5 Must-Know Practices For Lost Car Keys In 2023
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose car keys. This was not a problem until recently but as cars get more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.
Most of the time, you lose your keys due to the fact that you've reached into your pocket to find something else and accidentally dropped them off somewhere. Having an extra key in your house can help you avoid such situations.
1. Contact a locksmith
Losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. It's not a reason to panic. As long as you know who to call and what to do, it should only take just a few steps to have your car keys replaced.
One of the first things to do is try and try to retrace your steps. It may seem obvious, but it can be difficult to accomplish if you are stressed or concerned about losing your car keys. Check all your pockets, bags, and the space around your vehicle.
If you've been unable to find your car keys, you need to contact an locksmith. Locksmiths are able to create keys for your vehicle quicker than the dealership. In addition, they will usually accomplish this for much less than the dealership would charge you.
Some dealerships are able to create keys for replacement to cars, but they may not be able to complete it for you in a hurry or even at all. There are many dealerships with an abundance of customers and therefore may not be able to help you right away. They may not also be able to make an exact copy of your current key.
Another option is to purchase a replacement car key online. These keys can be found on Amazon and elsewhere for a much lower price than you would pay an auto dealer. However, they might not be able to cut and program these keys for your specific car model.
Some insurance policies will cover the cost to replace a lost or stolen vehicle key. It's worthwhile to check whether you have coverage that would help cover the cost of getting an additional key for your vehicle. Be aware that you'll have to prove ownership and identification to the person or company who makes the replacement key. This is legally required. It could be costly if you are unable to prove ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
In the past losing - or losing - your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could easily get a replacement key from a dealership and it didn't cost too much to do so. However, as cars become more technologically advanced - and the keys getting more expensive to replace it's not as simple as it was in the past. If you lose your keys today it's not uncommon to pay hundreds of dollars to have them replaced.
If you've lost your car keys, the first thing you need to do is be calm. This will allow you to think clearly and make an informed decision. Also, make sure that you have a backup set of keys somewhere else, such as in your pocket or 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 insurance or warranty covers the cost of a replacement key. This can save you money in the event of a crisis.
The next step is to do thorough searches of your car, home, and your purse or wallet for keys that have gone missing. You can also try to retrace your steps, recollecting the last place you had keys and where you were when you lost them. This can help you find the location of your lost items, which is a relief.
Once you've done a thorough search and can't locate your car keys, the next step is to contact your dealer. Dealerships are knowledgeable about your specific vehicle, so they're the best place to go to get a replacement key. They're usually busy and can't accommodate people who have a short notice. This could make the process difficult.
If you get in touch with your dealer, they will be able to create keys for you using the VIN number that is recorded on their system. They can also reprogram the immobilizer system which is needed to start your car. However, if you're looking to find a fast, reliable solution that doesn't involve waiting at the dealership, a locksmith may be a better choice.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not a problem. You could contact a locksmith to travel to your location and duplicate your key for a reasonable fee. As lost my car keys have become more technologically advanced, the keys have also become more expensive.
Based on the type of car you drive and year, replacing a lost key can be a long procedure that could cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a good idea to keep an extra set of car keys in your pocket. This is especially true when you live in an area that is prone to danger or an area with an extremely high rate of theft.
It might seem like a waste of time to call your insurer however it could save you money over time. Talk to lost vehicle key to see whether you are able to get a replacement car key covered by your policy.
If your insurance policy provides roadside assistance, it is advisable to think about this. If it does, the service might send someone out to assist you in your circumstance, and that might be less stressful than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Make sure you thoroughly search your vehicle before you contact your insurance company. If you think they're in the car, look in the trunk and under the seat. If you're at home, look in the pockets of the clothes you were wearing as well as in other places you might be prone to putting them. Also, double-check the places where you may have left them, such as in your purse or desk.
Call your dealer to replace the keys once you've tried to find them. Usually it won't be a problem and it will be much cheaper than hiring a locksmith or working through the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to make a spare key for you, particularly when your car doesn't come with an remote. Most of the time you can have your dealership make an extra key for you, without altering anything else in your car. If you do this make sure that you keep the key in a location that is secure and safe so that you can retrieve it if you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Reporting your lost car keys can help you locate the keys and keep you safe. If someone steals your car without permission, they could be subject to fines when they drive it on public roads or private property. If you report your keys lost prior to the person making off with your vehicle, you'll know that there's a legal paper trace of when it went missing and who reported it.
Losing car keys is a common occurrence but it doesn't need to be a major issue. You can replace your car key quickly and easily if contact the right people. You can also prevent any future key loss if you follow the tips provided in this article.
Retrace your steps. This will give you an idea of where the key might be and can help you remember what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work, then went to a restaurant to purchase food, you may remember that your keys were in your pockets when you left your vehicle. If you can't locate your key, you might have left it in the bag that you used to carry around things or at the table that you ate at.
Another option is to post your key loss online. This will increase your chances of finding the culprit by bringing it to a wider audience. You can also check with local businesses as well as other community bulletin boards.
It is essential to note down the VIN of your vehicle before you begin looking for your keys. This information is required to replace your keys, which is why you must keep it secure. The VIN is usually found on your driver's license but it's also on your insurance card or in your car's owner's guide.
Contact the police when you've exhausted other options. They'll be able to provide you with temporary replacements for your vehicle and also file a report that will come in handy should the keys ever be found.