15 Best Documentaries About Lost Car Keys
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose car keys. It wasn't that long ago, this wasn't a huge problem, but it's now becoming more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.
You can lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pockets to grab something other. A spare key in the house can save you from such situations.
1. Call a Locksmith
Losing your car keys is a major inconvenience. But, there's also no need to panic. If you know what to do and who to contact, getting your car keys replaced will just take a couple of steps.
One of the first things you have to do is try and try to retrace your steps. This may sound like a straightforward step but it can be difficult when you're in a hurry or are already worried about the loss of your car keys. Make sure you check all your pockets, bags, and the space around your vehicle.
Call a locksmith if you can't find your car keys. Locksmiths are usually able to create an entirely new key for your vehicle faster than the dealership. They can also do it for much less than a dealership would cost.
Some dealerships can create replacement keys, however they may not be able to do this immediately or at any time. There are many dealerships that have many customers and therefore may not be able to accommodate you immediately. Additionally, they might not be able create an exact copy of your key.
Another option is to purchase a replacement car key online. Keys can be purchased on Amazon and elsewhere for a much lower price than what you would buy from a dealer. However, they might not have the ability to cut and program these keys for your specific car model.
Some insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key. So, it's always worth checking if you have coverage that will cover the cost of getting an additional key for your car. Remember that you'll need to provide proof of ownership and proof of identity to the individual or company who makes the replacement key. This is required by law. It can be extremely expensive if you are not able to provide proof of ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
Not too long ago, misplacing - or even losing your car keys was not an issue. My Source was not expensive to purchase an alternative key 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 shell out several hundred dollars for a brand new set of keys if you lose them today.
If you've lost your car keys, the first thing you must do is be calm. This will help you think clearly and make the best choice about how to resolve the issue. You should also make sure that you have a backup set keys somewhere else, such as in your pocket or in the trunk of your car in case you lose the original keys and you lose them, you won't lose any money. Check to see whether your warranty or insurance covers the cost of replacing a key. This can help you save money in the event of a crisis.
The next step is to do thorough searches of your home, vehicle and your purse or wallet to find the missing keys. You may try to retrace your steps, remembering where you last saw keys and where you were when you lost them. This might help you determine the location they went to and could be a huge relief.
Call your dealership if you aren't able to locate your keys after a thorough search. Dealerships are familiar with your vehicle and can supply you with keys to replace. They are often busy and are not able to accommodate customers who have a short notice. This can make the process frustrating.
If you can contact your dealership they'll be able create an entirely new key for you using the VIN number that is on the file. They can also modify your immobilizer that is needed to start your vehicle. If you're looking for an immediate, reliable solution that doesn't involve waiting in the dealership, a locksmith could be a better option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't long ago that losing your keys to cars was not a major issue. A locksmith could visit your home and duplicate your keys at a reasonable price. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have the keys, and they're more expensive to replace than they were before.
Based on the type of vehicle and year the process of replacing keys for a car that have been lost can require several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars. This is why it's recommended to keep an extra set of keys on your side, especially if you live in a dangerous neighborhood or an area where theft is common.
Although it might seem like a waste of time to contact your insurance company, doing so can save you money in the long run. Talk to your agent to determine whether you are able to get a replacement car key insured by your policy.
Another thing to think about is whether your policy includes roadside assistance. If it does, the insurance company could 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 car before you call your insurance provider. If you believe they're in the car, look 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 where you may have a habit of placing them. Also, double-check the places where you may have put them, such as in your purse or a desk that is cluttered.
After you've tried to locate your keys to your car it's a good idea to call your dealer to get them replaced. This is usually not a problem, and it's cheaper than calling an locksmith or calling the insurance company.
When you visit the dealership, you might want to inquire whether you can have a spare key made, especially in the event that you don't have a key fob. Most of the time you can have your dealership make an extra key for you, without altering anything else in your vehicle. If you do this, make sure you keep the key in a secure and safe place to locate it the when you lose it.
4. Call the Police
Not only will the act of reporting your lost car keys to the police help you find keys, but it also helps keep you safe from thieves. If someone steals your vehicle without permission, they may be subject to fines when they drive it on public roads or private property. You can safeguard yourself by reporting keys stolen before someone else steals your car. This will leave a trail of paper that shows who and when they reported the theft.
It's common to lose keys to your car, but it does not need to be a disaster. You can get a replacement car key quickly and easily if you call the right people. You can even prevent the possibility of losing keys in the future by following the suggestions that are provided in this article.
Then, try retracing your steps. This will give you an idea of where your key could have gone missing and can help you remember what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work, then stopped at a restaurant in order to purchase food and drinks, you might remember that 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 where you sat down to eat.
Another good idea is to publish your most important loss online. This will reach a wide audience and increase the likelihood of finding it. You can also look up local businesses and bulletin boards for community groups.
It's crucial to note down the VIN of your vehicle prior to when you start searching for your keys. This information is needed to replace your keys, therefore it's important to keep it secure. You can usually find the VIN on your driver's license, but it may also appear on your insurance card or in the owner's manual for your car.
If you've exhausted all other options then it's time to call the police. You can request an interim replacement vehicle from the police, and they'll also submit a report which is useful if your keys are ever recovered.