How to Replace Lost Car Keys
The loss of car keys is a nightmare. It was not a problem until recently however, as cars become more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.
Sometimes, keys are lost due to the fact that you've reached into your pockets for something else and accidentally thrown them away somewhere. You can avoid this by keeping an extra key at home.
1. Call a Locksmith
Losing your car keys is an enormous inconvenience. There's no need to panic. As long as you know who to call and how to act it will only take just a few steps to have your keys replaced in your car.
Try to go back the steps you made. This may appear obvious however it can be hard to do if you are in a hurry or already worried about losing your car keys. Check all your pockets, bags and the space around your vehicle.
Contact a locksmith if are unable to locate your car keys. Typically, locksmiths will be capable of creating a new key for your vehicle much quicker than a dealership. They can also do it for much less than a dealership will charge.
Some dealerships can create replacement keys, but may not be able do it immediately or at any point. There are many dealerships with a high volume of clients and therefore may not be able accommodate you immediately. In addition, they might not be able create an exact copy of your key.
You can also purchase a replacement key online. These keys can be found on Amazon and elsewhere for a much lower price than you would purchase from an auto dealer. However, they may not have the ability to cut and program keys that are specific to your car model.
Some insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a stolen or lost vehicle key. Therefore, it's worth checking if you have coverage that will cover the cost of purchasing a new key for your car. Remember that you'll need to provide proof of ownership to the person or company who makes the replacement key. This is legally required. It could be expensive if you are not able to prove ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
In the past losing - or losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. It wasn't too expensive to buy new keys from a dealer. This is not the case anymore, because cars are more modern and keys are more expensive. If you have lost your keys today, it's not uncommon to spend hundreds of dollars to get them replaced.
If you've lost your car keys first thing you must do is be calm. This will help you think clearly and make an informed decision. It is also important to ensure that you have a backup set of keys somewhere, like in your pocket or the trunk of your car in case you lose the originals, you won't be out any money at all. It is also important to determine if the replacement is covered by your warranty or insurance for your car which could help you save some money in a crisis.
The next step is to do an exhaustive search of your car, home, and your purse or wallet to find the missing keys. You may try to trace your steps, remembering the last place you had them and the location you were in when you lost them. This can help you figure out where they are, which is a great relief.
Once you've done an exhaustive search but are unable to find your car keys, the next step is to contact your dealer. Dealerships are familiar with your vehicle and can give you keys to replace. However, they're typically full and cannot accommodate people at short notice, which could make the process difficult.
If you get in touch with the dealership, they'll be able to create keys for you based on the VIN number that is saved on their system. They can also reprogram the immobilizer system that is required to start your vehicle. But if you're looking for a fast, reliable solution that doesn't require waiting in the dealership, a locksmith might be the best option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't long ago that misplacing car keys was not a major issue. A locksmith could visit your home and duplicate your keys at an affordable price. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so have keys, and they're now more expensive to replace than they were before.
Depending on the type of vehicle and year the replacement of a lost key can be a long process and cost hundreds of dollars. That's why it's always a good idea to have an extra set of keys in the go, especially if reside in a dangerous area or an area where theft is commonplace.
Although it might seem like a waste of time to contact your insurance company, calling them can save you money in the end. Contact your agent to see if you can get an alternative car key that is covered by your policy.
If your policy covers roadside assistance, you should also consider this. If it does, the company could send someone out to assist you out of your situation which could 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 the car, look under the trunk and under the seat. If you're at home, look in the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places where you may be prone to putting them. Double-check any places you may have left them. For instance, your purse or an unorganized office.
Contact your dealer for replacement of the keys once you've tried to find them. Most of the time it won't be a problem and will cost less than hiring a locksmith or going through an insurance company.
Ask the dealer to create an extra key for you, especially if your car doesn't have an remote. The dealership will usually be able to duplicate an extra key for you without having to change anything else in your vehicle. If you do this make sure you keep the key in a location that is safe and secure to ensure you can locate it in the event that you lose it.
4. Call the police
Not only can the act of reporting lost car keys to the police help you locate them, but it also helps keep you safe from thieves. If someone drives your car on public streets or private property without permission, the individual could be penalized. You can safeguard yourself by reporting keys stolen prior to someone stealing your car. This will leave a paper trail that reveals the time and date of the theft.
The loss of car keys is a frequent occurrence however it doesn't have to be to be a disaster. If you contact the appropriate people, you'll be capable of obtaining the replacement key fast and quickly. If you follow the tips in this article, you'll even be able to prevent the possibility of losing your key again!
Take a step back. car keys lost will give you an idea of where your keys might have gone missing and can aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work and then stopped at a restaurant in order to take a bite You may recall that your keys were in your pockets when you left your vehicle. If you can't find your keys, it could be in the bag you used to carry things around or on the table at which you sat down to eat.
Another good idea is to share your primary loss online. This will increase your chances of locating the key by bringing it to a wider audience. You can also check with local businesses and other bulletin boards.
It's important that you write down the VIN of your vehicle before you begin searching 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 but it's also on your insurance card as well as 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 vehicle, and they can also prepare a police report that could help if the keys are ever found.