Comprehensive Guide To Lost Car Keys
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Losing car keys is a major headache. Not long ago this was not a big problem, but it's now becoming more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.
Most of the time, you lose your keys because you've reached inside your pocket to find something else and have accidentally dropped them off somewhere. A spare key at home can help you avoid such situations.
1. Call a locksmith
The loss of your car keys can be a major inconvenience. However, there's no need to panic. If you know what to do and who to contact, getting your car keys replaced should just take a couple of steps.
One of the first things you need to do is try and go back to where you started. It might seem simple, but it can be difficult to accomplish if you are stressed or concerned 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 space around your car.
Contact a locksmith if can't find your car keys. Typically, replacing lost car keys will be able to create keys for your car much more quickly than the dealership. They can also do it for cheaper than a dealership would cost.
Some dealerships can make replacement keys, but they may not be able to do this immediately or at any time. They often have a very high volume of customers, therefore they might not be able to assist you right away. They might not be able to create a exact copy of the existing key.
You can also purchase an online replacement key. The keys are available on Amazon and elsewhere for a price that is lower than you'd buy from a dealer. However, they may not be able to cut and program keys that are specific to your car model.
Certain insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a lost or stolen vehicle key. So, it's always worth checking to see whether you have coverage which will help pay for the cost of getting a new key for your car. Remember that you'll be required to provide proof of ownership and proof of identity to the person or company who makes the replacement key. This is required by the law. If you're not able prove ownership, it can be a very expensive experience.
2. Call the Dealership
In the past, misplacing - or even losing - your car keys was not a huge deal. You could easily find keys replacements at the dealership, and it didn't cost too much to do it. However, as cars become more advanced in technology and keys becoming more expensive to replace it's not as simple as it was in the past. It's not uncommon to shell out hundreds of dollars for a new set of keys in the event that you lose them today.
It is important to be calm if you have lost your car keys. This will allow you to think clearly and make the right choice about how to resolve the issue. If you have lost your original keys you should have a spare set of keys in your wallet or car trunk. This will ensure that you are not out of money. Find out whether your insurance or warranty covers the cost of a key replacement. This could save you money in an emergency.
The next step is to conduct a thorough search of your home, vehicle, and your purse or wallet to find keys that have gone missing. You could also retrace the steps you took, remembering the last time you had your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This could help you figure out the location they went to and could be a huge relief.
Call your dealership if you aren't able to locate 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 busy and can't accommodate people with short notice, which can cause the process to be frustrating.
If you can get a hold of your dealer, they'll be able to create an entirely new key for you based on the VIN number on the file. They can also modify your immobilizer which is required to start your vehicle. However, if you're looking to find a fast, reliable solution that doesn't require waiting at the dealership, a locksmith could be a better choice.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago the time when you lost your car keys was not an issue. Locksmiths could come to your home and duplicate your keys at an affordable cost. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so have the keys, and they're now more expensive to replace than ever.
Depending on the kind of vehicle and the year, the process for replacing keys for a car that have been lost can take several steps and can cost you hundreds of dollars. It's always a smart idea to keep an additional set of keys for your car in your pocket. This is especially true in the case of an area of danger or an area that has an abundance of theft.
It may seem like a waste to contact your insurance company however it could save you money over the course of time. Contact your agent to see whether you are able to get an alternative car key that is covered by your policy.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether your policy includes roadside assistance. If you have roadside assistance, someone could come to your aid. This is a much less stressful option than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Before you call your insurance company, make sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you think they're in the car, try looking in the trunk and under the seat. If you're at home, look in the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places you may have a habit of putting them. Also, double-check the places where you may have put them, such as in your purse or desk.
Contact your dealer for replacement of the keys once you've tried to find them. Most of the time it won't be a problem and is much less expensive than hiring a locksmith, or going through the insurance company.
While you're at the dealership you may want to inquire whether you can have a spare key made, especially when you don't have an actual key fob. The dealership will usually be able to duplicate an extra key for you without having to change anything else in your vehicle. If you decide to do this, make sure you keep the key in a place that is safe and secure so that you can retrieve it if you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Not only will the act of reporting your lost car keys to the police help you find keys however, it can also help protect you from thieves. If someone steals your vehicle without permission, they may be fined when they drive it on streets in the city or on private property. You can protect yourself by registering your keys stolen before someone steals your vehicle. This leaves a trace on paper that will show when and who reported the theft.
Losing car keys is a common problem but it doesn't need to be a disaster. You can get a replacement car key quickly and easily if call the right people. If you follow the suggestions in this article, you'll be able to prevent the possibility of losing your key again!
Try to trace your steps. This will allow you to recall where you may have lost your key. For instance, if you were driving home from work, and then went to get food at a restaurant, you might be able to recall that keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you can't locate your keys, you may have put it in the bag you carried around with things or at the table that you ate at.
Posting your key online is a good idea. This will be seen by a large audience and increase the chances of finding it. You can also look up local businesses and bulletin boards in the community.
It is essential to note down the VIN of your vehicle before you start searching for your keys. You'll need this information to replace your key It's crucial to keep it in a safe place. You'll usually find the VIN on your driver's licence, but it may also appear on your insurance card or in the owner's manual for your vehicle.
Contact the police when you've exhausted your other options. They'll be in a position to provide you with an interim replacement for your car and can file a report that will help in the event that keys are found.