How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose car keys. It wasn't that long ago, this was not a big issue, but it's becoming more complicated as cars become technologically advanced.
You can lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pockets to find something other. A spare key in the house will help you avoid these situations.
1. Call a Locksmith
It's a fact that losing your car keys could be a major hassle. There's no reason to panic. As long as you know who to call and how to act, it should only take only a few steps to get your keys to your car replaced.
One of the first things you have to do is go back to where you started. This might sound like an obvious step however it can be difficult when you're in a rush or are already worried about the loss of your car keys. Examine all pockets, bags, and the surrounding area around your vehicle.
Contact a locksmith in case you can't find your car keys. Typically, locksmiths will be capable of creating keys for your car much more quickly than a dealership. They can also do it for cheaper than a dealership would cost.
Some dealers are able to create replacement keys, however they may not be able to do so immediately or at any point. There are many dealerships that receive a high volume of clients, so they might not be able accommodate you immediately. They may also not be able to make an exact copy of your current key.
Another option is to purchase a replacement car key online. You can find these on Amazon and other websites for much cheaper than the price you buy from a dealer, but they may not be able to cut them and program them for your specific model of car.
Some insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a lost or stolen vehicle key. It's worthwhile to check whether you have coverage that would help cover the cost of purchasing the new key for your vehicle. Remember that you'll need to provide proof of ownership and proof of identity to the company or individual who creates the replacement key. This is legally required. It can be very expensive if you're not able to prove ownership.
2. Call the Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing keys to your car was not an issue. It wasn't too expensive to buy an alternative key from the dealer. However, this is no longer the case as cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive. It's not uncommon to pay several hundred dollars for a new set of keys if you lose them today.
You need to act calmly if you have lost your car keys. This will allow you to think clearly and make a good decision. Also, make lost key to car no spare that you have a backup set of keys somewhere else, such as in your pocket or the trunk of your car, in case you lose the originals and you lose them, you won't lose any money. Also, find out if the replacement key is covered by your warranty or insurance for your car which could assist you in saving cash in the event of a need.
Then, look in your car, your home and purse, or your wallet for keys missing. You may try to retrace your steps, keeping track of where you last had keys and where you were when 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 a thorough search. Dealerships are familiar with the vehicle they are servicing and can give you an alternative key. They're often busy and can't accommodate people who have a short notice. This can cause the process to be difficult.
If you can get a hold of the dealership you're dealing with, they'll be able to create a new key for you based on the VIN number on file. They can also reprogram your immobilizer system which is required to start your vehicle. If you're looking for a fast, reliable solution that doesn't involve waiting in the dealership, a locksmith may be a better option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not so long ago losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. Locksmiths could come to your home and duplicate your keys at an affordable cost. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so too have the keys, and they're now more expensive to replace than they were before.
Depending on the type of vehicle and year, replacing a lost key can be a lengthy process and cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a good idea to have an additional set of keys for your car in your pocket. This is particularly true if you live near an area of danger or a place with an extremely high rate of theft.
Although it might seem like an unnecessary effort to call your insurance company, it can save you money in the long run. Certain policies will cover the cost of a brand new car key, so be sure to check with your insurance provider prior to losing a key and find yourself in need.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether your insurance policy provides roadside assistance. If you have roadside assistance, a person may come to your aid. This is a less stressful option than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Be sure to thoroughly search your car before you call 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, check the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places you might be prone to putting them. You should also check the areas where you might have put them, such as in your purse or a desk that is cluttered.
Contact your dealer for replacement of the keys once you've attempted to find them. This is usually not an issue, and it's cheaper than calling a locksmith or going to the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to create an extra key for you, especially if your car doesn't have a remote. The dealership will usually be able to duplicate an extra key for you, without having to alter anything else in your car. If you do this, make sure you keep the key in a secure and safe place to find it when you lose it.
4. Call the police
Not only can reporting your lost car keys to the police help you locate them however, it can also help protect you from thieves. If someone takes your vehicle without permission, they could be fined for driving it on public roads or on private property. You can help protect yourself by registering your keys stolen before someone else steals your vehicle. This will leave a paper trail that will show when and who reported the theft.
Losing car keys is a common problem however it doesn't have to be to be a major issue. If you contact the appropriate people, you'll be in a position to obtain the replacement key fast and easily. You can also avoid the possibility of losing keys in the future by following the guidelines given in this article.
Retrace your steps. This will help you to remember where you might have lost your keys. For example, if you were driving home from work and then went out to eat at a restaurant, you might be able to remember that the keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you are unable to locate your key, you might have left it in the bag that you used to carry around things or on the table you ate at.
Posting your key online is another good idea. This will reach a large audience and increase the chances of finding it. You can also inquire 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 therefore it's essential to keep it somewhere safe. It's common to find the VIN on your driver's licence, but it's also sometimes printed on your insurance card or in the owner's manual for your vehicle.
Contact the police when you've exhausted all other options. They'll be capable of providing you with temporary replacements for your car, and they can also file a report that will be useful in the event that keys are discovered.