How to Replace Lost Car Keys
The loss of car keys is a major headache. It was not an issue until the last few years however, as cars become more technologically advanced, it’s becoming more difficult.
Often you lose your keys due to the fact that you’ve reached into your pocket for something else and have accidentally thrown them away somewhere. You can prevent this from happening by keeping an extra key at home.
1. Call an expert locksmith
Losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. There’s no reason to panic. If you know who to contact and what you should do, it should only take a few steps to get your car keys replaced.
One of the first things you need to do is retrace your steps. It may seem simple however it can be difficult to accomplish if you are in a hurry or already worried about losing your car keys. Be sure to look in all pockets and bags in which you may have put them down, and also the area around your car.
If you’re unable to find your car keys, it’s time to call locksmith. Locksmiths are typically capable of creating keys for your vehicle much faster than the dealership. They can also do it for less than a dealership would cost.
Some dealerships are able to create replacement keys, but may not be able do it immediately or at any time. They typically have a large number of customers so they may not be able accommodate you right away. In addition, they might not be able create an exact replica of your current key car lost.
Another option is to purchase an online replacement for your car key. You can find these on Amazon and other websites for a lot less than what the price you buy from a dealer, however, they might not be able to cut them and program them for your specific car model.
Certain insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing lost keys a stolen or lost vehicle key. It’s a good idea to check your insurance policy to see whether it will cover the cost of replacing a car key. Remember to show proof of ownership to the person or company who makes your replacement key. This is required by the law. If you’re not able to prove ownership, it could be very costly.
2. Call the Dealership
In the past the possibility of misplacing or losing – your car keys was not a huge deal. It wasn’t too expensive to buy an alternative key from a dealer. However, with cars getting more advanced in technology – and the keys getting more expensive to replace it’s not as simple as it was in the past. It’s not uncommon to pay hundreds of dollars for a brand new set of keys if you lose them today.
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 the right decision on how to replace lost car key (Main Page) to fix the issue. Also, make sure that you have a backup set of keys somewhere else, such as in your pocket or in the trunk of your car, so that if you do lose the original keys they won’t cost you any money. You should also check to find out if the replacement key is covered by your warranty or insurance for your car and can assist you in saving money in a crisis.
The next step is to conduct thorough searches of your car, home and your purse or wallet for keys that are missing. You can try to trace your steps, recollecting where you last had them and the location you were in when you lost keys car them. This will help you figure out where they are which is a huge relief.
Contact your dealer if haven’t been able to find your keys after a thorough search. Dealerships are knowledgeable about your particular vehicle, which is why they’re the best place to go to get a replacement key. They are often busy and cannot accommodate people with short notice. This can make the process frustrating.
If you are able to get in touch with your dealer, they will be able to create a key for you using the VIN number that is saved on their system. They can also reprogram the immobilizer system which is needed to start your vehicle. If you’re looking for an efficient, quick solution that doesn’t involve waiting in the dealership, a locksmith might be the best option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not so long ago losing your car keys was not an issue. You could contact a locksmith to travel to your place of residence and duplicate your keys at a reasonable cost. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so have the keys, and they’re more expensive to replace than ever.
Depending on your vehicle type and year the replacement of a lost key could be a lengthy process and cost hundreds of dollars. It’s always a smart idea to have an extra set of car keys on hand. This is especially important if you live near an area of danger or an area with an abundance of theft.
Although it might seem like an unnecessary effort to call your insurance company, it can save you money in the end. Some policies will cover the cost of a new car key, so be sure to check with your insurance agent prior to losing a key and find yourself in need.
If your insurance policy provides roadside assistance, you should think about this. If you have roadside assistance, a person might be able to help you. This is less stressful than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Make sure you thoroughly inspect your car prior to you call your insurance provider. If you believe they are in the car, look under the trunk and under the seat. If you’re at home, look in the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places you may be prone to putting them. Double-check any places you may have left them. For instance, in your purse or a cluttered office.
Call your dealer to replace the keys once you’ve attempted to find them. This is usually not an issue and is cheaper than calling a locksmith or visiting the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to create a spare key for you, especially in the event that your car doesn’t have a remote. In most cases, your dealership can clone an extra key for you, without altering anything else in your car. If you choose to do this, be sure you keep the spare key in a safe and secure place to find it when you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Not only can reporting your lost car keys to the police help you locate keys It also helps keep you safe from thieves. If someone drives your car on public streets or on private property without permission, the individual could be penalized. You can help protect yourself by registering your keys stolen before someone steals your vehicle. This will leave a paper trail that reveals when and who reported the theft.
Losing car keys is a common occurrence however it doesn’t have to be to be a disaster. You can replace your car key quickly and easily if contact the right people. If you follow the tips in this article, you’ll even be able to prevent future key misplacements!
Retrace your steps. This will help you to recall where you might have lost your keys. For example, 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 can’t locate your keys, you may have left it in the bag you used to carry around things or on the table you ate at.
Posting your key lost online is a great idea. This will reach a large audience and increase the chances of finding it. You can also contact local businesses and other community bulletin boards.
Before you start looking for your keys, you need to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. You’ll require this information to replace your keys It’s crucial to keep it in a safe place. You’ll usually find the VIN on your driver’s license, but it may also appear on your insurance card or in the owner’s manual for your car.
Contact the police when you’ve exhausted your other options. They’ll be capable of providing you with temporary replacements for your vehicle, and they can also file a report that will help in the event that keys are discovered.