A StepByStep Guide To Lost Car Keys From Start To Finish
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
The loss of car keys is a nightmare. In the past, this wasn't a huge 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 get something other. Having an extra key in your house can help you avoid such situations.
1. Contact a locksmith
There's no denying that losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience. But, there's also no need to panic. If you know what to do and who to call to get your car keys replaced should only take a couple of steps.
One of the first things to do is go back to where you started. This might sound like a simple task, but sometimes it isn't easy to do when you're in a hurry or you're already worried about the loss of keys to your car. Be sure to inspect all bags and pockets to see where you might have set them down, and also the surrounding area around your vehicle.
Contact a locksmith in case you cannot locate your car keys. Typically, locksmiths will be capable of creating an entirely new key for your car much more quickly than the dealership. They can even do it for less than a dealership would charge.
Some dealerships can make replacement keys, but they might not be able to do so in the immediate future or at any time. There are many dealerships that receive many customers which means they may not be able to accommodate your request immediately. In addition, they might not be able create an exact replica of your current key.
Another option is to buy a replacement car key online. You can find these on Amazon and other websites at a much lower cost than what you would pay at a dealer, although they may not be able to cut them and program them for the specific model of car you have.
Some insurance policies also provide coverage for the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. It's worth checking if you have coverage that would help cover the cost of getting an additional key for your car. Remember to prove ownership to the person or business who makes your replacement key. This is required by law. It can be very expensive if you're not able to provide proof of ownership.
2. Call the Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. It wasn't expensive to get new keys from a dealer. However, with cars getting more advanced in technology and keys becoming more expensive to replace it's not as simple as it used to be. If you lose your keys today, it's not uncommon to pay hundreds of dollars to have them replaced.
You must be calm in the event that you've lost your car keys. This will allow you to think clearly and make the right decision about how to solve the issue. If you have lost your original keys, you should keep a spare set of keys in your purse or car trunk. This will ensure that you're not in financial trouble. Check to see whether lost vehicle keys or insurance covers the cost of a replacement key. This can help you save money in the event of an emergency.
Then, look in your car, your house, your purse, or your wallet for keys that are missing. You could also retrace the steps you took, remembering the last time you had your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This might help you figure out where they went, which can be an enormous relief.
Once you've done an exhaustive search but can't locate your car keys, the next option is to contact your dealership. Dealerships are familiar with your specific vehicle, so they're the best place to go for a new key. However, they're often busy and aren't able to accommodate customers on short notice, which could make the process difficult.
If you can get a hold of your dealer they'll be able to create a new key for you based on the VIN number on file. They can also reprogram the immobilizer device that's required to start your vehicle. If you're looking for an efficient, quick solution that doesn't involve waiting at the dealership, a locksmith might be a better choice.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago, misplacing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could get a locksmith to drive to your place of residence and duplicate your keys for a reasonable fee. As cars have become more technologically advanced, keys have also become more expensive.
Depending on the type of vehicle and year The process for replacing keys for a car that have been lost can require several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars. It's always a good idea to keep an extra set of car keys on hand. This is especially true when you live in an area that is prone to danger or an area with an abundance of theft.
It may seem like a waste to call your insurance provider but it can actually save you money over time. Contact your agent to determine if you can get a replacement car key insured by your policy.
If your policy provides roadside assistance, it is advisable to take into consideration this. If you have roadside assistance, someone could come to your aid. This is less stressful than dealing with a dealer or locksmith.
Before calling your insurance company, make sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you believe they're in the car, look under the trunk and under the seat. Check the pockets of your clothes and other places where you have gotten used to placing them. Double-check any places you may have left them. For instance, your purse or an unorganized office.
Contact your dealer to replace the keys once you've tried to find them. This is usually not an issue, and it's cheaper than calling a locksmith or visiting the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to create an extra key for you, particularly when your car doesn't come with a remote. The dealership is usually able to create an extra key for you without having to change anything else in your car. If you do this, make sure to keep the key in a secure and safe location so that you can locate it the next time you lose it.
4. Call the Police
Notifying your car keys that you lost will help you locate them and ensure your safety. If someone drives your car on public streets or on private property without permission, the person may be fined. You can safeguard yourself by reporting keys stolen before someone else steals your vehicle. This will leave a trail of paper that will show who and when they reported the theft.
Car keys are lost is a common occurrence but it doesn't need to be a catastrophe. You can replace your car key quickly and easily if call the right people. If you follow the tips in this article, you'll even be able to avoid future key misplacements!
Retrace your steps. This will help you to recall where you may have lost your key. For example, if you were returning home from work and then went out to eat at a restaurant, you might be able to remember that keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you are unable to locate your key, it might be in the bag you used to carry things around or on the table at which you sat down to eat.
Posting your lost key online is another good idea. This increases the chances of locating the key by reaching a larger audience. You can also contact local businesses as well as 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 key therefore it's essential to keep it safe. The VIN is typically found on your driver's license, however, it can also be found on your insurance card and in your car's owner's guide.
Once you've exhausted all other options then it's time to call the police. You can get an emergency replacement car from the police department, and they'll also file a report which is useful if your keys are ever recovered.