10 Lost Car Keys Related Projects To Expand Your Creativity
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Losing car keys is a nightmare. This was not an issue until recent times, but as cars become more technologically advanced, it's becoming more difficult.
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. lost vehicle key can avoid this by keeping an extra key at home.
1. Call a Locksmith
There's no doubt that losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience. It's not a reason to be in a panic. If you know what to do and who to call to get your car keys replaced will just take a couple of steps.
Try to go back the steps you did. It may seem obvious however it can be difficult to do if are stressed or worried about losing your car keys. Be sure to look in all of your pockets and bags in which you may have put them down, as well as the space around your car.
Contact a locksmith in case you cannot locate your car keys. Locksmiths are able to create keys for your vehicle faster than an auto dealer. They can also do it for cheaper than a dealership will cost.
Some dealerships are able to create replacement keys, however they may not be able to do so immediately or at any point. They typically have a high volume of customers, so they may not be able to accommodate your request right away. They may not also be able to make an exact copy of the existing key.
You can also buy an online replacement key. They are available on Amazon and other websites at a much lower cost than what the price you buy from a dealer, but they may not be able to cut them and program them for your specific model of car.
Some insurance policies cover the cost to replace a lost or stolen vehicle key. It's worth checking to see if you have coverage that will cover the cost of purchasing a new key for your vehicle. Be aware that you'll need prove ownership to the person or business who is responsible for creating your replacement key. This is legally required. It could be costly if you are unable to provide proof of ownership.
2. Call the Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. It wasn't too expensive to buy a new key 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 several hundred dollars for a brand new set of keys in the event that you lose them today.
If you've lost your car keys first thing you need to do is act calmly. This will allow you to think clearly and make a good decision. If you lose your original keys, you should keep a spare set of keys in your pocket or car trunk. This will ensure you're not in a financial bind. Also, see if the key replacement is covered under your warranty or car insurance and can help you save some money in the event of a financial crisis.
Next, search your car, your house or your purse your wallet for keys missing. You can try to retrace your steps, remembering where you last had keys and where you were when you lost them. This might help you determine where they went and could be an enormous relief.
Once you've done an exhaustive search but can't find your car keys, the next option is to contact your dealership. Dealerships are aware of your vehicle and can supply you with a replacement key. However, they're typically busy and can't accommodate people on short notice, which can make the process difficult.
If you get in touch with your dealer, they will be able create keys for you based on the VIN number that is recorded on their system. They can also reprogram the immobilizer system that's required to start your vehicle. However, if you're looking to find a fast, reliable solution that doesn't involve waiting at the dealership, a locksmith might be a better option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't that long ago that losing car keys was not a problem. You could contact a locksmith to travel to your place of residence and duplicate your keys for a reasonable fee. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have the keys, and now they're more expensive to replace than ever.
Depending on the type of vehicle and the year, the process for replacing a lost car key can take several steps and cost hundreds of dollars. It's a good idea to have an extra set of keys on your side, especially if you reside in a neighborhood that is dangerous or a place where theft is a common occurrence.
It might seem like a waste to call your insurer however it could save you money over time. Contact your agent to determine whether you are able to get an alternative car key that is that is covered by your policy.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether your policy includes roadside assistance. If it does, the company might send someone out to help you out of your situation, and that might be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or dealership.
Make sure you thoroughly search your car before you call your insurance company. If you believe they are in the car, search in the trunk and underneath the seat. If you're at home, check the pockets of the clothes you were wearing as well as in other places where you may be prone to putting them. You should also double-check the places where you may have put them, like your purse or desk.
Once you've done your best to locate your keys to your car, it's recommended to contact your dealership to have them replaced. In most cases this shouldn't be a problem, and it will cost less than hiring a locksmith, or going through the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to make an extra key for you, specifically when your car doesn't come with a remote. The dealership will usually be able to duplicate an additional key for you without needing to alter anything else in your car. If you decide to do this, make sure you keep the key in a location that is safe and secure so that you can retrieve it again if you lose it.
4. Call the Police
Not only can the act of reporting lost car keys to the police help you locate keys, but it also helps protect you from thieves. If someone drives your vehicle on public roads or on private property without permission, the driver could be charged with a fine. If you report the keys missing before the person makes off with your vehicle, you'll be aware that there's an official paper trace of when it went missing and who reported it.
Car keys are lost is a frequent occurrence but it doesn't need to be a disaster. As long as you call the right people, you'll in a position to obtain the replacement key fast and easily. You can also prevent any future key loss by following the suggestions provided in this article.
Follow your steps. This will give you a good idea of where the key might be and will aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work and then stopped at a restaurant in order to get some food, you may remember that your keys were in your pockets when you left your vehicle. If you're unable to locate the key, it may be in the bag you carried things around or on the table at which you sat down to eat.
Another good idea is to share your primary loss online. This will reach a wide audience and increase the chances of finding it. You can also check with local businesses as well as other community bulletin boards.
It's crucial to write down the VIN of your vehicle prior to when you begin searching for your keys. You'll require this information to replace your key, so it's important to keep it safe. It's common to find the VIN on your driver's license, however it's also sometimes printed on your insurance card or in the owner's manual of your vehicle.
Contact the police when you've exhausted your other options. You can request a temporary replacement car from the police department, and they'll also submit reports that are useful in the event that your keys are recovered.