This Is The Good And Bad 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 issue, but it's becoming more complicated as cars become technologically advanced.
You could lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table when you reach into your pocket to get something else. more.. can prevent this from happening by keeping a spare key in your home.
1. Contact a locksmith
Losing your car keys can be a major inconvenience. However, there's no need to panic. If you know who to call and how to act, it should only take just a few steps to have your keys replaced in your car.
You should try to retrace the steps you took. This may seem obvious but it's hard to do if you are in a rush or concerned about losing your car keys. Be sure to look in all your bags and pockets in which you've put them down, and also the surrounding area around your vehicle.
If you're unable to locate your car keys, it's time to call locksmith. Locksmiths are typically able to create a new key for your vehicle faster than the dealership. They can also do it for much cheaper than a dealership will charge.
Some dealerships can create keys for cars that are replacements but they might not be able to complete it for you in a hurry or even at all. There are many dealerships that have a high volume of clients, so they might not be able to accommodate you right away. They might not be able to create a exact copy of your current key.
Another option is to purchase an online replacement for your car key. The keys are available on Amazon and other websites at a lower cost than you'd buy from a dealer. However, they might not be able to cut and program keys that are specific to your car model.
Certain insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. Therefore, it's worth checking whether you have insurance that would help cover the cost of getting an additional key for your car. Remember that you'll need to show proof of ownership to the person or company who is responsible for creating your 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 too long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. It was easy to get keys replacements from a dealership and it didn't cost much to do so. However, with cars getting more technologically advanced and keys becoming more expensive to replace - this isn't as easy as it used to be. It's not unusual to pay several hundred dollars for a new set of keys if 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 the right decision on how to fix the problem. If you have lost your original keys, you should have a spare set of keys in your pocket or in your car trunk. This will ensure you're not in a financial bind. Find out whether your insurance or warranty covers the cost of replacing a key. This can save you money in the event of a crisis.
Then, look in your vehicle, your home and purse, or your wallet for keys missing. You could try to trace your steps, remembering where you last saw keys and the location you were in when you lost them. This can help you figure out where they are which is a relief.
After you've conducted an exhaustive search but are unable to find your car keys, the next option is to contact your dealer. Dealerships are aware of your vehicle and can provide you with a replacement key. However, they're typically busy and aren't able to accommodate customers on short notice, which could make the process difficult.
If you can get in touch with your dealer, they will be able to create a key for you using the VIN number that is stored on their system. They can also modify your immobilizer, which is necessary to start your car. But if you're looking for an efficient, quick solution that doesn't require waiting at the dealership, a locksmith could be a better option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago, misplacing your car keys was not a big deal. A locksmith could come to your home and duplicate your keys at an affordable cost. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so have keys, and now they're more expensive to replace than they were before.
Depending on the type of vehicle and year the replacement of a lost key could be a lengthy 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 important if you live near an area of danger or a place with a high rate of theft.
It might seem like a waste of time to call your insurance provider, but it can save you money over the course of time. Some policies will cover the cost of replacing a car key, so be sure to check with your insurance agent before you lose one and you find yourself in need.
Another thing to think about is whether your insurance policy offers roadside assistance. If you have roadside assistance, someone might be able to help you. This is less stressful than dealing with a dealer or locksmith.
Before calling your insurance company, be sure to search thoroughly for your keys. If you think they're in your car, check the trunk and under the seat. Examine the pockets of your clothes as well as other places where you have been used to putting them. Make sure you check any places you might have left them. For instance, in your purse or in a messy office.
After you've tried to locate the car keys it's recommended to contact your dealership to have them replaced. In most cases it won't be a problem, and it will be much cheaper than hiring a locksmith, or going through the insurance company.
While you're at the dealership you may want to ask whether you can have a spare key made, especially when you don't have an actual key fob. Most of the time, your dealership can clone the spare key for you without altering anything else in your vehicle. If you choose to do this, be sure to keep the key in a safe and secure location so that you can locate it the next time you lose it.
4. Call the Police
Not only will the act of reporting lost car keys to police help you locate the keys, but it also helps protect you from thieves. If someone drives your vehicle on public streets or private property without permission, the person could be penalized. If you report your keys missing before the person gets away with your vehicle, you'll know that there's an official paper trace of when it went missing and who reported it.
Car keys are lost is a common problem however it doesn't have to be to be a catastrophe. If you contact the right people, you'll capable of obtaining an alternative key quickly and quickly. If you follow the tips in this article, you'll even be able to prevent the possibility of losing your key again!
Then, try retracing your steps. This will allow you to recall where you may have lost your keys. For instance, if were returning home from work and then went to get food at a restaurant, you might be able to recall the keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you are unable to locate your keys, it could be in the bag you used to carry things around or on the table where you sat down for dinner.
Posting your lost key online is a good idea. This will be seen by a large audience and increase your chances of finding it. You can also search local businesses and bulletin boards in the community.
It is essential to write down the VIN of your vehicle before you begin looking for your keys. You'll require this information to replace your key It's crucial to keep it somewhere safe. The VIN is typically located on your driver's license but it's also on your insurance card as well as in your car's owner's manual.
Call the police once you've exhausted your other options. They'll be in a position to provide you with a temporary replacement for your vehicle and can prepare a police report that could help should the keys ever be found.