How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. It wasn't that long ago, this was not a big deal but it's getting more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.
Sometimes, keys are lost due to the fact that you've reached into your pocket for something else, and then accidentally knocked them off somewhere. Having an extra key in your house will help you avoid these situations.
1. Call for a locksmith
The loss of your car keys can be a major inconvenience. It's not a reason to be in a panic. If you know what to do and who to contact, getting your car keys replaced should only take a couple of steps.
Try to go back the steps you took. lost my car key and have no spare may seem like an obvious step, but sometimes it can be difficult when you're in a hurry or are already worried about the loss of your car keys. Be sure to inspect all of your bags and pockets where you might have set them down, and also the space around your car.
Call a locksmith if you cannot locate your car keys. Typically, locksmiths will be in a position to make a new key for your car much quicker than the dealership. Plus, they can usually accomplish this for much less than what a dealership would charge you.
Some dealerships can create replacement keys, however they may not be able do it immediately or at any point. They usually have a large number of customers so they may not be able to assist your request right away. In addition, they might not be able create an exact duplicate of your key.
Another option is to purchase a replacement car key online. They are available on Amazon and other websites for a lot less than what you'd purchase from a dealer although they may not be able to cut or program them for the specific model of car you have.
Some insurance policies also provide coverage for the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key. Therefore, it's worthwhile to check whether you have coverage which will help pay for the cost of purchasing the new key for your car. Remember that you'll need to prove ownership to the person or business who makes the replacement key. This is legally required. If you're not able prove ownership, it can be very costly.
2. Call the Dealership
In the past the possibility of misplacing or losing - your car keys wasn't an issue. It wasn't too expensive to buy an alternative key from the dealer. However, with cars becoming more technologically advanced - and the keys getting more expensive to replace It's not as easy as it used to be. It's not uncommon to shell out several hundred dollars for a brand new set of keys if you lose them today.
If you've lost your car keys the first thing you must do is act calmly. This will allow you to think clearly and make the right choice about how to resolve the issue. If you lose your original keys, you should keep an extra set of keys in your purse or car trunk. This will ensure you're not in a financial bind. You should also check to see if the key replacement is covered under your warranty or car insurance and can help you save cash in the event of a need.
Next, search your car, your house and purse, or your wallet for keys missing. You can also go back through the steps you took, remembering when you last held your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This may be able to help you determine where they ended up and can be an immense relief.
Call your dealership if you aren't able to locate your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are familiar with your vehicle and can provide you with an alternative key. They're usually busy and are not able to accommodate customers with short notice. This can cause the process to be difficult.
If you're able to contact your dealership they'll be able to create an original key for you based on the VIN number that is on the file. They can also reprogram the immobilizer system that's required to start your car. If you're looking for an immediate, reliable solution that doesn't require waiting in the dealership, a locksmith may be a better option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't long ago that losing keys to your car was not a problem. You could call an locksmith to come to your location and duplicate your key at a reasonable cost. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so have keys, and now they're more expensive to replace than they were before.
Based on the type of vehicle and the year The process for replacing a lost car key can take a few steps and cost hundreds of dollars. That's why it's always an excellent idea to keep an extra set of keys on the go, especially if reside in a dangerous area or in a location where theft is common.
While it might seem like an unnecessary effort to contact your insurance company, it could save you money in the end. Certain policies will cover the cost of a brand new car key, so make sure to check with your insurance provider before you lose one and you find yourself in need.
If your policy provides roadside assistance, you should consider this. If it does, the insurance company could send someone out to help you with your situation, and that might be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or dealership.
Before calling your insurance company, be sure to search thoroughly for your keys. If you think they're in the car, look in the trunk and under the seat. Check the pockets of your clothes as well as other places you might have been accustomed to putting them. You should also double-check the areas you may have put them, like your purse or desk.
Call your dealer to replace the keys once you've tried to find them. Usually it won't be a problem and is much less expensive than hiring a locksmith or going through an insurance company.
Ask the dealer to create an extra key for you, particularly when your car doesn't come with a remote. In most cases the dealership will be able to make a spare for you without changing anything else inside your car. If you do this, make sure that you keep the key in a place that is safe and secure so you can find it in the event that you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Reporting your lost car keys can help you find them and ensure your safety. If someone drives your car on public roads or private property without permission, the person may be fined. You can help protect yourself by registering your keys stolen before someone else steals your vehicle. This will leave a trail of paper that will show who and when they reported the theft.
The loss of car keys is a frequent occurrence but it doesn't need to be a catastrophe. You can obtain a replacement car key quickly and easily if you call the right people. You can also prevent future key misplacements if you follow the tips that are provided in this article.
Take a step back. This will give you an idea of where the key might have been lost and can help you remember what you were doing at the time. For example, if you were driving home from work, and then went out to eat at an eatery, you might be able to recall that keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you can't locate your key, you might have left it in the bag that you used to carry around things or at the table that you ate at.
Posting your key online is another good idea. This will reach a wide audience and increase the likelihood of finding it. You can also inquire with local businesses and other bulletin boards.
It is essential to note down the VIN of your vehicle before you start searching for your keys. 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, but it may also appear on your insurance card or in the owner's manual for your vehicle.
Call the police once you've exhausted all other options. You can obtain an interim replacement vehicle from the police department, and they will also file a report which is useful in the event that your keys are found.