How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Losing car keys is a major headache. This wasn't a problem until the last few years but as cars get more technologically advanced, it's becoming more difficult.
You could lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table when you reach into your pocket to get something other. A spare key in your house will help you avoid these situations.
1. Call an expert locksmith
There's no denying that losing your car keys could be a huge inconvenience. However, there's no need to be in a panic. As long as you know who to contact and what to do you should only need to take just a few steps to have your keys replaced in your car.
You should try to retrace the steps you did. It may appear obvious but it's hard to do if you are in a hurry or already worried about losing your car keys. Be sure to inspect all bags and pockets to see in which you've put them down, and also the area around your car.
If you've been unable to locate your car keys, it's time to contact locksmith. Locksmiths are usually able to create an entirely new key for your vehicle faster than a dealership. Plus, they can usually accomplish this for much less than the dealership would charge you.
Some dealerships are able to make replacement keys, but they might not be able to do it immediately or at any time. There are many dealerships that receive an abundance of customers which means they may not be able to accommodate you immediately. They might not be able create an exact copy of your existing key.
You can also buy an online replacement key. These keys can be found on Amazon and other sites for a much lower price than what you would buy from a dealer. However, they may not be able to cut and program the keys to your specific car model.
Certain insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key. It's worth checking if you have coverage that would help cover the cost of getting a new key for your car. Just remember that you will have to prove ownership and proof of identity to the individual or company who creates the replacement key. This is required by the law. If you're unable to prove ownership, it can be very costly.
2. Call the Dealership
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not an issue. It was not expensive to purchase a new key from a dealer. This is not the case anymore, since cars are more sophisticated and keys are more expensive. If you lose your keys today it's not unusual to spend hundreds of dollars to get them replaced.
You must be calm if you have lost your car keys. This will help you think clearly and make the right decision about how to solve the problem. If you lose your original keys, you should keep a spare set of keys in your purse or car trunk. This will ensure that you are not in a financial bind. You should also check to see if the key replacement is covered by your warranty or car insurance which could help you save some cash in the event of a need.
Then, look in your vehicle, your home and purse, or your wallet for missing keys. You may try to retrace your steps, recollecting the last place you had them and where you were when you lost them. This can help you figure the location of your lost items, which is a huge relief.
Call your dealership if you haven't found your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships know your vehicle and can give you a replacement key. They're often busy and can't accommodate people who have a short notice. This could make the process difficult.
If you are able to get a hold of your dealership, they'll be able to create a new key for you based on the VIN number that is on the file. They can also modify your immobilizer system which is required to start your vehicle. Locksmiths are a great option when you need a quick, reliable solution without having to wait in the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys to your car was not a major issue. You could get an locksmith to come to your location and duplicate your key for a reasonable price. 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 for replacing a lost car key can require several steps and can cost you hundreds of dollars. It's an excellent idea to keep an extra set of keys on the go, especially if reside in a neighborhood that is dangerous or in a location where theft is common.
While it might seem like an unnecessary effort to call your insurance company, it can save you money in the long run. Talk to your agent to see whether you are able to get a replacement car key that is covered by your policy.
Another thing to consider is whether your insurance policy offers roadside assistance. If it does, the service could send someone out to help you with your situation which could be less stressful than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Make sure you thoroughly search your vehicle before you call your insurance company. If you believe they are in the car, check inside the trunk and beneath the seat. Examine the pockets of your clothes as well as other places where you may have been accustomed to putting them. Also, double-check the areas where you might have left them, like your purse or a cluttered desk.
Once you've done your best to locate your keys to your car It's recommended to contact your dealer to have them replaced. lost my car keys what do i do is usually not an issue, and it's cheaper than calling an locksmith or calling the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to create a spare key for you, particularly in the event that your car doesn't have a remote. Most of the time the dealership will be able to make a spare for you without altering anything else in your vehicle. If you do this, make sure you keep the key in a safe and secure location so that you can find it when you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Not only can the act of reporting lost car keys to police help you find them It also helps protect you from thieves. If a person drives your car on public roads or private property without permission, the driver could be penalized. You can help protect yourself by reporting keys stolen before someone steals your car. This leaves a trace on paper that shows when and who reported the theft.
It's a common problem to lose your car keys, but it does not have to be a catastrophe. As long as you call the right people, you'll in a position to obtain the replacement key fast and quickly. You can even prevent any future key loss by following the suggestions given in this article.
Follow your steps. This will help you recall where you may have lost your keys. For example, if you were driving home from work, and then went to get food at the restaurant, you may be able to recall keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you cannot find your key, you could have put it in the bag that you carried around with things or on the table you ate at.
Posting your lost key online is a good idea. This will reach a large audience and increase the chances of finding it. You can also search local businesses and community bulletin boards.
It's crucial to write down the VIN of your vehicle prior to when you begin looking for your keys. This information is needed to replace your keys, which is why it's important to keep it safe. You can usually find the VIN on your driver's license, however it's also sometimes printed on your insurance card or in the owner's manual of your car.
After you've exhausted all other options then it's time to call the police. They'll be capable of providing you with a temporary replacement for your vehicle and also file a report that will help should the keys ever be discovered.