How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It’s a nightmare to lose your car keys. In the past, this was not a big issue, but it’s becoming more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.
You could lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pockets to get something else. You can avoid this by keeping a spare key in your home.
1. Contact an expert locksmith
It’s a fact that losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience. But, there’s no need to panic. If you know who to contact and what you should do, it should only take a few steps to get your keys replaced in your car.
Try to go back the steps you made. This might sound like a straightforward step, 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. Make sure you check all your pockets, bags and the space around your vehicle.
If you haven’t been able to find your car keys, it’s time to contact a locksmith. Locksmiths are typically capable of creating a new key for your vehicle faster than a dealership. Additionally, they are able to do it for a lot less than the dealership would charge you.
Some dealerships are able to create keys for cars that are replacements, but they may not be able to do it for you immediately or even at all. There are many dealerships that have a high volume of clients which means they may not be able to accommodate your request immediately. They might not be able create an exact copy of your existing key.
You can also buy an online replacement key. These keys can be found on Amazon and other sites at a lower cost than what 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 lost car key a lost or stolen vehicle key. It’s worth checking your insurance policy to see whether it will cover the cost of a replacement car key. Remember that you’ll be required to provide proof of ownership and proof of identity to the company or individual who creates the replacement key. This is required by law. It can be extremely costly if you are unable to prove ownership.
2. Call the Dealership
It wasn’t long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys wasn’t an issue. You could easily get keys replacements from the dealership, and it wasn’t too much to do so. This is no longer the case since cars are more sophisticated and keys are more expensive. It’s not uncommon to pay hundreds of dollars for a brand new set of keys when you lose them.
If you’ve lost your car keys first thing you should do is be calm. This will allow you to think clearly and make the best decision about how to solve the issue. If you have lost your original keys, you should have a spare set of keys in your pocket or car trunk. This will ensure that you’re not in a financial bind. It is also important to see if the key replacement is covered by your warranty or insurance for your car, which can assist you in saving money in the event of a financial crisis.
The next step is to do a thorough search of your home, car and your purse or wallet for the missing keys. You can also go back through the steps you took, recollecting when you last had your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This will help you figure the location of your lost items, which is a great relief.
Call your dealership if you haven’t been able to find your keys after a thorough search. Dealerships are familiar with the vehicle they are servicing and can supply you with a replacement key. However, they’re usually busy and can’t accommodate people at short notice, which can cause the process to be frustrating.
If you can get a hold of the dealership you’re dealing with they’ll be able create an entirely new key for you in accordance with the VIN number on file. They can also modify your immobilizer which is required to start your vehicle. However, if you’re looking to find an efficient, quick solution that doesn’t require waiting at the dealership, a locksmith may be the best option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago the time when you lost your car keys was not an issue. A locksmith could visit your home and duplicate your keys for an affordable cost. However, 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 kind of vehicle and year the process of replacing keys for a car that have been lost can take several steps and can cost you hundreds of dollars. It’s recommended to keep an extra set of keys in hand, especially if you reside in a dangerous area or an area where theft is a common occurrence.
Although it might seem like an unnecessary effort to call your insurance company, calling them could save you money in the end. Certain policies will cover the cost of replacing a car key, so be sure to inquire with your insurance provider prior to losing a key and you find yourself in need.
Another thing to think about is whether your insurance policy provides roadside assistance. If it does, the company might send someone out to help you out of your situation which could be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or dealership.
Before you call your insurance company, make sure to search thoroughly for your keys. If you believe they’re in the car, check the trunk and under the seat. If you’re at home, look in the pockets of the clothes you were wearing as well as in other places where you may have a habit of placing them. You should also double-check the areas where you might have left them, like your purse or a desk that is cluttered.
Once you’ve done your best to find the keys to your car it’s recommended to contact your dealer to get them replaced. This isn’t a problem, and it’s cheaper than calling a locksmith or visiting the insurance company.
When you visit the dealership you may want to inquire about having a spare key made, especially if you don’t have an actual key fob. The dealership is usually able to create an extra key for you, without having to change anything else in your vehicle. If you choose to do this, be sure you keep the spare key in a safe and secure place to find it next time you lose it.
4. Call the Police
Notifying your car keys that you lost can help you find them and keep you safe. If someone steals your car without permission, they may be fined if they drive it on streets in the city or on private property. You can protect yourself by reporting keys stolen prior to someone stealing your vehicle. This will leave a trail of paper that reveals the time and date of the theft.
Losing car keys is a common problem but it doesn’t need to be a major issue. You can replace your car key quickly and easily if call the right people. If you follow the guidelines in this article, replacements you’ll be able to prevent future key misplacements!
Retrace your steps. This will allow you to recall where you might have lost your keys. If you were driving to work, then stopped at a restaurant to take a bite You may recall that keys were in your pocket as you left the vehicle. If you’re unable to locate the key, replacements it may be in the bag you used to carry things around or on the table at which you sat down for dinner.
Another option is to post your key loss online. This will reach a wide audience and increase the likelihood of finding it. You can also look up local businesses and bulletin boards for community groups.
Before you begin searching for your keys, it’s important to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is needed to replace your keys, so it’s important to keep it secure. You can usually find the VIN on your driver’s license, however it may also appear on your insurance card or in the owner’s manual of your car.
After 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 temporary replacements for your vehicle, and they can also make a report that could help in the event that keys are discovered.