7 Tips To Make The Most Of Your Lost Car Keys
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. It was not an issue until recent times but as cars get more technologically advanced, it's becoming more difficult.
Most of the time, you lose your keys because you've reached inside your pocket to find something else and accidentally thrown them away somewhere. You can avoid this by keeping a spare key in your home.
1. Contact a locksmith
It's a fact that losing your car keys could be a huge hassle. It's not a reason to panic. If you know what to do and who to call to get your car keys replaced should only take a couple of steps.
You should try to retrace the steps you made. This might sound like a straightforward step, but sometimes it can be difficult to do when you're in a rush or are already panicking over the loss of keys to your car. Be sure to inspect all your bags and pockets where you might have set them down, as well as the surrounding area around your vehicle.
Contact a locksmith in case you can't find your car keys. Locksmiths are usually in a position to make keys for your car much quicker than a dealership. They can also do it for much less than the dealership will charge.
Some dealerships are able to create replacement keys, however they might not be able to do this in the immediate future or at any time. They typically have a large number of customers therefore they might not be able to accommodate immediately. They may not also be able create an exact copy of the existing key.
You can also purchase an online replacement key. These keys can be found on Amazon and other websites for a price that is lower than what you would purchase from a dealer. However, they might not have the ability to cut and program keys that are specific to your car model.
Certain insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key. So, it's always worth checking if you have coverage which will help pay for the cost of purchasing an additional key for your vehicle. Remember that you'll have to prove ownership and identification to the company or individual who is responsible for the creation of the replacement key. This is legally required. It can be very expensive if you are not able to prove ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not an issue. It wasn't expensive to get an alternative key from the dealer. However, as cars become more technologically advanced - and the keys getting more expensive to replace - this isn't as easy as it used to be. If you lose your keys today, it's not uncommon to spend hundreds of dollars to have them replaced.
If you've lost your car keys, the first thing you need to do is be calm. This will enable you to think clearly and make the right decision. If you have lost your original keys, you should have an extra set of keys in your pocket or in your car trunk. replace lost car key will ensure that you're not in a financial bind. Check to see whether your warranty or insurance covers the cost of a key replacement. This can help you save money in the event of an emergency.
The next step is to do a thorough search of your home, vehicle and your purse or wallet for the missing keys. You could also retrace the steps you took, remembering when you last had your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This can help you find out where they are which is a great relief.
Call your dealership if you haven't found your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are familiar with your specific vehicle, so they're the best option to get a replacement key. They're often busy and are not able to accommodate customers who have a short notice. This can make the process frustrating.
If you are able to get a hold of your dealer, they'll be able to create a new key for you in accordance with the VIN number that is on file. They can also reprogram the immobilizer system that is required to start your vehicle. But if you're looking for a fast, reliable solution that doesn't involve waiting at the dealership, a locksmith might be the best option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago, misplacing your car keys was not an issue. You could call a locksmith to travel to your location and duplicate your key at a reasonable cost. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, the keys are also becoming 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. This is why it's a good idea to have an extra set of keys in hand, especially if you reside in a neighborhood that is dangerous or an area where theft is commonplace.
It might seem like a waste to contact your insurance company, but it can save you money over the course of time. Certain policies will cover the cost of a new car key, so be sure to check with your insurance agent before you lose one and find yourself in need.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether your insurance policy offers 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 locksmith or a dealership.
Be sure to thoroughly search your car before you contact your insurance company. 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 as well as in other places where you may have a habit of placing them. You should also double-check the places where you may have left them, like your purse or a desk that is cluttered.
Once you've done your best to find the car keys it's recommended to contact your dealer to get them replaced. This isn't an issue, and it's cheaper than calling an locksmith or calling the insurance company.
While you're at the dealership it is possible to ask 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 alter anything else in your vehicle. If you choose to do this, be sure to keep the key in a safe and secure place so that you can locate it the when you lose it.
4. Call the Police
Reporting lost car keys will help you locate them and keep you safe. If someone steals your vehicle without permission, they could be subject to fines if they drive it on streets in the city or on private property. You can help protect yourself by reporting keys stolen prior to someone stealing your car. This leaves a trace on paper that shows when and who reported the theft.
Losing car keys is a frequent occurrence but it doesn't need to be a disaster. You can get a replacement car key quickly and easily if contact the right people. You can even prevent the possibility of losing keys in the future by following the guidelines provided in this article.
Retrace your steps. This will help you recall where you might have lost your keys. For example, if you were returning home from work and then went out to eat at a restaurant, you might be able to remember that keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you can't find your keys, it could be in the bag you carried things around or on the table where you sat down to eat.
Another good idea is to publish your most important loss online. This will reach a large audience and increase the likelihood of finding it. You can also check local businesses and community bulletin boards.
Before you start looking for your keys, be sure to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is required to replace your keys, which is why you must keep it secure. You can usually find the VIN on your driver's license, however it's also sometimes printed on your insurance card or in the owner's manual of your car.
After you've exhausted all other options, it's time to call the police. They'll be in a position to provide you with an interim replacement for your car, and they can also prepare a police report that could come in handy if the keys are ever discovered.