How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. This was not a problem until recent times however, as cars become more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.
Most of the time, you lose your keys because you've reached inside your pocket to find something else and accidentally thrown them away somewhere. Having an extra key at home can help you avoid such situations.
1. Call a locksmith
The loss of your car keys can be an enormous inconvenience. But, there's no need to panic. As long as you know who to contact and how to act, it should only take only a few steps to get your keys to your car replaced.
One of the first things you have to do is retrace your steps. This may appear obvious but it's hard to do if you are in a rush or concerned about losing your car keys. Be replace lost car key to look in all of your bags and pockets to see where you might have set them down, as well as the surrounding area around your vehicle.
If you've been unable to find your car keys, it's time to contact locksmith. Locksmiths are typically able to create an entirely new key for your vehicle much more quickly than the dealership. Additionally, they are able to accomplish this for much less than what a dealership would charge you.
Some dealerships can create keys for cars that are replacements, but they may not be able to complete it for you in a hurry or even at all. They typically have a large number of customers so they may not be able to accommodate your request right away. They may not also be able create an exact copy of your current key.
You can also buy a replacement key online. You can find these on Amazon and other websites for much cheaper than the price you pay at a dealer, although they may not be able to cut or program them to your specific car model.
Certain insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key. Therefore, it's worth checking to see whether you have insurance that will cover the cost of obtaining the new key for your vehicle. Remember that you'll need to show proof of ownership to the person or business who is responsible for creating your replacement key. This is required by law. It can be extremely costly if you are unable to provide proof of ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
It wasn't too long ago that losing keys to your car was not an issue. It wasn't too expensive to buy new keys from the dealer. This is no longer the case because cars are more modern and keys are more expensive. It's not uncommon to shell out hundreds of dollars for a brand new set of keys if you lose them today.
You need to act calmly if you have lost your car keys. This will help you think clearly and make the right decision about how to solve the issue. Also, make sure that you have a backup set of keys somewhere else, such as in your pocket or in the trunk of your car in case you lose the original keys, you won't be out any money. You should also check to find out if the replacement key is covered by your warranty or car insurance which could help you save money in a crisis.
Then, look in your car, your home or your purse your wallet for keys missing. You can also go back through the steps you followed, and remember the last time you had your keys and where you were when you lost them. This can help you find the location of your lost items, which is a great relief.
Call your dealership if you haven't been able to find your keys after a thorough search. Dealerships are familiar with the specific car you have, so they're the best option for a new key. However, they're usually busy and can't accommodate people with short notice, which could cause the process to be frustrating.
If you can get in touch with your dealership, they will be able to create keys for you based on the VIN number that is stored on their system. They can also reprogram the immobilizer system that is required to start your vehicle. Locksmiths are a good option if you want a quick, reliable solution without having to wait at the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not a problem. You could contact a locksmith to travel to your location and duplicate your key for a reasonable price. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, the keys are also becoming more expensive.
Depending on your vehicle type and year, replacing a lost key can be a lengthy process and cost hundreds of dollars. This is why it's a good idea to have an extra set of keys on your side, especially if you reside in a dangerous area or a place where theft is a common occurrence.
It might seem like a waste to contact your insurance company however it could save you money over time. Check with your agent to see whether you can obtain a replacement car key that is covered by your policy.
Another thing to consider is whether your policy includes roadside assistance. If you have roadside assistance, someone may come to your aid. This is a much less stressful option than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Make sure you thoroughly search your car before you contact 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 you may have a habit of placing them. You should also double-check the areas where you might have left them, such as your purse or desk.
If you've managed to locate your 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.
While you're at the dealership you may want to ask about having a spare key made, especially in the event that you don't have an actual key fob. In most cases, your dealership can clone a spare for you without altering anything else in your vehicle. If you do this, make sure to keep the key in a secure and safe place to find it when you lose it.
4. Call the police
Not only will the act of reporting lost car keys to the police help you find keys however, it can also help keep you safe from thieves. If someone steals your vehicle without permission, they may be fined for driving it on streets in the city or on private property. If you report your keys lost before the person makes off with your vehicle, you'll be aware that there's a legal paper trail of when the car went missing and who reported it.
It's common to lose keys to your car, but it doesn't have to be a major issue. You can get a replacement car key quickly and easily if you make contact with the right people. If you follow the tips in this article, you'll even be able to avoid any future key loss!
Follow your steps. This will give you a clear idea of where your keys might be and can help you remember what you were doing at the time. For instance, if you were returning home from work and then went to eat at a restaurant, you might be able to remember that keys were in your pocket when you left the car. 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.
Posting your lost key online is a good idea. This will reach a wide audience and increase the chances of finding it. You can also search local businesses and bulletin boards for community groups.
Before you begin searching for your keys, it's important to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is required to replace your keys, which is why you should keep it in a safe place. The VIN is typically found on your driver's license, however, it can also be found on your insurance card as well as in your car's owner's manual.
If you've exhausted all other options then it's time to call the police. They'll be in a position to provide you with an interim replacement for your vehicle and also prepare a police report that could be useful should the keys ever be found.