your keys today, it's not unusual to spend several hundred dollars to have them replaced.
You need to act calmly when you've lost your car keys. This will help you think clearly and make the right decision. Also, make sure that you have a backup set keys somewhere, like in your pocket or the trunk of your car in case you lose the original keys and you lose them, you won't lose any money at all. Find out whether your warranty or insurance covers the cost of a key replacement. This can help you save money in the event of a crisis.
Then, look in your car, your home and purse, or your wallet for missing keys. car keys lost no spare can try to retrace your steps, keeping track of where you last saw keys and where you were when you lost them. This might help you determine where they went, which can be an enormous relief.
After you've conducted an exhaustive search but can't find your car keys, the next option is to contact your dealership. Dealerships know the vehicle they are servicing and can supply you with keys to replace. However, they're typically full and cannot accommodate people on short notice, which could make the process difficult.
If you are able to contact your dealer they'll be able create a new key for you in accordance with the VIN number that is on the file. They can also reprogram the immobilizer system that's required to start your vehicle. If you're looking for an efficient, quick solution that doesn't require waiting at the dealership, a locksmith may be a better choice.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
In the past the time when you lost your car keys was not an issue. You could contact an locksmith to come to your place of residence and duplicate your keys for a reasonable price. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so have keys, and they're now more expensive to replace than ever before.
Depending on the kind of vehicle and year, the process for replacing the car key that was lost could require several steps and can cost you hundreds of dollars. It's always a good idea to keep an additional set of keys for your car in your pocket. This is especially important in the case of a dangerous area or in an area that has an extremely high rate of theft.
While it may feel like an unnecessary effort to contact your insurance company, doing so will save you money in the end. Check with your agent to see whether you are able to get a replacement car key insured by your policy.
If your insurance policy provides roadside assistance, you should also consider this. If it does, the service could send someone out to help you with your situation and it could be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or dealership.
Before calling your insurance company, make sure to search thoroughly for your keys. If you think they're in the car, check 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 placing them. Double-check any places you may have left them. For instance, in your purse or a cluttered office.
After you've tried to locate the car keys, it's an excellent idea to call your dealer to have them replaced. This is usually not a problem, and it's cheaper than calling an locksmith or calling the insurance company.
When you visit the dealership, you might want to ask whether you can have a spare key made, especially when you don't have a key fob. Usually you can have your dealership make a spare for you without changing anything else inside your vehicle. If you do this, make sure to keep the key in a safe and secure location so that you can locate it the when you lose it.
4. Call the police
Reporting lost car keys can help you find them and keep you safe. If someone steals your vehicle without permission, they may be subject to fines when they drive it on streets in the city or private property. You can help protect yourself by registering your keys stolen prior to someone stealing your vehicle. This will leave a trail of paper that shows when and who reported the theft.
Car keys are lost is a frequent occurrence, but it doesn't have to be a disaster. You can replace your car key quickly and easily if you contact the right people. If you follow the suggestions in this article, you'll even be able to prevent any future key loss!
Take a step back. This will give you a good idea of where your key could be 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, you may remember that keys were in your pocket as you left the vehicle. If you are unable to locate your key, it might be in the bag you carried things around or on the table where you sat down to eat.
Another good idea is to publish your most important loss online. This will increase your chances of locating the key by reaching a larger audience. You can also search local businesses and bulletin boards for community groups.
Before you begin looking for your keys, be sure to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. You'll require this information to replace your keys therefore it's essential to keep it in a safe place. You can usually find the VIN on your driver's license, but it may also appear 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 able to provide you with temporary replacements for your car and can prepare a police report that could come in handy if the keys are ever found.