Check Out: How Lost Car Keys Replaced Is Taking Over And What You Can Do About It
How to Get Lost Car Keys Replacing
You might feel like your day has taken a turn for the worse if you lose your car keys. It is recommended to do the following:
Empty your pockets and check any bags that you may be carrying. Retrace your steps to help you locate your car keys.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's not unusual to lose your car key. The loss of keys can be a hassle when you're running a quick errand when you don't remember to take them with you or you are distracted at home. The good news is that there are a few steps you can follow to help locate your keys and get back on track.
One of the first things you must do is to go back and trace your steps. This means going back through your day in your mind and reminiscing about where you've been and what you've done. This can help you jiggle your memories and trigger a flash that can lead to your keys.
Do not rush through this process because you could miss something important. It's important to consider the possible places your keys may be missing. If you were rushing into the house, they could have been left on the table or the floor. This is why it's crucial to look in every corner of your home, including areas that are cluttered with clutter. For instance, you might find your lost car keys hidden in a pile of mail or hidden between the folds of your jacket.
Asking for help is another thing you can try. If you live with a roommate or someone else ask them if they've seen your lost keys. This is a great way of getting an additional pair of eyes to help you locate your keys.
It's time to call professionals if you're unable to find your keys even after going through all the steps. A professional locksmith can help you track down your lost car keys and make sure they're replaced swiftly and securely. They'll also be able to supply you with spare keys, which could save you a lot of headaches in the future. Contact a local car dealership or service company to find out more about the services that a locksmith can offer. They can provide you with suggestions on how to deal with a lost or stolen key, and they will send you a professional locksmith immediately.
2. Call for a locksmith
It can be frustrating to find that your keys are missing when you're late for work or getting ready to go out with your friends. If you've checked everywhere you can imagine, it could be time to contact a locksmith or a car dealership. It's not always the end of the world and you'll be able to get your car back.
If a locksmith arrives to repair your car key, they will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), which is located on the dashboard or inside the door jambs. They will also need your spare key, as well as evidence of ownership. The possession of these documents will make the process much quicker and smoother.
The cost of a new key is dependent on the kind of key you have and the dealership that you are using. If you own a traditional key, the locksmith will be able to make one on the spot and is usually the cheapest option. If you have a smart key that connects to the computer in your car it has to be programmed by the dealership. This can be more expensive and is not an option for everyone.
You can also have keys that were lost replaced with roadside assistance or by calling your insurance company. This is more affordable and less stressful, however the service is usually only last several days and could leave you waiting around while your car is being repaired or towed.
It doesn't matter who you ask for help to assist you in finding your car keys. The best thing you can do is remain calm. It is easy to panic, but this will only cause frustration and may even harming your car's lock or key fob further. So, take a deep breath, and try to remember where you might have put your keys. It's also a good idea to ask friends or family members if they have seen them. This can be very helpful when you are in rush and don't know where they might have gone.
3. Visit Your Dealership
A few years ago the loss or misplacement of a car key was not a huge issue. You could simply call your local dealer and they would make a new one for you. But as cars have evolved, so too has the technology that makes them work. In the end, purchasing a new set of keys can be more difficult (and expensive) than it was in the past.
If you own a classic double-edged car key made of metal and you're in need of a replacement, visit a locksmith for an alternative (assuming it's still functioning). This type of key is entirely mechanical and doesn't use any electronic systems. However, if your vehicle is an older model that does not have this type of key, you might have to visit your dealer or hardware store to have a new key made.
Transponder keys are yet another kind of car key that is becoming more more popular. The transponder key uses an "password" that is unique to your car to allow it to connect and begin. You will need to have a new car key programmed to work with this. Depending on lost keys to my car and model of your vehicle you could do this yourself. You can find instructions in your owner's guide or contact your local auto dealer.
You'll have to purchase an entirely new car key, that can cost between $100-$500, depending on your car type and the technology. Examine your insurance and warranty to find out if these costs are covered.
Notifying your keys that are lost is essential when you realize that they're missing. This can prevent other people from accessing your car without your permission. They could cause damage to the doors and ignition which could cost you a lot of money to repair.
Reporting your lost car keys immediately can also save you from any other issues. If you lose your keys while parking on public property, and someone else takes off the city could issue fines.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
A few years ago it was not a huge issue. For a few dollars you could have a key made at a hardware store, and be on your way. Today, however, cars are much more technologically advanced and it's much more difficult to find an replacement. The first step is always to speak with your insurance provider to see what coverage, if any, you might have.
Many modern cars have electronic key fobs that are programmed to work only with the vehicle they're attached to. To create a new one, the original key must be present so that the transponder chip can be "paired" to it. If you don't have a spare, this means calling the dealership or a locksmith that can work using your vehicle's unique programming.
The good news is that most of these expenses are covered by your roadside assistance program or your car's warranty, so this is the first step you take prior to worrying about lost keys. You should also contact the police to report any thefts and then get your keys returned.
Another option is to consider buying smart tags, like the Apple AirTag or Tiles, which will help you locate your missing keys by activating an alert on your phone. The cost is high, but the security it offers can be worth it.
If you do decide to call your insurance company, ensure that you talk to your agent prior to performing any work on your vehicle. Based on your policy, your key could be considered personal property and therefore not should be covered by your auto or home insurance policies. Your agent will be able to tell you for certain and provide you advice on how to proceed. Reporting the lost car keys is a simple and quick process. This will stop anyone from impersonating or theft from your vehicle. Making it clear as quickly as you can will decrease the possibility of theft and damage.