How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. In the past, this wasn't a huge deal but it's getting more complicated as cars become technologically advanced.
You can lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table when you reach into your pocket to get something else. You can avoid this by keeping a spare key at home.
1. Call an expert locksmith
There's no doubt that losing your car keys could be a huge inconvenience. But, there's no need to panic. If you know what to do and who to call to get your car keys replaced will be a matter of a few steps.
Try to go back the steps you made. This may sound like an obvious step but it isn't easy to do when you're in a hurry or are already panicking over the loss of keys to your car. Examine all pockets, bags and the space around your vehicle.
If you've been unable to find your car keys, you need to call locksmith. Locksmiths can usually make a key for your car quicker than an auto dealer. They can also do it for cheaper than a dealership would charge.
Some dealerships are able to create replacement keys, but may not be able to do this in the immediate future or at any time. There are many dealerships that receive many customers and therefore may not be able to accommodate you right away. lost keys may not also be able to make an exact copy of your existing key.
keys lost can also buy a replacement key online. The keys are available on Amazon and elsewhere for a much lower price than you'd pay the dealer. However, they may not have the ability to cut and program the keys to your specific car model.
Certain insurance policies will cover the cost to replace the vehicle's lost or stolen key. It's worth checking your insurance policy to see whether it covers the cost of a replacement car key. Be aware that you'll need prove ownership to the person or company who creates the replacement key. This is required by law. It can be very costly if you are unable to provide proof of ownership.
2. Call the Dealership
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys wasn't an issue. It wasn't too expensive to buy an alternative key from a dealer. This is no longer the case since cars are more sophisticated and keys are more expensive. It's not uncommon to pay several hundred dollars for a brand new set of keys in the event that you lose them today.
If you've lost your car keys first thing you should do is to act in a calm manner. This will allow you to think clearly and make the right choice about how to resolve the problem. If you lose your original keys, you should keep an extra set of keys in your purse or in your car trunk. This will ensure that you are not out of money. Check to see whether your insurance or warranty covers the cost of replacing a key. This could save you money in an emergency.
The next step is to conduct a thorough search of your home, car and wallet or purse for the missing keys. You can also go back through the steps you took, remembering when you last held your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This may be able to help you determine where they ended up, which can be an enormous relief.
Call your dealership if you haven't found your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are familiar with your specific vehicle, so they're the best option to get a replacement key. However, they're usually busy and aren't able to accommodate customers at short notice, which could make the process frustrating.
If you can get a hold of your dealership they'll be able to create a new key for you in accordance with the VIN number that is on file. They can also reprogram your immobilizer system, which is necessary to start your vehicle. However, if you're looking to find an efficient, quick solution that doesn't involve waiting at the dealership, a locksmith might be a better option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
In the past, misplacing your car keys wasn't an issue. Locksmiths could come to your home and duplicate your keys for an affordable cost. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so have keys, and now they're more expensive to replace than ever before.
Depending on the type of vehicle and the year the process of replacing keys for a car that have been lost can take a few steps and can cost you hundreds of dollars. This is why it's recommended to keep an additional set of keys on hand, especially if you live in a dangerous neighborhood or a place where theft is commonplace.
It might seem like a waste of time to call your insurer however it could save you money in the long run. Certain policies will cover the cost of replacing a car key, so make sure to inquire with your insurance company before you lose one and you find yourself in need.
Another thing to think about is whether your insurance policy offers roadside assistance. If you have roadside assistance, a person may come to your aid. This is a less stressful option than dealing with a dealer or locksmith.
Be sure to thoroughly inspect your car prior to you call your insurance company. If you believe they're in the car, check under the trunk and under the seat. Examine the pockets of your clothing and other places where you have been used to putting them. Check any places where you might have left them. For instance, your purse or in a messy office.
Contact your dealer for replacement of the keys once you've tried to locate them. This is usually not an issue and is cheaper than calling an locksmith or calling the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to make an extra key for you, particularly when your car doesn't come with an remote. Your dealership can usually clone an additional key for you without needing to alter any other part of your car. If you do this, make sure you keep the key in an area that is safe and secure so you can find it if you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Not only can reporting your lost car keys to police help you find them It also helps protect you from thieves. If someone steals your vehicle without permission, they could be fined for driving it on streets in the city or on private property. You can help protect yourself by registering your keys stolen before someone steals your vehicle. This will leave a paper trail that shows who and when they reported the theft.
The loss of car keys is a common problem, but it doesn't have to be a major issue. You can obtain a replacement car key quickly and easily if you make contact with the right people. If you follow the guidelines in this article, you'll be able to avoid the possibility of losing your key again!
Then, try retracing your steps. This will allow you to recall where you might have lost your key. For instance, if you were driving home from work and then went to eat at the restaurant, you may be able to remember that keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you're unable to locate your keys, it could be in the bag you carried things around or on the table at which you sat down to eat.
Another option is to share your primary loss online. This will increase your chances of finding the culprit by bringing it to a wider audience. You can also look up local businesses and community bulletin boards.
Before you start looking for your keys, it's important to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. You'll need this information to replace your key It's crucial to keep it somewhere safe. The VIN is typically located on your driver's license but it's also on your insurance card as well as in your car's owner's guide.
Call the police once you've exhausted other options. You can get a temporary replacement car from the police department, and they'll also submit an investigation report that can be helpful if your keys are ever found.