How to Replace Lost Car Keys
The loss of car keys is a major headache. Not long ago it wasn't a big deal but it's getting more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.
Often you lose your keys because you've reached into your pocket to find something else and accidentally dropped them off somewhere. You can avoid this by keeping an extra key at home.
1. Contact a locksmith
The loss of your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. But, there's no need to panic. If you know what to do and who to call to get your car keys changed should be a matter of a few steps.
It is recommended to try retracing the steps you took. This may appear obvious, but it can be hard to do if you are in a hurry or already worried about losing your car keys. Make sure to check all of your pockets and bags in which you may have put them down, and also the surrounding area around your vehicle.
If you haven't been able to locate your car keys, it's time to contact locksmith. Locksmiths can usually create a key for your car much faster than a dealership. They can also do it for much less than the dealership would cost.
Some dealerships can create replacement keys, but may not be able do this immediately or at any time. There are many dealerships with many customers, so they might not be able to accommodate you right away. They might not be able create an exact copy of your current key.
Another option is to buy an online replacement for your car 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 the keys to your specific car model.
Certain insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. It's a good idea to check your insurance policy to determine whether it covers the cost of a replacement car key. Remember 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're not able to provide proof of ownership.
2. Call the Dealership
A few years ago the possibility of misplacing or losing - your car keys was not an issue. You could easily get a replacement key from the dealership, and it didn't cost too much to do so. This is no longer the case since cars are more sophisticated and keys are more expensive. If you lose your keys today it's not unusual to spend hundreds of dollars to get them replaced.
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 best decision on how to fix the issue. It is also important to ensure that you have a backup set of keys somewhere else, such as in your pocket or in the trunk of your car, so that if you do lose the original keys they won't cost you any money. Make sure to check whether your warranty or insurance covers the cost of a replacement key. This can help you save money in an emergency.
The next step is to do a thorough search of your home, car and purse or wallet to find keys that have gone missing. You can also retrace the steps you followed, and remember when you last had your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This can help you figure out where they are which is a huge relief.
Contact your dealer if haven't been able to find your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships know the vehicle they are servicing and can supply you with an alternative key. However, they're usually full and cannot accommodate people on short notice, which could make the process difficult.
If you're able to get a hold of the dealership you're dealing with they'll be able to create an original key for you based on the VIN number on file. They can also modify your immobilizer, which is necessary to start your car. However, if you're looking to find a fast, reliable solution that doesn't require waiting at the dealership, a locksmith might be the best option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not so long ago the time when you lost your car keys wasn't a big deal. A locksmith could visit your home and duplicate your keys for an affordable cost. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, the keys have also become more expensive.
Depending on your vehicle type and year replacing a lost or damaged key can be a long process and cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a smart idea to have an additional set of keys for your car on hand. This is particularly true if you live near a dangerous area or in an area with a high rate of theft.
It may seem like a waste to call your insurer however it could save you money over time. Check with your agent to see whether you can obtain an alternative car key that is insured by your policy.
If your policy covers roadside assistance, it is advisable to consider this. If you have roadside assistance, a person could come to your aid. This is a much less stressful option than dealing with a dealer or locksmith.
Before calling your insurance company, be sure to search thoroughly for your keys. If you believe they are in the car, look inside the trunk and beneath the seat. Check the pockets of your clothes as well as other places where you may have gotten used to placing them. Double-check any places you may have left them. For example, your purse or a cluttered office.
If you've managed to locate the car keys It's recommended to contact your dealership to have them replaced. Usually, this won't be a problem and it will be much cheaper than hiring a locksmith, or going through the insurance company.
While you're at the dealership, you might want to ask whether you can have a spare key made, particularly in the event that you don't have an actual key fob. In most cases, your dealership can clone the spare key for you without altering anything else in your car. If you do this, make sure to keep the key in a place that is secure and safe so that you can retrieve it again if you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Notifying your car keys that you lost will help you locate them and keep you safe. If Read the Full Document drives your car on public roads or private property without permission, the individual could be charged with a fine. You can safeguard yourself by registering your keys stolen prior to someone stealing your car. This will leave a paper trail that shows the time and date of the theft.
It's common to lose your car keys, but it does not need to be a disaster. If you contact the right people, you'll capable of obtaining an alternative key quickly and quickly. You can also avoid future key misplacements by following the suggestions provided in this article.
Follow your steps. This will give you a good idea of where your key could be and can aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work, then stopped at a restaurant to purchase food and drinks, you might remember that your keys were in your pocket when you left your vehicle. If you cannot find your key, you might have left it in the bag that you used to carry around things or on the table you dined at.
Posting your lost key online is another good idea. This will reach a large audience and increase the chances of finding it. You can also contact local businesses and other bulletin boards.
Before you start looking for your keys, you need to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. You'll need this information to replace your key, so it's important to keep it in a safe place. The VIN is typically located on your driver's licence, but it's also on your insurance card or in the owner's manual of your vehicle.
Call the police once you've exhausted all other options. You can get an emergency replacement car from the police department, and they'll also file reports that are useful should your keys ever be found.