How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. This was not an issue until the last few years however, as cars become more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.
Sometimes, keys are lost because you've reached into your pocket to find something else and have accidentally knocked them off somewhere. You can prevent this from happening by keeping an extra key at home.
1. Contact for a locksmith
There's no doubt that losing your car keys could be a huge hassle. But, there's no need to be in a panic. As long as you know who to call and what to do it will only take a few steps to get your keys to your car replaced.
You should try to retrace the steps you made. This may seem like a simple task but it isn't easy to do when you're in a rush or are already panicking over the loss of keys to your car. Make sure to check all of your bags and pockets to see where you might have set them down, as well as the space around your car.
If you're unable to find your car keys, you need to contact an locksmith. Typically, locksmiths will be in a position to make a new key for your car much more quickly than a dealership. They can also do it for cheaper than a dealership would charge.
Some dealerships are able to create keys for cars that are replacements however they might not be able to complete it in a hurry or even at all. There are many dealerships with many customers and therefore may not be able accommodate your request immediately. Additionally, they might not be able create an exact copy of your key.
Another option is to purchase a replacement car key online. They are available on Amazon and other sites for much cheaper than you'd buy from a dealer, although they may not be able to cut or program them for your specific model of car.
Certain insurance policies also provide coverage for the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. It's a good idea to check your insurance policy to see whether it covers the cost of replacing a car key. Just remember that you will be required to provide proof of ownership and identification to the person or company who makes the replacement key. This is legally required. It can be very costly if you are unable to prove ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
In the past the possibility of misplacing or losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could easily find keys replacements from a dealership, and it didn't cost too much to do it. This is no longer the case, because cars are more modern and keys are more expensive. It's not uncommon to pay hundreds of dollars for a brand new set of keys in the event that you lose them today.
If you've lost your car keys, the first thing you should do is be calm. This will help you think clearly and make the right decision. If you lose your original keys, you should have a spare set of keys in your pocket or in your car trunk. car key lost no spare will ensure you're not out of money. It is also important to see if the key replacement is covered by your warranty or insurance for your car and can help you save some money in the event of a financial crisis.
The next step is to search your car, your house and purse, or your wallet for keys that are missing. You can also go back through the steps you followed, and remember when you last had your keys and where you were when you lost them. This may be able to help you figure out the location they went to, which can be an enormous relief.
If you've completed an exhaustive search but are unable to locate your car keys, the next option is to call your dealership. Dealerships know your vehicle and can provide you with an alternative key. They are often busy and are not able to accommodate customers with short notice. This can cause the process to be difficult.
If you are able to contact your dealership they'll be able create an original key for you in accordance with the VIN number on the file. They can also modify the immobilizer system which is needed to start your car. Locksmiths are an excellent choice for those who want a fast and reliable solution that doesn't require you to wait in the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
In the past, misplacing your car keys was not an issue. car key lost no spare could visit your home and duplicate your keys at a reasonable price. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have the keys, and they're now more expensive to replace than ever.
Depending on your vehicle type and year, replacing a lost key can be a long process that can cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a smart idea to have an extra set of car keys in your possession. This is especially true if you live near a dangerous area or in a place with a high rate of theft.
While it might seem like an unnecessary effort to contact your insurance company, doing so can save you money in the end. Certain policies will cover the cost of replacing a car key, so be sure to speak with your insurance company prior to losing a key and you find yourself in need.
If your policy provides roadside assistance, you should also think about this. If you have roadside assistance, someone could come to your aid. This is a much less stressful option than dealing with a dealer or locksmith.
Make sure you thoroughly inspect your car prior to you call your insurance company. If you believe they are in the car, check inside the trunk and beneath the seat. If you're at home check the pockets of the clothes you were wearing as well as in other places you might have a habit of placing them. You should also double-check the places where you may have left them, like your purse or a desk that is cluttered.
If you've managed to find the car keys It's recommended to contact your dealer to have them replaced. This is usually not an issue and is cheaper than calling a locksmith or visiting the insurance company.
When you visit the dealership it is possible to inquire whether you can have a spare key made, particularly if you don't have an actual key fob. The dealership will usually be able to duplicate an additional key for you without needing to change any other part of your car. If you do this, make sure to keep the key in a safe and secure place to locate it the next time you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Not only can reporting your lost car keys to police help you locate them however, it can also help protect you from thieves. If someone drives your car on public streets or private property without permission, the driver could be penalized. If you report your keys lost prior to the person making off with your car, you'll know that there's a legal paper trail of when it was missing and who reported it.
Car keys are lost is a common occurrence, but it doesn't have to be a catastrophe. You can obtain a replacement car key quickly and easily if call the right people. You can also avoid the possibility of losing keys in the future by following the guidelines given in this article.
Then, try retracing your steps. This will help you to remember where you might have lost your keys. If you were driving to work and then went to a restaurant to take a bite, you may remember that keys were in your pocket as you left the vehicle. If you can't locate your key, you could have put it in the bag that you carried around with things or at the table that you ate at.
Another option is to post your key loss online. This will reach a wide audience and increase your chances of finding it. You can also contact local businesses and other community bulletin boards.
Before you begin looking for your keys, be sure to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. You'll need this information to replace your key therefore it's essential to keep it in a safe place. The VIN is usually found on your driver's license, but it's also on your insurance card as well as in your car's owner's manual.
Contact the police when you've exhausted all other options. You can request an interim replacement vehicle from the police, and they will also file reports that are useful in the event that your keys are recovered.