How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Car keys are lost is a major headache. It wasn't that long ago, this was not a big problem, but it's now becoming more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.
Keys can be lost when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pocket to get something else. A spare key at home can save you from such situations.
1. Call a Locksmith
It's a fact that losing your car keys could be a huge hassle. But, there's no need to panic. If you know who to contact and what to do you should only need to take a few steps to get your car keys replaced.
One of the first things to do is retrace your steps. It might seem obvious however it can be hard to do if you are in a hurry or already concerned about losing your car keys. Be sure to look in all bags and pockets where you might have set them down, and also the space around your car.
Contact a locksmith if are unable to locate your car keys. Locksmiths can usually create keys for your vehicle much faster than the dealership. They can also do it for much less than the dealership would cost.
Some dealerships are able to create replacement keys, but may not be able to do it immediately or at any point. They usually have a high volume of customers, so they may not be able accommodate immediately. They may also not be able to make an exact copy of the existing key.
Another option is to purchase an online replacement for your car key. You can find these on Amazon and other places at a much lower cost than what you'd pay at a dealer, but they may not be able to cut and program them to the specific model of car you have.
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 see whether it covers the cost of a replacement car key. Remember that you'll need to prove ownership to the person or business who is responsible for creating the replacement key. This is required by the law. It can be extremely expensive if you are not able to prove ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could easily get an alternative key from a dealership, and it didn't cost too much to do so. However, this is not the case anymore, because cars are more modern and keys are more expensive. If you lose your keys today it's not uncommon to pay hundreds of dollars to have them replaced.
If you've lost your car keys the first thing you need to do is act calmly. This will help you think clearly and make the right decision. If you have lost your original keys you should have a spare set of keys in your purse or in your car trunk. This will ensure that you're not in financial trouble. Make sure to check if your warranty or insurance covers the cost of replacing a key. This could save you money in the event of an emergency.
The next step is to search your car, your home and purse, or your wallet for keys missing. You can also try to retrace your steps, remembering where you last saw them and where you were when you lost them. This may be able to help you figure out where they went and could be an enormous relief.
Call your dealership if you haven't found your keys after a thorough search. Dealerships are familiar with the vehicle they are servicing and can provide you with an alternative key. They are often busy and cannot accommodate people who require a quick response. This can make the process frustrating.
If you are able to contact your dealership, they'll be able to create an entirely new key for you in accordance with the VIN number that is on file. They can also modify your immobilizer which is required to start your car. But if you're looking for a fast, reliable solution that doesn't require waiting at the dealership, a locksmith might be a better choice.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to your car was not a problem. A locksmith could come to your home and duplicate your keys at a reasonable price. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so have the keys, and now they're more expensive to replace than ever.
Depending on the type of vehicle and year, replacing a lost key could be a lengthy procedure that could cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a smart idea to keep an extra set of car keys in your possession. This is especially important in the case of an area of danger or a place with a high rate of theft.
It might seem like a waste to contact your insurance company but it can actually save you money in the long run. Some policies will cover the cost of a new car key, so be sure to speak with your insurance provider before you lose a key and find yourself in need.
If your policy provides roadside assistance, it is advisable to think about this. If it does, the service could send someone out to assist you in your circumstance which could be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or a dealership.
Make sure you thoroughly inspect your car prior to you call your insurance company. If you believe they're in the car, check the trunk and under the seat. Examine the pockets of your clothes and other places where you may have been accustomed to putting 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 the keys to your car it's recommended to contact your dealer to have them replaced. Most of the time, this won't be a problem and it will be much cheaper than hiring a locksmith or working through the insurance company.
While you're at the dealership you may want to ask about having a spare key made, particularly when you don't have an actual key fob. In most cases you can have your dealership make a spare for you without changing anything else inside your vehicle. If you do this, make sure you keep the spare key in a secure and safe place so that you can locate it the next time you lose yours.
4. Call the police
Notifying your car keys that you lost can help you find the keys and keep you safe. If someone takes your vehicle without permission, they may be subject to fines for driving it on city streets or on private property. If you report your keys lost before the person gets away with your vehicle, you'll be aware that there's a legal paper trace of when it went missing and who reported it.
It's common to lose your car keys, but it doesn't have to be a major issue. As long as you call the right people, you'll be in a position to obtain the replacement key fast and easily. If you follow the guidelines in this article, you'll even be able to prevent future key misplacements!
Take a step back. This will give you a clear idea of where your keys might have gone missing and can help you remember what you were doing at the time. For instance, if were driving home from work and then went to get food at an eatery, you might be able to remember that keys were in your pocket when you left the car. 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.
Posting i lost the keys to my car is another good idea. This increases the chances of finding the key by bringing it to a wider audience. You can also check with local businesses as well as other community bulletin boards.
Before you start looking for your keys, be sure to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. You'll require this information to replace your key It's crucial to keep it somewhere safe. The VIN is usually found on your driver's license, but can also be found 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 obtain an emergency replacement car from the police, and they will also file an investigation report that can be helpful in the event that your keys are recovered.