What Lost Car Keys Experts Want You To Know
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. It wasn't that long ago, this wasn't a huge issue, but it's becoming more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.
You could lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pocket to grab something other. You can avoid this by keeping a spare key in your home.
1. Call a Locksmith
It's a fact that losing your car keys can be a major hassle. But, there's no need to panic. As long as you know who to call and what you should do, it should only take just a few steps to have your car keys replaced.
One of the first things to do is retrace your steps. It might seem obvious but it's difficult to accomplish if you are in a hurry or already concerned about losing your car keys. Examine all pockets, bags and the surrounding area around your vehicle.
If you've been unable to find your car keys, it's time to contact an locksmith. Locksmiths can usually create keys for your car faster than a dealership. They can even do it for less than a dealership will cost.
Some dealers are able to create replacement keys, but may not be able to do this immediately or at any point. There are many dealerships that have many customers which means they may not be able to accommodate you right away. They may not also be able create an exact copy of your existing key.
You can also buy a replacement key online. Going On this page are available on Amazon and other places at a much lower cost than what you'd purchase from a dealer however, they might not be able to cut and program them to the specific model of car you have.
Some insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key. Therefore, it's worth checking whether you have insurance that will cover the cost of obtaining the new key for your vehicle. Remember that you'll have to prove ownership and proof of identity to the individual or company who creates the replacement key. This is required by law. It can be very expensive if you are not able to provide proof of ownership.
2. Contact replace lost car key wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not an issue. It was not expensive to purchase new keys from a dealer. This is not the case anymore, since cars are more sophisticated and keys are more expensive. If you have lost your keys today, it's not uncommon to spend several hundred dollars to have them replaced.
It is important to be calm in the event that you've lost your car keys. This will allow you to think clearly and make a good decision. If you lose your original keys, you should have an extra set of keys in your pocket or in your car trunk. This will ensure that you're not out of money. Also, find out if the replacement key is covered under your warranty or car insurance which could help you save money in a crisis.
The next step is to do a thorough search of your home, vehicle, and your purse or wallet to find keys that have gone missing. You could try to trace your steps, remembering the last place you had them and where you were when you lost them. This can help you figure out where they are, which is a relief.
After you've conducted an exhaustive search but are unable to locate your car keys, the next option is to call your dealership. Dealerships are familiar with the vehicle they are servicing and can supply you with keys to replace. They are often busy and are not able to accommodate customers with short notice. This can make the process frustrating.
If you can get in touch with your dealer, they will be able to create a key for you using the VIN number that is stored on their system. They can also reprogram the immobilizer device that is required to start your car. Locksmiths are a good option if you want a quick and reliable solution that doesn't require you to wait in the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not so long ago, misplacing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could call a locksmith to travel to your location and duplicate your key at a reasonable cost. As cars have become technologically advanced, the keys have also become more expensive.
Depending on the type of vehicle and year the replacement of a lost key could be a lengthy procedure that could cost hundreds of dollars. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra set of keys in hand, especially if you reside in a dangerous area or a place where theft is a common occurrence.
Although it might seem like it's a waste of time to contact your insurance company, it could save you money in the long run. Check with your agent to determine if you can get a replacement car key covered by your policy.
If your policy covers roadside assistance, you should take into consideration this. If it does, the insurance company might send someone out to assist you out of your situation, and that might be less stressful than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Before you call your insurance company, make sure to search thoroughly for your keys. If you think they're in your car, check the trunk and under the seat. Check the pockets of your clothes and other places where you may have been accustomed to putting them. You should also double-check the areas where you might have put them, like your purse or desk.
After you've tried to find the keys to your car, it's recommended to contact your dealership to have them replaced. Usually it won't be a problem and it will cost less than hiring a locksmith or going through the insurance company.
When you visit the dealership it is possible to ask about having a spare key made, particularly if you don't have an actual key fob. The dealership is usually able to create an additional 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 that you can retrieve it in the event that you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Reporting your lost car keys can help you locate the keys and keep you safe. If a person drives your car on public streets or private property without permission, the person may be fined. You can help protect yourself by registering your keys stolen prior to someone stealing your vehicle. This will leave a trail of paper that shows who and when they reported the theft.
It's common to lose keys to your car, but it doesn't have to be a major issue. If you contact the right people, you'll capable of obtaining a replacement key quickly and easily. You can also prevent the possibility of losing keys in the future by following the guidelines provided in this article.
Try to trace your steps. This will allow you to recall where you may have lost your keys. For instance, if were driving home from work and then went 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 might have put it in the bag that you used to carry around things or on the table you ate at.
Another good idea 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 inquire with local businesses and other community bulletin boards.
It's crucial to note down the VIN of your vehicle before you begin looking for your keys. You'll need this information to replace your keys, so it's important to keep it in a safe place. You can usually find the VIN on your driver's licence, but it's also sometimes printed on your insurance card or in the owner's manual of your car.
Contact the police after you've exhausted your other options. You can get an emergency replacement car from the police, and they'll also submit reports that are useful if your keys are ever recovered.