How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose car keys. Not long ago it wasn't a big problem, but it's now becoming more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.
You could lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table when you reach into your pocket to get something other. You can prevent this from happening by keeping a spare key at home.
1. Contact a locksmith
There's no doubt that losing your car keys could be a major hassle. It's not a reason to panic. As long as you know who to contact and what to do you should only need to take a few steps to get your car keys replaced.
Try to go back the steps you made. This might sound like a straightforward step however it can be difficult to do when you're in a rush or are already worried about the loss of keys to your car. Make sure you check all your pockets, bags, and the area around your vehicle.
Contact a locksmith if can't find your car keys. Locksmiths are usually in a position to make a new key for your vehicle much more quickly than the dealership. Plus, they can usually accomplish this for much less than what a dealership would charge you.
Some dealerships are able to create keys for cars that are replacements but they might not be able to complete it for you in a hurry or even at all. They often have a very high volume of customers, so they may not be able to accommodate you right away. In addition, they might not be able to create an exact copy of your key.
You can also purchase a replacement key online. They are available on Amazon and other websites for much cheaper than the price you purchase from a dealer although they may not be able to cut and program them to your specific car model.
Some insurance policies also provide coverage for the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. So, it's always worth checking to see if you have coverage that will cover the cost of getting an additional key for your car. Remember that you'll have to prove ownership and identification to the person or company who creates the replacement key. This is required by law. It can be extremely 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 wasn't a huge deal. browse this site could easily find keys replacements from the dealership, and it didn't cost too much to do so. However, with cars getting more advanced in technology and keys becoming more expensive to replace It's not as easy as it was in the past. It's not unusual to pay several hundred 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 enable you to think clearly and make the right decision. Also, make sure that you have a backup set of keys somewhere else, such as in your pocket or the trunk of your car so that if you do lose the originals they won't cost you any money at all. It is also important to find out if the replacement key is covered under your warranty or insurance for your car and can help you save cash in the event of a need.
The next step is to search your car, your home, your purse, or your wallet for keys missing. You could also try to retrace your steps, remembering where you last saw them and the location you were in when you lost them. This could help you determine where they ended up and could be an enormous relief.
If you've completed an exhaustive search but are unable to find your car keys, the next step is to contact your dealership. Dealerships are aware of your vehicle and can give you keys to replace. They're usually busy and cannot accommodate people who have a short notice. This could make the process difficult.
If you get in touch with your dealer, they will be able to make keys for you using the VIN number that is stored on their system. They can also modify your immobilizer that is needed to start your car. But if you're looking for an efficient, quick solution that doesn't require waiting at the dealership, a locksmith may be a better choice.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't too long ago that losing your keys to your car was not a problem. You could contact a locksmith to travel to your location and duplicate your key for a reasonable fee. As cars have become more technologically advanced, keys are also becoming more expensive.
Depending on the kind of vehicle and the year, the process for replacing a lost car key can require several steps and can cost you hundreds of dollars. It's always a good idea to have an additional set of keys for your car in your possession. This is particularly true if you live near an area of danger or a place with an abundance of theft.
It might seem like a waste to contact your insurance company, but it can save you money over the course of time. Check with your agent to determine if you can get an alternative car key that is insured by your policy.
If your policy provides roadside assistance, you should consider this. If you have roadside assistance, a person might be able to help you. This is a less stressful option than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Be sure to thoroughly search your vehicle before you contact your insurance company. If you think they're in your car, look in the trunk and under the seat. Check the pockets of your clothes as well as other places where you have gotten used to placing them. You should also check the areas where you might have put them, like your purse or desk.
After you've tried to find the keys to your car it's an excellent idea to call your dealer to have 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.
Ask the dealer to make an extra key for you, specifically in the event that your car doesn't have a remote. Usually, your dealership can clone an extra key for you, without altering anything else in your vehicle. If you do this, make sure you keep the spare key in a safe and secure location so that you can find it next time you lose yours.
4. Call the Police
Not only does 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 a person drives your car on public roads or on private property without permission, the person may be fined. You can protect yourself by registering your keys stolen before someone steals your vehicle. This leaves a trace on paper that reveals who and when they reported the theft.
Car keys are lost is a common occurrence however it doesn't have to be to be a disaster. If you contact the appropriate people, you'll be able to get an alternative key quickly and quickly. You can also avoid any future key loss by following the guidelines that are provided in this article.
Then, try retracing your steps. This will help you recall where you might have lost your keys. If you were driving to work, then stopped at a restaurant in order to purchase food and drinks, you might remember that your keys were in your pockets as you left the vehicle. If you're unable to locate your keys, it could be in the bag you used to carry things around or on the table at which you sat down to eat.
Another option is to share your primary loss online. This will reach a large audience and increase the likelihood of finding it. You can also look up local businesses and bulletin boards in the community.
Before you begin searching for your keys, be sure to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is required to replace your keys, which is why it's important to keep it secure. It's common to find the VIN on your driver's license, but it may also appear on your insurance card or in the owner's manual of your car.
Contact the police after you've exhausted your other options. You can request a temporary replacement car from the police department, and they will also file a report which is useful in the event that your keys are recovered.