How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose car keys. This was not an issue until the last few years however, as cars become more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.
Keys can be lost when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pockets to grab something other. Having an extra key in your house can help you avoid such situations.
1. Call an expert locksmith
The loss of your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. It's not a reason to panic. If you know what to do and who to contact, getting your car keys changed should be a matter of a few steps.
It is recommended to try retracing the steps you did. This might sound like an obvious step however it can be difficult to do when you're in a hurry or are already worried about the loss of your car keys. Make sure to check all of your pockets and bags where you might have set them down, and also the area around your car.
If you haven't been able to locate your car keys, it's time to call an locksmith. Locksmiths are usually capable of creating a new key for your vehicle 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 keys, however they might not be able to do so in the immediate future or at any time. There are many dealerships with a high volume of clients which means they may not be able to accommodate your request immediately. They may also not be able to make an exact copy of the existing key.
Another option is to buy an online replacement for your car key. They are available on Amazon and other sites for much cheaper than the price you buy from a dealer, however, they might not be able to cut or program them for the specific model of car you have.
Some insurance policies cover the cost to replace the vehicle's lost or stolen key. So, it's always worth checking to see if you have coverage that would help cover the cost of purchasing an additional key for your car. Be aware that you'll have to prove ownership and identification to the person or company who creates the replacement key. This is required by law. If you're not able to provide proof of ownership, it could be quite costly.
2. Contact the Dealership
Not too long ago losing - or losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. It wasn't expensive to get an alternative key from the dealer. However, with cars becoming more technologically advanced and keys becoming more expensive to replace - this isn't as easy as it was in the past. If you lose your keys today it's not unusual to spend hundreds of dollars to get them replaced.
If you've lost your car keys, the first thing you need to do is act calmly. This will help you think clearly and make the right decision. If you have lost your original keys, you should keep an extra set of keys in your pocket or car trunk. This will ensure that you're not in a financial bind. Make sure to check whether your warranty or insurance covers the cost of a replacement key. This can save you money in an emergency.
Next, search your car, your house, your purse, or your wallet for missing keys. You can try to retrace your steps, remembering where you last had keys and where you were when you lost them. This may be able to assist you in determining the location they went to, which can be a huge relief.
Call your dealership if you aren't able to locate your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are knowledgeable about your specific vehicle, so they're the best option for a new key. However, they're typically busy and can't accommodate people with short notice, which can cause the process to be frustrating.
If you are able to get in touch with your dealer, they will be able to make keys for you based on the VIN number that is recorded on their system. They can also modify the immobilizer system that is required to start your vehicle. However, if you're looking to find a fast, reliable solution that doesn't involve waiting in the dealership, a locksmith could be a better choice.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not so long ago losing your car keys wasn't an issue. A locksmith could come to your home and duplicate your keys for an affordable price. As cars have become technologically advanced, the keys have also become more expensive.
Based on the type of vehicle and the year The process for replacing a lost car key can require several steps and can cost you hundreds of dollars. It's always a smart idea to keep an extra set of car keys on hand. This is especially true if you live near an area that is prone to danger or an area that has a high rate of theft.
Source Webpage might seem like a waste to call your insurance provider however it could save you money over time. Contact your agent to determine whether you are able to get an alternative car key that is that is covered by your policy.
Another thing to consider is whether your insurance policy provides roadside assistance. If you have roadside assistance, someone may come to your aid. This is a less stressful option than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Be sure to thoroughly search your vehicle before you call your insurance company. If you think they're in the car, search inside the trunk and beneath the seat. Examine the pockets of your clothes as well as other places where you have been used to putting them. Double-check any places you may have left them. For instance, in your purse or a cluttered office.
Contact your dealer for replacement of the keys after you've tried to find them. Most of the time it won't be a problem and it will cost less than hiring a locksmith, or going through the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to create a spare key for you, specifically if your car doesn't have an remote. Most of the time you can have your dealership make the spare key for you without altering anything else in your vehicle. If you choose to do this, be sure you keep the spare key in a secure and safe place so that you can find it when you lose it.
4. Call the Police
Not only does the act of reporting lost car keys to police help you find them, but it also helps keep you safe from thieves. If someone drives your vehicle on public streets or on private property without permission, the individual may be fined. If you report the keys missing before the person gets away with your car, you'll know that there's a legal paper trail of when it was missing and who reported it.
Losing car keys is a frequent occurrence but it doesn't need to be a catastrophe. You can obtain a replacement car key quickly and easily if call the right people. You can also avoid future key misplacements by following the guidelines provided in this article.
Try to trace your steps. This will give you a clear idea of where the key might have gone missing, and it can also aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. For instance, if were returning home from work and then went out to eat at a restaurant, you might be able to recall that keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you cannot find your keys, you may have put it in the bag you used to carry around things or on the table you dined at.
Posting your key online is a great idea. This increases the chances of finding the culprit by bringing it to a wider audience. You can also look up local businesses and bulletin boards for community groups.
Before you begin looking for your keys, it's important to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is required to replace your keys, therefore you must keep it safe. You can usually find the VIN on your driver's license, but it can also be found on your insurance card or in the owner's manual for your vehicle.
After you've exhausted all other options then it's time to call the police. You can obtain a temporary replacement car from the police, and they'll also file an investigation report that can be helpful if your keys are ever found.