It’s a nightmare to lose your car keys. It was not a problem until recent times, but as cars become more technologically advanced, it’s becoming more difficult.
You can lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pocket to grab something else. Having an extra key in the house will help you avoid these situations.
1. Contact for a locksmith
The loss of your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. But, there’s no need to be in a panic. If you know what to do and who to call to get your car keys replaced should be a matter of a few steps.
It is recommended to try retracing the steps you made. This may sound like a simple task but it can be difficult when you’re in a hurry or are already worried about the loss of keys to your car. Make sure you check all your pockets, bags, and the space around your vehicle.
If you haven’t been able to find your car keys, it’s time to contact locksmith. Locksmiths are able to create a key for your car much faster than the dealership. They can also do it for much less than a dealership will cost.
Some dealerships are able to create keys for replacement to cars, but they may not be able to complete it immediately or at all. They often have a very large number of customers therefore they might not be able to accommodate your request right away. They might not be able to make an exact copy of the existing key.
You can also purchase a replacement key online. You can find these on Amazon and other sites at a much lower cost than what the price you pay at a dealer, although they may not be able to cut or program them to your specific car model.
Certain insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key. Therefore, it’s worthwhile to check whether you have coverage that will cover the cost of purchasing the new key for your vehicle. Be aware that you’ll need provide proof of ownership to the person or company who makes your replacement key. This is required by law. If you’re not able provide proof of ownership, it could be quite costly.
2. Contact the Dealership
It wasn’t long ago that losing keys to your car was not an issue. It was not expensive to purchase a new key from the dealer. However, with cars getting more advanced in technology – and the keys getting more expensive to replace – this isn’t as easy as it used to be. It’s not uncommon to shell out several hundred dollars for a new set of keys when you lose them.
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. You should 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 at all. You should also check to find out if the replacement key is covered by your warranty or insurance for your car, which can help you save cash in the event of a need.
The next step is to conduct thorough searches of your car, home, and your purse or wallet for keys that are missing. You could also retrace the steps you took, remembering when you last held your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This can help you find the location of your lost items, which is a huge relief.
If you’ve completed 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 give you an alternative key. However, they’re often busy and can’t accommodate people on short notice, which can make the process frustrating.
If you can get in touch with your dealer, they will be able to make keys for you based on the VIN number that is saved on their system. They can also modify the immobilizer system that is required to start your car. However, if you’re looking to find an efficient, quick solution that doesn’t involve waiting at the dealership, a locksmith may be a better option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn’t that long ago that losing keys to your car was not a major issue. A locksmith could come to your home and duplicate your keys at an affordable price. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so have the keys, and now they’re more expensive to replace than ever before.
Depending on the type of vehicle and year, the process for replacing keys for a car that have been lost can require several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars. It’s always a good idea to keep an extra set of car keys in your possession. This is especially important if you live near an area of danger or an area with an extremely high rate of theft.
It might seem like a waste to contact your insurance company however it could save you money in the long run. Certain policies will cover the cost of a new car key, so make sure to inquire with your insurance provider before you lose a key and you find yourself in need.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether your insurance policy offers roadside assistance. If you have roadside assistance, a person could come to your aid. This is a less stressful option than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Before calling your insurance company, make sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you think they’re in the car, search under the trunk and under the seat. Examine the pockets of your clothes and how to replace lost car keys other places where you have gotten used to placing them. Make sure you check any places you might have left them. For instance, in your purse or in a messy office.
Once you’ve done your best to locate the keys to your car It’s recommended to contact your dealer to have them replaced. In most cases this shouldn’t be a problem and will be much cheaper than hiring a locksmith, or going through an insurance company.
Ask the dealer to make an extra key for you, specifically if your car doesn’t have an remote. Most of the time you can have your dealership make a spare for you without changing anything else inside your vehicle. If you do this, make sure you keep the spare key in a safe and secure place so that you can find it next time you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Reporting lost car keys can help you find the keys and keep you safe. If a person drives your car on public streets or on private property without permission, the individual may be fined. You can protect yourself by reporting keys stolen before someone steals your vehicle. This will leave a paper trail that reveals when and who reported the theft.
It’s not uncommon how to replace lost car key lose your car keys, however it doesn’t have to be a catastrophe. You can obtain a replacement car key quickly and easily if contact the right people. You can also prevent future key misplacements if you follow the tips given in this article.
Take a step back. This will give you a good idea of where your key could have been lost and will help you remember what you were doing at the time. For instance, if you were driving home from work and then went out to eat at the restaurant, you may be able to recall keys were in your pocket when you left the car. 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 post your key loss online. This will increase the likelihood of locating the key by reaching a larger audience. You can also check local businesses and bulletin boards in the community.
Before you begin looking for your keys, it’s important to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. You’ll require this information to replace your key therefore it’s essential to keep it safe. The VIN is usually found on your driver’s license however, it can also be found on your insurance card and in your car’s owner’s guide.
Call the police once you’ve exhausted other options. You can get an emergency replacement car from the police, and they’ll also submit reports that are useful should your keys ever be recovered.