How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It’s an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. Not long ago it wasn’t a big issue, but it’s becoming more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.
Most of the time, you lose your keys because you’ve reached inside your pocket to find something else, and then accidentally thrown them away somewhere. Having an extra key in the house can help you avoid such situations.
1. Call an expert locksmith
It’s a fact that losing your car keys could be a major hassle. But, there’s no need to panic. As long as you know who to call and what you should do it will only take a few steps to get your keys replaced in your car.
It is recommended to try retracing the steps you did. This may seem like a straightforward step but it can be difficult to do when you’re in a rush or are already panicking over the loss of your car keys. Make sure to check all your bags and pockets where you might have set them down, and also the space around your car.
If you’re unable to locate your car keys, you need to call an locksmith. Locksmiths are usually capable of creating a new key for your car much more quickly than the dealership. They can even do it for less than a dealership would charge.
Some dealerships are able to create replacement keys, but may not be able to do so in the immediate future or at any time. There are many dealerships that receive an abundance of customers and therefore may not be able accommodate you right away. They may not also be able to create a exact copy of the existing key.
You can also purchase an online replacement key. These keys can be found on Amazon and other sites for a price that is lower than you would purchase from an auto dealer. However, they may not have the ability to cut and program keys that are specific to your car model.
Some insurance policies cover the cost to replace a stolen or lost vehicle key. It’s a good idea to check your insurance policy to see whether it will cover the cost of a new car key. Remember to provide proof of ownership to the person or company who makes the replacement key. This is required by the law. It could be expensive if you are not able to provide proof of ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
In the past losing – or losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could easily find a replacement key from the dealership, and it didn’t cost too much to do so. However, this is not the case anymore, because cars are more modern and keys are more expensive. If you have lost your keys today, it’s not uncommon to spend hundreds of dollars to have them replaced.
If you’ve lost your car keys first thing you should do is be calm. This will help you think clearly and make the right decision on how to fix the problem. If you have lost your original keys, you should keep an extra set of keys in your wallet or in your car trunk. This will ensure that you are not in financial trouble. Check to see if your warranty or insurance covers the cost of a key replacement. This could help you save money in the event of an emergency.
The next step is to search your car, your house and purse, or your wallet for missing keys. You could try to retrace your steps, keeping track of the last place you had them and where you were when you lost them. This could assist you in determining where they went and could be a huge relief.
Contact your dealer if haven’t found your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are familiar with the specific car you have, so they’re the best option to get a replacement key. They’re usually busy and can’t accommodate people with short notice. This could make the process difficult.
If you get in touch with your dealership, they will be able to create a key for you using the VIN number that is recorded on their system. They can also reprogram the immobilizer system that’s required to start your car. Locksmiths are an excellent choice for those who want a fast and reliable solution, without having to wait at the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn’t long ago that losing your car keys was not a big issue. You could contact an locksmith to come to your place of residence and duplicate your keys for a reasonable fee. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, keys have also become more expensive.
Based on the type of car you drive and year, replacing a lost key can be a lengthy process that can cost hundreds of dollars. It’s an excellent idea to keep an extra set of keys on the go, especially if live in a dangerous neighborhood or a place where theft is a common occurrence.
It may seem like a waste of time to call your insurer however it could save you money over the course of time. Some policies will cover the cost of replacing a car key, so make sure to speak with your insurance provider prior to losing a key and find yourself in need.
Another thing to consider is whether your insurance policy provides roadside assistance. If it does, the company might send someone out to assist you with your situation which could be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or dealership.
Make sure you thoroughly search your vehicle before you call your insurance company. If you believe they are in the car, check in the trunk and underneath the seat. If you’re at home, check the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places where you may be prone to putting them. You should also double-check the areas where you might have left them, such as in your purse or a cluttered desk.
Contact your dealer for replacement of the keys after you’ve tried to find them. This is usually not an issue and is cheaper than calling an locksmith prices for lost car keys or calling the insurance company.
When you visit the dealership, you might want to inquire about having a spare key made, particularly in the event that you don’t have a key fob. Usually you can have your dealership make the spare key for you without changing anything else inside your car. If you choose to do this, be sure to keep the key in a secure and safe place to find it when you lose it.
4. Call the Police
Reporting your lost car keys can help you find them and ensure your safety. If someone steals your vehicle without permission, they may be fined when they drive it on streets in the city or on private property. If you report your keys lost prior to the person making off with your vehicle, you’ll know that you have an official paper trail of when the car went missing and who reported it.
Car keys are lost is a common occurrence, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster. If you contact the right people, you’ll be capable of obtaining an alternative key quickly and quickly. If you follow the suggestions in this article, you’ll even be able to avoid future key misplacements!
Follow your steps. This will help you recall where you might have lost your key. If you were driving to work and then stopped at a restaurant in order to purchase food You may recall that your keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you can’t find your key, it might be in the bag you used to carry things around or on the table where you sat down to eat.
Another option is to post your key loss online. This will increase the likelihood of finding the key by reaching a larger audience. You can also check with local businesses as well as other community bulletin boards.
Before you begin searching for your keys, be sure to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is needed to replace your keys, so it’s important to keep it secure. The VIN is typically found on your driver’s license, but can also be found on your insurance card or in your car’s owner’s manual.
Contact the police after you’ve exhausted all other options. You can get an emergency replacement car from the police department, and they will also file reports that are useful in the event that your keys are recovered.