How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Car keys are lost is a major headache. This wasn't a problem until recently however, as cars become more technologically advanced, it's becoming more difficult.
You could lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pocket to grab something else. Having an extra key in your house can help you avoid such situations.
1. Contact for a locksmith
The loss of your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. But, there's no need to panic. If you know who to contact and how to act you should only need to take only a few steps to get your keys replaced in your car.
It is recommended to try retracing the steps you made. It may appear obvious but it's hard to do if you are in a rush or worried about losing your car keys. Be sure to look in all your pockets and bags in which you've put them down, as well as the space around your car.
If you're unable to find your car keys, you need to contact a locksmith. Locksmiths can usually make keys for your vehicle much faster than the dealership. Additionally, they are able to accomplish this for much less than the dealership would charge you.
Some dealerships are able to create keys for cars that are replacements, but they may not be able do it for you immediately or even at all. There are many dealerships that receive an abundance of customers, so they might not be able accommodate you immediately. car lost key might not be able to create a exact copy of the existing key.
You can also purchase a replacement key online. You can find them on Amazon and other websites at a much lower cost than what you'd purchase from a dealer however, they might not be able to cut them and program them to your specific model of car.
Some insurance policies cover the cost to replace a stolen or lost vehicle key. It's worth checking your insurance policy to determine whether it covers the cost of a new car key. Be aware that you'll need show proof of ownership to the person or business who makes the replacement key. This is required by law. It could be expensive if you are not able to prove ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
Not too long ago losing - or losing your car keys was not an issue. It wasn't expensive to get an alternative key from a dealer. 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 unusual to spend hundreds of dollars to get them replaced.
If you've lost your car keys, the first thing you should do is be calm. This will help you think clearly and make a good decision. If you have lost your original keys, you should keep a spare set of keys in your wallet or car trunk. This will ensure you're not in a financial bind. Find out whether your insurance or warranty covers the cost of a key replacement. This can save you money in an emergency.
The next step is to do an exhaustive search of your home, vehicle and purse or wallet for keys that have gone missing. You could try to trace your steps, recollecting the last place you had them and the location you were in when you lost them. This will help you figure the location of your lost items, which is a relief.
Contact your dealer if you aren't able to locate your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are aware of the vehicle they are servicing and can give you keys to replace. They're usually busy and cannot accommodate people who have a short notice. This can cause the process to be difficult.
If you get in touch with the dealership, they'll be able to make keys for you using the VIN number that is saved on their system. They can also modify your immobilizer that is needed to start your vehicle. If you're looking for an efficient, quick solution that doesn't involve waiting in the dealership, a locksmith may be a better option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
In the past the time when you lost your car keys was not an issue. A locksmith could come to your home and duplicate your keys at an affordable price. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so have keys, and they're more expensive to replace than they were before.
Depending on the type of vehicle and year replacing a lost or damaged key can be a long procedure that could cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a smart idea to keep an additional set of keys for your car in your possession. This is especially important when you live in an area that is prone to danger or a place with an extremely high rate of theft.
It might seem like a waste to call your insurance provider however it could save you money in the long run. Certain policies will cover the cost of replacing a car key, so make sure to speak with your insurance company before you lose a key and find yourself in need.
If your policy provides roadside assistance, you should also take into consideration this. If it does, the company might send someone out to assist you with your situation, and that might be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or dealership.
Before calling your insurance company, make sure to search thoroughly for your keys. If you believe they are in the car, look in the trunk and underneath the seat. Check the pockets of your clothes and other places where you may have been accustomed to putting them. You should also double-check the areas you may have put them, such as in your purse or a desk that is cluttered.
Call your dealer to replace the keys once you've attempted to find them. This is usually not an issue, and it's cheaper than calling a locksmith or visiting the insurance company.
While you're at the dealer, you might want to ask whether you can have a spare key made, especially when you don't have a key fob. Usually the dealership will be able to make the spare key for you without changing anything else inside your car. If you do this, make sure you keep the key in a location that is secure and safe to ensure you can locate it again if you lose it.
4. Call the police
Reporting your lost car keys will help you locate them and ensure your safety. If Internet Page drives your vehicle on public streets or private property without permission, the person could be penalized. You can help protect yourself by registering your keys stolen prior to someone stealing your car. This will leave a paper trail that will show the time and date of the theft.
Car keys are lost is a common problem, but it doesn't have to be a disaster. As long as you call the appropriate people, you'll be in a position to obtain an alternative key quickly and easily. You can even prevent future key misplacements by following the suggestions provided in this article.
First, try to retrace your steps. This will give you a clear idea of where your key could be and will aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work and then went to a restaurant to get some food, you may remember that keys were in your pocket when you left your vehicle. If you cannot find your key, you might have left it in the bag that you carried around with things or on the table you ate at.
Another option is to share your primary loss online. This increases the chances of finding the culprit by bringing it to a wider audience. You can also search local businesses and bulletin boards in the community.
It's important that you write down the VIN of your vehicle prior to when you begin searching for your keys. You'll require this information to replace your keys therefore it's essential to keep it safe. The VIN is typically found on your driver's license however, it can also be found on your insurance card or in your car's owner's manual.
Contact the police when you've exhausted all other options. You can obtain a temporary replacement car from the police, and they will also file a report which is useful in the event that your keys are recovered.