How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your 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.
Often you lose your keys because you've reached inside your pockets for something else and accidentally thrown them away somewhere. You can avoid this by keeping a spare key at home.
1. Call an expert locksmith
It's a fact that losing your car keys can be a major hassle. However, there's no need to panic. If you know what to do and who to call, getting your car keys replaced should only take a couple of steps.
You should try to retrace the steps you took. This might sound like an obvious step but it can be difficult when you're in a rush or you're already worried about the loss of keys to your car. Be sure to inspect all your bags and pockets to see in which you've put them down, and also the surrounding area around your vehicle.
If you've been unable to find your car keys, it's time to contact an locksmith. Locksmiths can usually make keys for your car quicker than an auto dealer. Additionally, they are able to do it for a lot less than what a dealership would charge you.
Some dealers are able to make replacement keys, but they may not be able do it immediately or at any time. They typically have a high volume of customers, therefore they might not be able to assist your request right away. They may not also be able create an exact copy of your current key.
You can also purchase a replacement key online. The keys are available on Amazon and other websites at a lower cost than you'd pay a dealer. However, they might not be able to cut and program keys that are specific to your car model.
Some insurance policies also provide coverage for the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. So, it's always worth checking if you have coverage which will help pay for the cost of getting the new key for your vehicle. Be aware that you'll need provide proof of ownership to the person or company who makes the replacement key. This is required by the law. It could be expensive if you're not able to prove ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not an issue. It wasn't expensive to get an alternative key from the dealer. However, this is no longer the case, since cars are more sophisticated and keys are more expensive. It's not uncommon to shell out hundreds of dollars for a brand new set of keys when you lose them.
If you've lost your car keys, the first thing you must do is act calmly. This will allow you to think clearly and make the best decision about how to solve the issue. It is also important to ensure that you have a backup set of keys somewhere, like in your pocket or the trunk of your car, so that if you do lose the original keys they won't cost you any money. Check to see whether your insurance or warranty covers the cost of a key replacement. This can save you money in an emergency.
The next step is to search your car, your house or your purse your wallet for missing keys. You could try to trace your steps, recollecting where you last saw keys and the location you were in when you lost them. This might assist you in determining where they went and could be an enormous relief.
Once you've done an exhaustive search but can't locate your car keys, the next step is to call your dealership. Dealerships are familiar with the vehicle they are servicing and can give you keys to replace. They're often busy and can't accommodate people who require a quick response. This can cause the process to be difficult.
If you get in touch with your dealership, they will be able create keys for you using the VIN number that is stored on their system. They can also reprogram your immobilizer system which is required to start your car. But if you're looking for a fast, reliable solution that doesn't involve waiting at the dealership, a locksmith might be a better choice.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
In the past, misplacing your car keys was not an issue. Locksmiths could come to your home and duplicate your keys for a reasonable price. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have the keys, and now they're more expensive to replace than ever before.
Based on the type of vehicle and year the process of replacing the car key that was lost could take several steps and cost hundreds of dollars. That's why it's always recommended to keep an extra set of keys on your side, especially if you live in a dangerous neighborhood or an area where theft is common.
It might seem like a waste to call your insurer, but it can save you money over the course of time. Talk to your agent to see if you can get an alternative car key that is covered by your policy.
If your policy covers roadside assistance, it is advisable to consider this. If you have roadside assistance, a person might be able to help you. This is less stressful than dealing with a dealer or locksmith.
Be sure to thoroughly search your car before you contact your insurance company. If you believe they are in the car, check 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. Double-check any places you may have left them. For instance, in your purse or an unorganized office.
Call your dealer to replace the keys once you've tried to locate them. This isn't an issue, and it's cheaper than calling a locksmith or going to the insurance company.
While you're at the dealership it is possible to inquire whether you can have a spare key made, especially in the event that you don't have a key fob. The dealership will usually be able to duplicate an extra key for you without having to change anything else in your car. If you choose to do this, be sure you keep the spare key in a secure and safe place so that you can locate it the 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 someone drives your car on public streets or private property without permission, the individual could be penalized. If you report your keys lost prior to the person making off with your car, you'll know that there's a legal paper trace of when it went missing and who reported it.
Losing car keys is a common occurrence however it doesn't have to be to be a major issue. You can obtain a replacement car key quickly and easily if you make contact with the right people. You can even prevent future key misplacements if you follow the tips that are provided in this article.
Then, try retracing helpful site . This will give you a good idea of where your keys might be and will help you remember what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work, then stopped at a restaurant to purchase food You may recall that keys were in your pockets when you left your vehicle. If you are unable to locate the key, it may be in the bag you used to carry things around or on the table at which you sat down for dinner.
Another option is to share your primary loss online. This will reach a wide audience and increase the chances of finding it. You can also inquire with local businesses and other community bulletin boards.
It's important that you write down the VIN of your car before you begin searching for your keys. This information is needed to replace your keys, so it's important to keep it secure. You'll usually find the VIN on your driver's licence, but it may also appear on your insurance card or in the owner's manual of your car.
If you've exhausted all other options then it's time to call the police. They'll be able to provide you with a temporary replacement for your car and can file a report that will be useful should the keys ever be discovered.