How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose car keys. In the past, it wasn't a big issue, but it's becoming more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.
Keys can be lost when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pocket to find something other. A spare key in the house will help you avoid these situations.
1. Contact for a locksmith
There's no doubt that losing your car keys could be a major hassle. But, there's also no need to panic. If you know what to do and who to call to get your car keys replaced will only take a couple of steps.
Try to go back the steps you made. This may sound like a straightforward step, but sometimes it can be difficult to do when you're in a hurry or you're already worried about the loss of keys to your car. Make sure you check all your pockets, bags, and the surrounding area around your vehicle.
Contact a locksmith if cannot locate your car keys. Locksmiths are typically capable of creating an entirely new key for your vehicle more quickly than the dealership. Plus, they can usually accomplish this for much less than what a dealership would charge you.
Some dealerships can create replacement keys, however they might not be able to do this immediately or at any point. There are many dealerships that have an abundance of customers, so they might not be able to help your request immediately. Additionally, they might not be able to make an exact copy of your key.
Another option is to buy a replacement car key online. They are available on Amazon and other sites for a lot less than what you would buy from a dealer, but they may not be able to cut them and program them for the specific model of car you have.
Some insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. Therefore, it's worth checking to see if you have coverage that would help cover the cost of obtaining a new key for your vehicle. Just remember that you will be required to provide proof of ownership and identification to the individual or company who creates the replacement key. This is legally required. It can be very expensive if you are not able to prove ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily find a replacement key from a dealership, and it didn't cost too much to do so. This is not the case anymore, as cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive. If you lose 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 should do is to act in a calm manner. This will allow you to think clearly and make the best choice about how to resolve the issue. It is also important to ensure that you have a backup set of keys in your pocket or in the trunk of your car in case you lose the original keys, you won't be out any money at all. Find out whether your insurance or warranty covers the cost of replacing a key. This can save you money in an emergency.
The next step is to conduct thorough searches of your car, home and your wallet or purse for keys that are missing. You could try to retrace your steps, remembering the last place you had keys and where you were when you lost them. This can help you figure the location of your lost items, which is a huge relief.
Once replace lost car key 've done a thorough search and can't find your car keys, the next option is to call your dealership. Dealerships are knowledgeable about your specific vehicle, so they're the best place to go for a new key. However, they're often busy and can't accommodate people on short notice, which could make the process frustrating.
If you are able to contact your dealer, they will be able create keys for you based on the VIN number that is recorded on their system. They can also modify your immobilizer, which is necessary to start your car. Locksmiths are a good option if you want a quick, reliable solution without having to wait in the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't too long ago that losing keys to cars was not a big issue. Locksmiths could come to your home and duplicate your keys for an affordable price. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so have keys, and they're now more expensive to replace than they were before.
Depending on your vehicle type and year the replacement of a lost key can be a long process and cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a good idea to keep an additional set of keys for your car in your pocket. This is particularly true if you live near an area that is prone to danger or a place with an extremely high rate of theft.
While it may feel like an unnecessary effort to contact your insurance company, it can save you money in the end. Contact your agent to see whether you can obtain an alternative car key that is that is covered by your policy.
If your insurance policy provides roadside assistance, you should also think about this. If it does, the company could send someone out to assist you with your situation which could be less stressful than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Before calling your insurance company, make sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you believe they are in the car, search under the trunk and under the seat. Examine the pockets of your clothes as well as other places where you may have been used to putting them. Double-check any places you may have left them. For instance, your purse or a cluttered office.
Call your dealer to replace the keys once you've attempted to find them. This is usually not a problem, and it's cheaper than calling an locksmith or calling the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to create a spare key for you, particularly if your car doesn't have an remote. The dealership will usually be able to duplicate an extra key for you without needing to alter anything else in your vehicle. If you do this make sure that you keep the key in a location that is secure and safe to ensure you can locate it again if you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Not only does reporting your lost car keys to police help you find the keys however, it can also help keep you safe from thieves. If a person drives your car on public roads or private property without permission, the individual could be penalized. You can protect yourself by registering your keys stolen before someone steals your car. This will leave a paper trail that reveals the time and date of the theft.
It's a common problem to lose your car keys, however it doesn't have to be a catastrophe. As long as you call the appropriate people, you'll be capable of obtaining the replacement key fast and quickly. If you follow the suggestions in this article, you'll be able to avoid any future key loss!
Take a step back. This will help you to recall where you may have lost your key. If you were driving to work and then stopped at a restaurant to take a bite, you may remember that your keys were in your pocket when you left your vehicle. If you can't locate your key, you could have put it in the bag that you carried around with things or on the table you ate at.
Posting your key online is a great idea. This will reach a large audience and increase your chances of finding it. You can also check local businesses and bulletin boards in the community.
Before you begin searching for your keys, be sure to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. You'll need this information to replace your keys, so it's important to keep it somewhere safe. 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 car.
Contact the police after you've exhausted all other options. They'll be able to provide you with a temporary replacement for your vehicle, and they can also make a report that could come in handy should the keys ever be discovered.