How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. This was not an issue until the last few years, but as cars become more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.
You can lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pocket to get something other. A spare key at home will help you avoid these situations.
1. Contact a locksmith
There's no doubt that losing your car keys can be a major hassle. But, there's no need to be in a panic. If you know what to do and who to call, getting your car keys changed should only take a couple of steps.
Try to go back the steps you made. This may seem like an obvious step however it can be difficult when you're in a rush or are already panicking over the loss of keys to your car. Make sure to check all bags and pockets to see where you might have set them down, and also the surrounding area around your vehicle.
If you haven't been able to find your car keys, it's time to call an locksmith. Locksmiths are typically able to create a new key for your vehicle more quickly than the dealership. They can also do it for cheaper than a dealership will charge.
Some dealerships can make keys for replacement to cars however they might not be able do it in a hurry or even at all. They typically have a large number of customers, so they may not be able to accommodate immediately. They may not also be able create an exact copy of the existing key.
Another option is to purchase an online replacement for your car key. The keys are available on Amazon and other sites at a lower cost than what you would pay an auto dealer. However, they might not have the ability to cut and program the keys to your specific car model.
Some insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing the vehicle's lost or stolen key. It is worth examining your insurance policy to see whether it will cover the cost of replacing a car key. Remember to show proof of ownership to the person or business who makes the replacement key. This is required by the law. It could be expensive if you are not able to prove ownership.
2. Call the Dealership
It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily find an alternative key from the dealership and it didn't cost too much to do it. However, this is no longer the case because cars are more modern and keys are more expensive. If you lose your keys today it's not uncommon to spend hundreds of dollars to have 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 the right decision about how to solve the issue. If you have lost your original keys, you should have an extra set of keys in your wallet or car trunk. This will ensure that you are not in a financial bind. You should also check to find out if the replacement key is covered under your warranty or insurance for your car which could help you save cash in the event of a need.
The next step is to do thorough searches of your home, vehicle and wallet or purse for keys that are missing. You could also retrace the steps you followed, and remember when you last had your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This will help you figure the location of your lost items, which is a great relief.
If you've completed a thorough search and can't locate your car keys, the next option is to call your dealership. Dealerships know your vehicle and can give you keys to replace. They're usually busy and cannot accommodate people who require a quick response. This could make the process difficult.
If you are able to get a hold of the dealership you're dealing with they'll be able create an entirely new key for you based on the VIN number that is on the file. They can also modify your immobilizer that is needed to start your car. If you're looking for a fast, reliable solution that doesn't involve waiting at the dealership, a locksmith might be the best option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
In the past, misplacing your car keys wasn't a big deal. A locksmith could come to your home and duplicate your keys for an affordable price. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so have keys, and they're now more expensive to replace than they were before.
Depending on car keys lost no spare of vehicle and the year, the process for replacing keys for a car that have been lost can take a few steps and cost you hundreds of dollars. This is why it's an excellent idea to keep an extra set of keys in the go, especially if reside in a neighborhood that is dangerous or an area where theft is common.
While it might seem like a waste of time 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 be sure to inquire with your insurance agent prior to losing a key and you find yourself in need.
Another thing to think about is whether your insurance policy offers roadside assistance. If it does, the service could send someone out to help you with your situation and it 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, look 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 you might be prone to putting them. Also, double-check the places where you may have left them, like your purse or a cluttered desk.
Contact your dealer for replacement of the keys after you've tried to locate them. This isn't an issue and is cheaper than calling a locksmith or going to the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to create a spare key for you, especially in the event that your car doesn't have an remote. Most of the time you can have your dealership make the spare key for you without altering anything else in your car. If you decide to do this, make sure that you keep the key in a place that is secure and safe to ensure you can locate it in the event that you lose it.
4. Call the police
Notifying your car keys that you lost can help you find them and keep you safe. If a person drives your car on public roads or on private property without permission, the driver could be penalized. If you report the keys missing before the person makes off with your car, you'll know that you have an official paper trail of when it was missing and who reported it.
It's a common problem to lose keys to your car, but it doesn't need to be a disaster. If you contact the right people, you'll in a position to obtain an alternative key quickly and quickly. If you follow the guidelines in this article, you'll even be able to avoid future key misplacements!
Try to trace your steps. This will allow you to 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 recall that keys were in your pockets when you left the car. If you can't find your keys, it could be in the bag you carried things around or on the table where you sat down to eat.
Posting your key online is a great idea. This will increase your chances of finding the key by reaching a wider audience. You can also check with local businesses as well as other community bulletin boards.
It's crucial to write down the VIN of your car before you begin looking for your keys. You'll require this information to replace your key therefore it's essential to keep it in a safe place. You'll usually find the VIN on your driver's licence, but it can also be found on your insurance card or in the owner's manual for your car.
Contact the police when you've exhausted your other options. You can request a temporary replacement car from the police department, and they will also file reports that are useful if your keys are ever found.