How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose car keys. This was not a problem until recently but as cars get more technologically advanced, it's becoming more difficult.
Sometimes, keys are lost because you've reached into your pockets for something else and have accidentally knocked them off somewhere. You can avoid this by keeping an extra key at home.
1. Contact a locksmith
The loss of your car keys can be a major inconvenience. However, there's no need to be in a panic. If you know who to contact and what you should do, it should only take only a few steps to get your keys to your car replaced.
Try to go back the steps you did. This may seem simple but it's hard to do if you are in a hurry or already concerned about losing your car keys. Make sure you check all your pockets, bags, and the surrounding area around your vehicle.
Contact a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your car keys. Locksmiths are typically capable of creating a new key for your car much more quickly than the dealership. In addition, they will usually accomplish this for much less than what a dealership would charge you.
Some dealerships are able to create replacement car keys as well, but they may not be able do it immediately or even at all. They typically have a large number of customers therefore they might not be able to accommodate you right away. Additionally, they might not be able create an exact duplicate of your key.
You can also purchase a replacement key online. The keys are available on Amazon and elsewhere at a lower cost than you'd purchase from a dealer. However, they might not have the ability to cut and program the keys to your specific car model.
Certain insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a stolen or lost vehicle key. So, it's always worthwhile to check whether you have coverage that would help cover the cost of purchasing an additional key for your car. Remember that you'll need to provide proof of ownership to the person or company who makes the replacement key. This is legally required. It can be very costly if you are unable to prove ownership.
2. Call the Dealership
In the past losing - or losing - your car keys was not an issue. It wasn't too expensive to buy new keys from the dealer. However, this is no longer the case because cars are more modern and keys are more expensive. It's not unusual to pay hundreds of dollars for a new set of keys when you lose them.
If you've lost your car keys, the first thing you need to do is be calm. This will allow you to think clearly and make an informed decision. You should also make sure that you have a backup set of keys in your pocket or in the trunk of your car so that if you do lose the originals and you lose them, you won't lose any money at all. You should also check to determine if the replacement is covered under your warranty or insurance for your car, which can assist you in saving money in a crisis.
The next step is to do thorough searches of your home, car and wallet or purse for the missing keys. You could also retrace the steps you followed, and remember the last time you had your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This may be able to help you determine where they ended up and can be an enormous relief.
Contact your dealer if you haven't found your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are knowledgeable about your specific vehicle, so they're the best option for a replacement key. They're usually busy and are not able to accommodate customers who have a short notice. This could make the process difficult.
If you can contact your dealer, they will be able to create keys for you based on the VIN number that is stored on their system. They can also reprogram your immobilizer system which is required to start your vehicle. If you're looking for an immediate, reliable solution that doesn't require waiting in the dealership, a locksmith might be the best option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to your car was not a major issue. A locksmith could come to your home and duplicate your keys at an affordable price. As cars have become technologically advanced, keys have also become more expensive.
Depending on the kind of vehicle and the year the process of replacing keys for a car that have been lost can take several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars. That's why it's always a good idea to have an extra set of keys on your side, especially if you reside in a neighborhood that is dangerous or a place where theft is a common occurrence.
It may seem like a waste of time to contact your insurance company but it can actually save you money in the long run. Check with your agent to determine whether you can obtain an alternative car key that is that is covered by your policy.
If your policy covers roadside assistance, it is advisable to consider this. If you have roadside assistance, someone might be able to help you. This is less stressful than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Before you call your insurance company, be sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you believe they're in the car, check the trunk and under the seat. Check the pockets of your clothing and other places you might have been accustomed to putting them. Double-check any places you may have left them. For example, your purse or a cluttered office.
Call your dealer to replace the keys once you've tried to find them. This is usually not an issue, and it's cheaper than calling a locksmith or visiting the insurance company.
When you visit the dealership you may want to inquire whether you can have a spare key made, particularly in the event that you don't have a key fob. The dealership will usually be able to duplicate an additional key for you without having to alter anything else in your vehicle. If you do this, make sure to keep the key in a safe and secure place to locate it the when you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Reporting lost car keys can help you find the keys and keep you safe. If someone drives your car on public roads or private property without permission, the individual could be charged with a fine. If you report your keys missing before the person gets away with your vehicle, you'll know that you have an official paper trace of when it went missing and who reported it.
It's common to lose keys to your car, but it does not need to be a disaster. You can replace your car key quickly and easily if call the right people. If you follow the guidelines in this article, you'll be able to avoid the possibility of losing your key again!
Try to trace your steps. This will allow you to recall where you might have lost your keys. For instance, if were returning home from work and then went out to eat at an eatery, you might be able to recall keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you can't locate your key, you could have put it in the bag you used to carry around things or on the table you dined at.
Another option is to publish your most important loss online. redirected here increases the chances of locating the key by reaching a larger audience. You can also look up local businesses and bulletin boards in the community.
It is essential to write down the VIN of your vehicle before you begin searching for your keys. You'll require this information to replace your keys, so it's important to keep it somewhere safe. The VIN is typically located on your driver's license, but can also be found on your insurance card and 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 a temporary replacement for your vehicle and can make a report that could come in handy should the keys ever be discovered.