10 Great Books On Lost Car Keys
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Car keys are lost is a nightmare. In the past, this wasn't a huge deal but it's getting more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.
You could lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pockets to find something else. Having an extra key in your house can help you avoid such situations.
1. Contact a locksmith
There's no doubt that losing your car keys could be a huge inconvenience. But, there's also no need to be in a panic. If you know who to contact and what you should do, it should only take only a few steps to get your car keys replaced.
It is recommended to try retracing the steps you did. This might sound like a simple task but it can be difficult when you're in a hurry or are already worried about the loss of keys to your car. Be sure to inspect all of your pockets and bags where you might have set them down, and also the surrounding area around your vehicle.
If you haven't been able to locate your car keys, it's time to call a locksmith. Locksmiths are able to create keys for your car faster than an auto dealer. In addition, they will usually do it for a lot cheaper than the dealership will charge you.
Some dealers are able to make replacement keys, but they might not be able to do so immediately or at any time. There are many dealerships that receive a high volume of clients, so they might not be able to help you right away. They may not also be able to create a exact copy of your current key.
You can also buy a replacement key online. Keys can be purchased on Amazon and elsewhere for a much lower price than you would buy from an auto dealer. However, they might not have the ability to cut and program these keys for your specific car model.
Some insurance policies will cover the cost to replace the vehicle's lost or stolen key. Therefore, it's worth checking whether you have insurance that would help cover the cost of purchasing a new key for your car. Just remember that you will need to provide proof of ownership and proof of identity to the individual or company who is responsible for the creation of the replacement key. This is required by the law. If you're not able to prove ownership, it can be a very expensive experience.
2. Contact the Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. It wasn't too expensive to buy an alternative key from the dealer. However, this is no longer the case, as cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive. It's not unusual to pay hundreds of dollars for a new set of keys when you lose them.
If you've lost your car keys, the first thing you need to do is to act in a calm manner. This will enable you to think clearly and make the right decision. It is also important to ensure 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. Also, see if the key replacement is covered under your warranty or insurance for your car and can help you save some money in a crisis.
Then, look in your car, your house, your purse, or your wallet for keys missing. You can also go back through the steps you followed, and remember when you last held your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This might assist you in determining where they went, which can be a huge relief.
Call your dealership if you haven't been able to find your keys after a thorough search. Dealerships are knowledgeable about your specific vehicle, so they're the best place to go for a replacement key. However, they're typically busy and can't accommodate people on short notice, which can make the process frustrating.
If you are able to get a hold of your dealer they'll be able create an entirely new key for you using the VIN number on the file. They can also modify your immobilizer that is needed to start your car. Locksmiths are a great option if you want a quick and reliable solution that doesn't require you to wait at the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not so long ago the time when you lost your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could get a locksmith to travel to your place of residence and duplicate your keys for a reasonable fee. As cars have become more technologically advanced, keys have also become more expensive.
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 can cost you hundreds of dollars. This is why it's an excellent idea to keep an additional set of keys on hand, especially if you live in a dangerous neighborhood or an area where theft is common.
Although agree with this might seem like a waste of time to contact your insurance company, calling them could save you money in the end. Some policies will cover the cost of a new car key, so make sure to speak with your insurance company prior to losing a key and you find yourself in need.
If your insurance policy provides roadside assistance, you should think about this. If it does, the insurance company could send someone out to assist you out of your situation and it could be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or a dealership.
Make sure you thoroughly search your vehicle before you call your insurance provider. If you believe they're in the car, check in the trunk and underneath the seat. If you're at home, look in the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places you might be prone to putting them. Double-check any places you may have left them. For instance, in your purse or an unorganized office.
Contact 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 make a spare key for you, particularly when your car doesn't come with a remote. Most of the time, your dealership can clone an extra 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 safe and secure to ensure you can locate it again if you lose it.
4. Call the police
Reporting lost car keys can help you find them and keep you safe. If someone steals your car without permission, they may be subject to fines if they drive it on city streets or on private property. You can safeguard yourself by reporting keys stolen before someone else steals your vehicle. This will leave a trail of paper that will show the time and date of the theft.
Car keys are lost is a frequent occurrence however it doesn't have to be to be a catastrophe. You can get a replacement car key quickly and easily if contact the right people. If you follow the guidelines in this article, you'll even be able to avoid future key misplacements!
Retrace your steps. This will give you an idea of where the key might be and will aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. For instance, if you were driving home from work, and then went to eat at a restaurant, you might be able to remember that 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.
Posting your key online is another good idea. This will reach a wide audience and increase your chances of finding it. You can also look up local businesses and bulletin boards in the community.
Before you begin looking for your keys, it's important to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is needed to replace your keys, therefore it's important to keep it in a safe place. It's common to find the VIN on your driver's licence, but it may also appear on your insurance card or in the owner's manual of your car.
If you've exhausted all other options, it's time to call the police. You can get an emergency replacement car from the police department, and they'll also submit an investigation report that can be helpful in the event that your keys are recovered.