How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Car keys are lost is a major headache. It was not an issue until recent times however, as cars become more technologically advanced, it's becoming more difficult.
Sometimes, keys are lost because you've reached inside your pocket to find something else and have accidentally knocked them off somewhere. A spare key in your house can help you avoid such situations.
1. Call a Locksmith
The loss of your car keys can be a major inconvenience. There's no need to be in a panic. If you know what to do and who to call, getting your car keys replaced should be a matter of a few steps.
Try to go back the steps you made. It may seem obvious, but it can be hard to do if you are stressed or concerned about losing your car keys. Examine all pockets, bags and the area around your vehicle.
If you haven't been able to locate your car keys, you need to call an locksmith. Locksmiths can usually make keys for your car quicker than a dealership. Plus, they can usually accomplish this for much less than what a dealership would charge you.
Some dealers are able to create replacement keys, however they may not be able do this immediately or at any point. They usually have a large number of customers, therefore they might not be able to assist your request right away. In replacing lost car keys , they may not be able create an exact duplicate of your current key.
Another option is to buy a replacement car key online. click to find out more are available on Amazon and other sites for a price that is lower than you'd purchase from an auto dealer. However, they may not be able to cut and program keys that are specific to your car model.
Some insurance policies also provide coverage for the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. It's worth checking your insurance policy to determine whether it will cover the cost of a new car key. Be aware that you'll need show proof of ownership to the person or company who makes the replacement key. This is required by law. It could be costly if you are unable to prove ownership.
2. Call the Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. It wasn't expensive to get a new key from the dealer. However, 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 new set of keys in the event that you lose them today.
You need to act calmly in the event that you've lost your car keys. This will allow you to think clearly and make the best choice about how to resolve the issue. You should also make sure that you have a backup set keys somewhere else, such as in your pocket or in the trunk of your car, so that if you do lose the original keys and you lose them, you won't lose any money. It is also important to see if the key replacement is covered by your warranty or car insurance and can assist you in saving money in a crisis.
The next step is to do a thorough search of your home, vehicle, and your purse or wallet for keys that have gone missing. You can also try to retrace your steps, keeping track of where you last had keys and the location you were in when you lost them. This could help you figure out where they went and can be a huge relief.
After you've conducted an exhaustive search but are unable to locate your car keys, the next step is to call your dealership. Dealerships are knowledgeable about the specific car you have, so they're the best place to go for a replacement key. They're usually busy and are not able to accommodate customers with short notice. This could make the process difficult.
If you are able to get in touch with the dealership, they'll be able to make 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 and reliable solution, without having to wait at the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to your car was not a major issue. You could call an locksmith to come to your place of residence and duplicate your keys for a reasonable price. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have the keys, and they're more expensive to replace than ever before.
Based on the type of vehicle and year, the process for replacing keys for a car that have been lost can take a few steps and cost you hundreds of dollars. It's always a good idea to keep an extra set of car keys in your possession. This is especially important in the case of an area that is prone to danger or an area with an abundance of theft.
It may seem like a waste of time to contact your insurance company but it can actually save you money in the long run. Certain policies will cover the cost of a new car key, so be sure to check with your insurance provider before you lose a key and find yourself in need.
Another thing to consider is whether your insurance policy provides roadside assistance. If it does, the insurance company might send someone out to assist you out of your situation and it could be less stressful than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Before you call your insurance company, be sure to search thoroughly for your keys. If you believe they're in the car, try looking in the trunk and under the seat. If you're at home, check the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places you might have a habit of placing them. Double-check any places you may have left them. For example, your purse or an unorganized office.
Once you've done your best to locate your car keys, it's a good idea to call your dealer to get them replaced. In most cases this shouldn't be a problem, and it will cost less than hiring a locksmith or going through 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 a key fob. Most of the time you can have your dealership make a spare for you without changing anything else inside your car. If you decide to do this, make sure to keep the key in a place that is safe and secure to ensure you can locate it again if you lose it.
4. Call the police
Reporting lost car keys will help you locate them and ensure your safety. If someone steals your car without permission, they may be fined when they drive it on city streets or on private property. If you report your keys missing before the person makes 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 frequent occurrence, but it doesn't have to be a major issue. You can obtain a replacement car key quickly and easily if call the right people. You can also prevent future key misplacements if you follow the tips given in this article.
Take a step back. This will give you an idea of where your keys might be and can help you remember what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work, then stopped at a restaurant to get some food, you may remember that your keys were in your pocket as you left the vehicle. If you are unable to locate your keys, it could be in the bag you used to carry things around or on the table where you sat down to eat.
Another option is to share your primary loss online. This will increase your chances of finding the key by reaching a larger audience. You can also check local businesses and bulletin boards in the community.
Before you start looking for your keys, be sure to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is needed to replace your keys, so you must keep it safe. It's common to find the VIN on your driver's licence, but it can also be found on your insurance card or in the owner's manual of your car.
Call the police once you've exhausted all other options. They'll be capable of providing you with temporary replacements for your vehicle, and they can also make a report that could help should the keys ever be found.