How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. It was not a problem until the last few years, but as cars become more technologically advanced, it's becoming more difficult.
Keys can be lost when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pocket to grab something other. Having an extra key in your house can help you avoid such situations.
1. Call a Locksmith
Losing your car keys is an enormous inconvenience. However, there's no need to panic. If you know what to do and who to call, getting your car keys replaced should just take a couple of steps.
One of the first things to do is go back to where you started. It might seem obvious however it can be difficult to accomplish if you are in a hurry or already worried about losing your car keys. Check all your pockets, bags, and the area around your vehicle.
If you've been unable to find your car keys, you need to call a locksmith. Locksmiths can usually make keys for your vehicle quicker than an auto dealer. They can also do it for less than the dealership will cost.
Some dealers are able to make replacement keys, but they might not be able to do this immediately or at any point. They often have a very large number of customers therefore they might not be able to accommodate immediately. They may not also be able to make an exact copy of your existing key.
You can also purchase an online replacement key. You can find these on Amazon and other sites for much cheaper than the price you purchase from a dealer but they may not be able to cut and program them to the specific model of car you have.
Certain insurance policies also provide coverage for the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. It is worth examining your insurance policy to determine if it will cover the cost of a replacement car key. Be aware that you'll need prove ownership to the person or company who makes the replacement key. This is required by law. It can be very expensive if you are not able to prove ownership.
2. Call the Dealership
A few years ago losing - or losing - your car keys was not a huge deal. It wasn't too expensive to buy new keys from the dealer. However, with cars getting more technologically advanced - and the keys getting more expensive to replace it's not as simple as it used to be. If you lose your keys today, it's not uncommon to pay hundreds of dollars to have them replaced.
You must be calm in the event that you've lost your car keys. This will help you think clearly and make a good decision. 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, in case you lose the originals and you lose them, you won't lose any money. Make sure to check whether your insurance or warranty covers the cost of a replacement key. This can save you money in the event of a crisis.
The next step is to conduct a thorough search of your home, car and your purse or wallet for the missing keys. You can try to trace your steps, keeping track of where you last had keys and where you were when you lost them. This can help you find out where they are which is a great relief.
Contact your dealer if haven't found your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are aware of the vehicle they are servicing and can supply you with a replacement key. However, replacing lost car keys and cannot accommodate people at short notice, which can make the process difficult.
If you can contact the dealership you're dealing with they'll be able create an entirely new key for you in accordance with the VIN number on the file. They can also reprogram your immobilizer system which is required to start your car. If you're looking for an immediate, reliable solution that doesn't require waiting at the dealership, a locksmith may be a better choice.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't too long ago that losing your keys to your car was not a major issue. A locksmith could visit your home and duplicate your keys for an affordable cost. As cars have become technologically advanced, the keys have also become more expensive.
Depending on your vehicle type and year, replacing a lost key can be a long 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 true in the case of an area that is prone to danger or an area that has an abundance 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 whether you can obtain a replacement car key 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 a less stressful option than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Be sure to thoroughly search your car before you call your insurance company. If you believe they're in the car, look in the trunk and under the seat. If you're at home, check the pockets of the clothes you were wearing as well as in other places where you may have a habit of placing them. Double-check any places you may have left them. For example, your purse or a cluttered office.
After you've tried to locate your car keys, it's recommended to contact your dealer to have them replaced. Usually this shouldn't be a problem and it is much less expensive than hiring a locksmith or working through an insurance company.
While you're at the dealer, you might want to inquire whether you can have a spare key made, especially if you don't have an actual key fob. The dealership will usually be able to duplicate an extra key for you, without having to change any other part of your car. If you decide to do this, make sure to keep the key in a place that is secure and safe so you can find it again if you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Not only can the act of reporting lost car keys to police help you locate them It also helps protect you from thieves. If someone takes your vehicle without permission, they could be subject to fines if they drive it on streets in the city or private property. If you report your keys missing prior to the person making off with your car, you'll know that there's a legal paper trail of when it was missing and who reported it.
It's common to lose your car keys, but it does not have 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 the possibility of losing keys in the future if you follow the tips provided in this article.
First, try to retrace your steps. This will give you a clear idea of where your keys might have gone missing and can help you remember what you were doing at the time. For example, if you were returning home from work and then went out to eat at the restaurant, you may 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 that you carried around with things or on the table you dined at.
Another option is to publish your most important loss online. This will increase your chances of finding the culprit by reaching a wider audience. You can also check local businesses and bulletin boards for community groups.
Before lost car key replacement begin looking for your keys, be sure to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is required to replace your keys, which is why it's important to keep it secure. The VIN is usually found on your driver's licence, but can also be found on your insurance card or in your car's owner's guide.
Call the police once you've exhausted all other options. They'll be capable of providing you with an interim replacement for your vehicle, and they can also prepare a police report that could help should the keys ever be discovered.