How to Replace Lost Car Keys
The loss of car keys is a major headache. It wasn't that long ago, it wasn't a big issue, but it's becoming more complicated as cars become technologically advanced.
You could lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table when you reach into your pocket to find something other. You can prevent this from happening by keeping a spare key in your home.
1. Contact a locksmith
Losing your car keys is a major inconvenience. There's no need to panic. If you know who to contact and what you should do it will only take just a few steps to have your car keys replaced.
Try to go back the steps you took. It might seem simple however it can be hard to do if you are in a hurry or already worried about losing your car keys. Be sure to inspect all pockets and bags in which you've put them down, and also the area around your car.
Call a locksmith if you cannot locate your car keys. Locksmiths are typically able to create keys for your car much more quickly than the dealership. They can even do it for less than the dealership would charge.
Some dealerships are able to create keys for replacement to cars however they might not be able to complete it for you in a hurry or even at all. There are many dealerships that receive many customers which means they may not be able to help your request immediately. They might not be able to make an exact copy of your current key.
You can also purchase a replacement key online. You can find these on Amazon and other places at a much lower cost than what you'd pay at a dealer, however, they might not be able to cut or program them for the specific model of car you have.
Certain insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a stolen or lost electric key car key. Therefore, it's worthwhile to check if you have coverage that will cover the cost of obtaining a new key for your car. Remember to show proof of ownership to the person or company who is responsible for creating the replacement key. This is required by law. It could be expensive if you are not able to provide proof of ownership.
2. Call the Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing your car key lost what to do keys wasn't an issue. You could easily get a replacement key at the dealership and it didn't cost much to get it done. However, with cars getting more advanced in technology - and the keys getting more expensive to replace It's not as easy as it was in the past. It's not uncommon to shell out 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 need to do is act calmly. This will allow you to think clearly and make an informed decision. It is also important to ensure that you have a backup set keys in your pocket or the trunk of your car, so that if you do lose the original keys and you lose them, you won't lose any money at all. It is also important to see if the key replacement is covered by your warranty or insurance for your car which could help you save some cash in the event of a need.
The next step is to search your car, your house and purse, or your wallet for keys that are missing. You can try to retrace your steps, keeping track of the last place you had them and where you were when you lost them. This could help you determine the location they went to and could be an immense relief.
Call your dealership if you haven't been able to find your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships know your vehicle and can give you keys to replace. However, they're often busy and can't accommodate people on short notice, which could make the process frustrating.
If you're able to contact your dealer they'll be able create an entirely new key for you based on the VIN number on the file. They can also modify your immobilizer system that is needed to start your car. However, if you're looking to find an immediate, reliable solution that doesn't require 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. A locksmith could come to your home and duplicate your keys for an affordable price. As cars have become more technologically advanced, the keys are also becoming more expensive.
Based on the type of car you drive and year the replacement of a lost the car key key can be a long process that can cost hundreds of dollars. This is why it's recommended to keep an additional set of keys on the go, especially if live in a dangerous neighborhood or an area where theft is common.
While it might seem like an unnecessary effort to contact your insurance company, it will save you money in the end. Contact your agent to see whether you are able to get a replacement car key that is covered by your policy.
If your policy provides roadside assistance, it is advisable to take into consideration this. If it does, the service might send someone out to help you with your situation, and that might be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or a dealership.
Be sure to thoroughly search your vehicle before you call your insurance provider. If you believe they're in the car, search inside the trunk and beneath the seat. Examine the pockets of your clothes as well as other places you might have gotten used to placing them. You should also check the areas you may have put them, such as in your purse or desk.
After you've tried to locate the car keys It's a good idea to call your dealer to have them replaced. In most cases this shouldn't be a problem and it will be much cheaper than hiring a locksmith, or going through the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to make a spare key for you, especially if your car doesn't have a remote. Usually the dealership will be able to make a spare for you without altering anything else in your car. If you do this, make sure to keep the key in a place that is safe and secure to ensure you can locate it if you lose it.
4. Call the police
Not only does reporting your lost car keys to police help you find the keys, but it also helps protect you from thieves. If someone drives your car on public streets or private property without permission, the person could be charged with a fine. If you report your keys missing before the person makes off with your vehicle, you'll be aware that you have an official paper trail of when the car 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 obtain a replacement car key quickly and easily if you call the right people. You can also prevent the possibility of losing keys in the future by following the suggestions given in this article.
Take a step back. This will allow you to recall where you might have lost car key how to replace your keys. If you were driving to work, then went to a restaurant to purchase food, you may remember that your keys were in your pockets as you left the vehicle. 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 dined at.
Posting your key online is another good idea. This will increase your chances of finding the culprit by reaching a wider audience. You can also inquire with local businesses and other bulletin boards.
Before you begin searching for your keys, you need to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is needed to replace your keys, which is why it's important to keep it secure. You'll 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 vehicle.
Once you've exhausted all other options and have exhausted all other options, it's time to contact the police. They'll be able to provide you with an interim replacement for your car and can make a report that could help if the keys are ever found.