How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose car keys. This was not a problem until recently, but as cars become more technologically advanced, it's becoming more difficult.
Most of the time, you lose your keys due to the fact that you've reached into your pocket to find something else and have accidentally dropped them off somewhere. Having an extra key at home can save you from such situations.
1. Call a Locksmith
Losing your car keys can be a major inconvenience. But, there's no need to be in a panic. If you know what to do and who to contact to get your car keys replaced should be a matter of a few steps.
It is recommended to try retracing the steps you did. It may seem simple however it can be hard to do if you are stressed or concerned about losing your car keys. Check all your pockets, bags and the area around your vehicle.
If you're unable to find your car keys, it's time to contact locksmith. Typically, locksmiths will be able to create keys for your car much quicker than the dealership. They can even do it for cheaper than a dealership would cost.
Some dealerships can 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. There are many dealerships with many customers which means they may not be able to accommodate you immediately. They may not also be able to create a exact copy of your current key.
You can also buy an online replacement key. You can find these on Amazon and other websites for much cheaper than you would buy from a dealer, but they may not be able to cut them and program them to your specific car model.
Certain insurance policies also provide coverage for the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. It is worth examining your insurance policy to determine whether it covers the cost of a replacement car key. Remember to provide car key lost no spare of ownership to the person or business who creates the replacement key. This is required by law. If you're not able prove ownership, it can be very costly.
2. Contact the Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to your car was not an issue. It was not expensive to purchase new keys from the dealer. However, this is not the case anymore, since cars are more sophisticated and keys are more expensive. It's not unusual to pay hundreds of dollars for a brand new set of keys when you lose them.
You must be calm in the event that you've lost your car keys. This will help you think clearly and make the best decision on how to fix the problem. You should also make sure that you have a backup set 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 at all. Check to see whether your insurance or warranty covers the cost of a replacement key. This can save you money in an emergency.
Then, look in your vehicle, your home or your purse your wallet for keys that are missing. You could also retrace the steps you followed, and remember the last time you had your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This could help you figure out where they ended up and can be a huge relief.
Call your dealership if you haven't been able to find your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are aware of your vehicle and can give you keys to replace. They are often busy and cannot accommodate people who have a short notice. This can make the process frustrating.
If you are able to contact your dealer, they'll be able to create an original key for you in accordance with the VIN number that is on file. They can also reprogram your immobilizer system, which is necessary to start your vehicle. However, if you're looking to find 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 too long ago losing your car keys was not a big deal. A locksmith could visit your home and duplicate your keys for an affordable cost. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so have keys, and they're now more expensive to replace than ever before.
Based on the type of vehicle and the year the process of replacing the car key that was lost could require several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars. It's always a good idea to keep an additional set of keys for your car on hand. This is especially true if you live near an area of danger or a place with a high rate of theft.
While it may feel like an unnecessary effort to call your insurance company, it will save you money in the long run. Some policies will cover the cost of replacing a car key, so make sure to check with your insurance agent before you lose one and you find yourself in need.
If your policy provides roadside assistance, it is advisable to take into consideration this. If it does, the service could send a person out to assist you with your situation and it could be less stressful than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Before you call your insurance company, make sure to search thoroughly for your keys. If you think they're in your car, look in the trunk and under the seat. Examine the pockets of your clothes and other places where you have been accustomed to putting them. You should also double-check the areas you may have put them, such as your purse or a cluttered desk.
Call your dealer to replace the keys after you've tried to find them. This is usually not an issue, and it's cheaper than calling an locksmith or calling the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to create a spare key for you, particularly in the event that your car doesn't have an remote. In most cases you can have your dealership 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 safe and secure place so that you can locate it the next time you lose yours.
4. Call the police
Not only will reporting your lost car keys to police help you find the keys, but it also helps keep you safe from thieves. If a person drives your car on public streets or private property without permission, the individual may be fined. You can safeguard yourself by registering your keys stolen before someone steals your vehicle. This will leave a trail of paper that shows when and who reported the theft.
It's common to lose your car keys, but it doesn't need to be a disaster. You can replace your car key quickly and easily if you contact the right people. You can even prevent the possibility of losing keys in the future if you follow the tips provided in this article.
Take a step back. This will help you remember where you might have lost your key. 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 as you left the vehicle. If you're unable to locate your key, it might be in the bag you carried things around or on the table where you sat down to eat.
Another option is to publish your most important loss online. This will reach a large audience and increase the chances of finding it. You can also search local businesses and bulletin boards for community groups.
Before you begin searching for your keys, you need to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is required to replace your keys, therefore you must keep it in a safe place. It's common to find the VIN on your driver's license, however it can also be found on your insurance card or in the owner's manual for your car.
Call the police once you've exhausted other options. They'll be able to provide you with an interim replacement for your vehicle and can prepare a police report that could come in handy should the keys ever be discovered.