Lost Car Keys – What to Do
It is easy to lose your car keys if you’re not vigilant. Before you panic, go back and look over your daily routine to see where you may have missed them. Check all your pockets and bags.
Depending on your car model and year, the process of replacing a lost key will vary. Reina gives five steps you need to take:
1. Call the Police
Losing your car keys is a typical and stressful event however, it’s an important one. The police should be your first step. They can provide you with a reference number and help to keep you updated about any developments in your case. You should also inform your insurance agent for autos as they may want a copy of the police report to make your claim.
Being calm is the most important thing you can do when you’ve lost your keys. Doing anything to make things worse and you may miss the chance to get an alternative key. Take a deep breath, and try to remember when you last held them. Once you have a clear understanding of the time frame, you can begin repeating your steps.
If you’re at home, take a look in the pockets of the clothing you were wearing, as well as bags you may have carried. Also, check out places you’re not used to, such as under the couch or under a pile of mail. Ask an employee in a public area like a library or restaurant, if they’ve found anything.
The more thorough your search is more thorough, the more likely you will be to locate your keys. If you’re still struggling to locate your keys, it is best to contact both your insurance company and a locksmith for assistance. They can offer advice on improving key security, and can recommend a new key. This will depend on whether your vehicle is equipped with a traditional or smart ignition and key.
2. Get an extra key
Car thefts are on the rise and it’s more important than ever to have a spare key. There are a lot of cheaper methods to create an extra key if you don’t already have one.
If you have an extra, it’s advisable to leave it somewhere other than your car. A lot of thieves steal purses or wallets and copy a key making it easier to break into a vehicle later. It’s an excellent idea to keep a keychain with a Bluetooth tracker. This will allow you to keep track of your keys, and even find them if they go missing.
You can ask the dealer for an extra key or call an independent locksmith who will create one for your. The dealership is likely to have an image of your key code in their database and will be able to have it programmed into your new key. This information can be accessed by the independent locksmith using your VIN and other documents.
If a locksmith offers you a replacement key, they typically erase the original key’s “memory” so it will not work in your vehicle anymore. This is an extra step that might not be worth it in the event of a high deductible or you have insurance that is comprehensive.
It is also an excellent idea to file an official police report so that people around you are aware of the issue and won’t attempt to steal your vehicle. This could help deter further crime, or make it harder for thieves to use your identity in the future. This should be done as soon as you can to ensure your car keys are reported stolen and not misplaced.
3. Get a new set of keys
There are many options to get new keys if you’ve been stolen. The answer will depend on the type of key and how it was taken. If you have a standard car key, you can contact locksmiths who can make a new key minus the original right there on the spot. This is a much cheaper and more convenient alternative than contacting a dealer to purchase one.
If you own an electronic key fob or smart key it is a little more complicated. The dealer will need the key code in order to create a replacement. This will usually be included in your documentation when you buy or lease a car key stolen but not car. You could also bring it to the dealership if you need a new key.
Another option to get an additional set of keys in the event that keys to your car are stolen car keys what happens if your car keys are stolen to do – carlocksmith37455.shotblogs.com – is to contact roadside assistance. They’ll take your vehicle to a dealer and will have a replacement key programmed on site. It’s important to keep in mind that your car key is your sole means of opening and unlock the car, so it’s essential to report a stolen car key as quickly as you can.
It’s quite easy to lose your car keys, especially if you’re distracted or in a hurry. To prevent this from happening, make sure you put your keys in the same spot every time you leave the house. This will give you a clearer picture of where they are and make them easier to find in the future. It’s also a good idea to keep an extra set in your glove box or in a place that’s convenient. If you have an automobile that has the push button starter it is possible to keep your key fob inside an aluminum tin or Faraday bag to block the signal even when you’re not driving.
5. Visit the Dealership
If you lose your car keys stolen but not car keys, it’s important to act swiftly and remain calm. The police will provide you with a the crime reference number and offer suggestions on how you can safeguard your vehicle in the future and prevent it from cars being stolen with keyless entry taken away. They can also look over CCTV and ANPR to determine whether the vehicle has been used since you lost your key.
If you have an extra key, keep it in a secure location. It’s not difficult for thieves to get a spare key from a safe and make use of it to gain access to your vehicle. If you do not have a spare, you can always contact the dealer for the make of your car to have a new one made. You may be required to show proof of ownership papers and wait a little while because the dealer will need to order a new computer chip and then pair it with your vehicle. This isn’t cheap, so it is worth checking whether the cost is covered by your vehicle insurance.
It’s important to examine your belongings before calling the dealer. Take a look in all your bags and pockets, even places you wouldn’t expect to find them like the floor of your car or a table. Also take a step back to attempt to remember where you last saw the keys. This can help you to determine the exact location of the key and locate it if you’re fortunate enough. If you are unable to locate them, you can contact your local locksmith, who can create you a key and rekey the locks.