Why Lost Car Keys Is Everywhere This Year
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
The loss of car keys is a major headache. This was not a problem until recent times but as cars get more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.
Often you lose your keys because you've reached into your pocket to find something else and accidentally knocked them off somewhere. You can avoid this by keeping an extra key at home.
1. Call a Locksmith
It's a fact that losing your car keys can be a huge hassle. However, there's no need to be in a panic. If you know what to do and who to contact, getting your car keys changed should be a matter of a few steps.
It is recommended to try retracing the steps you did. This may seem simple but it's difficult to accomplish if you are in a rush or concerned about losing your car keys. Check all your pockets, bags, and the area around your vehicle.
Contact a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your car keys. Typically, locksmiths will be able to create a new key for your vehicle much quicker than a dealership. Plus, they can usually do it for a lot cheaper than the dealership will charge you.
Some dealerships are able to create keys for replacement to cars however they might not be able to do it for you in a hurry or even at all. There are many dealerships that have an abundance of customers and therefore may not be able to accommodate you right away. Additionally, lost car key might not be able to create an exact replica of your current key.
You can also buy 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 although they may not be able to cut or program them to the specific model of car you have.
Certain insurance policies cover the cost of replacing a stolen or lost vehicle key. It is worth examining your insurance policy to see whether it will cover the cost of a replacement car key. Just remember that you will be required to provide proof of ownership and identification to the company or individual who is responsible for the creation of the replacement key. This is legally required. It can be very expensive if you're not able to provide proof of ownership.
2. Call the Dealership
Not too long ago, misplacing - or even losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. It wasn't expensive to get new keys from the dealer. However, this is not the case anymore, as cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive. It's not uncommon to pay several hundred dollars for a brand new set of keys in the event that you lose them today.
You need to act calmly when you've lost your car keys. This will allow you to think clearly and make the best decision about how to solve the issue. It is also important to ensure that you have a backup set of keys somewhere, like in your pocket or in the trunk of your car, so that if you do lose the original keys and you lose them, you won't lose any money at all. Also, determine if the replacement is covered by your warranty or insurance for your car and can assist you in saving cash in the event of a need.
The next step is to do an exhaustive search of your home, vehicle, and your wallet or purse for keys that have gone 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 can help you find the location of your lost items, which is a huge relief.
Contact your dealer if aren't able to locate your keys after a thorough search. Dealerships are aware of the vehicle they are servicing and can provide you with a replacement key. However, they're typically busy and aren't able to accommodate customers at short notice, which can make the process difficult.
If you're able to get a hold of the dealership you're dealing with they'll be able to create a new key for you in accordance with the VIN number that is on file. They can also modify your immobilizer system which is required to start your vehicle. Locksmiths are a great option for those who want a fast and reliable solution that doesn't require you to wait in the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing keys to your car was not a big issue. A locksmith could visit your home and duplicate your keys for a reasonable price. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so have keys, and now they're more expensive to replace than they were before.
Depending on the kind of vehicle and the year the process of replacing the car key that was lost could take a few steps and cost you hundreds of dollars. This is why it's an excellent idea to keep an additional set of keys on the go, especially if live in a dangerous neighborhood or a place where theft is common.
While it might seem like it's a waste of time to call your insurance company, doing so could save you money in the end. Certain policies will cover the cost of a new car key, so be sure to speak with your insurance provider before you lose one and find yourself in need.
If your insurance policy provides roadside assistance, you should think about this. If it does, the service might send someone out to help you out of your situation, and that might be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or a dealership.
Be sure to thoroughly search your vehicle before you call your insurance provider. If you believe 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 as well as in other places you may be prone to putting them. You should also double-check the areas you may have put them, like your purse or a cluttered desk.
Contact your dealer for replacement of the keys once you've attempted to locate them. Most of the time, this won't be a problem and will cost less than hiring a locksmith or going through the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to make an extra key for you, especially in the event that your car doesn't have a remote. In most cases, your dealership can clone a spare for you without altering anything else in your vehicle. If you do this, make sure to keep the key in a safe and secure place to locate it the when you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Notifying your car keys that you lost can help you find the keys and keep you safe. If someone steals your vehicle without permission, they may be fined when they drive it on city streets or on private property. If you report your keys lost before the person gets away with your vehicle, you'll know that you have an official paper trace of when it went missing and who reported it.
It's common to lose your car keys, but it does not have to be a major issue. If you contact the appropriate people, you'll be able to get the replacement key fast and easily. You can also prevent the possibility of losing keys in the future if you follow the tips provided in this article.
Follow your steps. This will help you recall where you might have lost your keys. For instance, if were driving home from work and then went out to eat at a restaurant, you might be able to recall the keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you are unable to locate your keys, you may have put it in the bag you used to carry around things or on the table you dined at.
Posting your lost key online is another good idea. This will be seen by a large audience and increase the chances of finding it. You can also inquire with local businesses and other bulletin boards.
It's important that you write down the VIN of your car before you start searching for your keys. This information is needed to replace your keys, which is why it's important to keep it safe. The VIN is usually found on your driver's license however, it can also be found on your insurance card or in the owner's manual of your vehicle.
If you've exhausted all other options, it's time to call the police. They'll be capable of providing you with a temporary replacement for your car, and they can also make a report that could come in handy should the keys ever be discovered.