Why All The Fuss About Lost Car Keys?
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. This wasn't an issue until recently however, as cars become more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.
Often you lose your keys due to the fact that you've reached into your pocket for something else, and then accidentally dropped them off somewhere. Having an extra key in your house can help you avoid such situations.
1. Contact a locksmith
There's no denying that losing your car keys could be a huge hassle. But, there's no need to panic. If you know who to call and how to act, it should only take only a few steps to get your keys to your car replaced.
You should try to retrace the steps you took. This may seem obvious however it can be difficult to accomplish if you are in a rush or concerned about losing your car keys. Make sure you check all your pockets, bags, and the surrounding area around your vehicle.
If you haven't been able to locate your car keys, you need to contact locksmith. Locksmiths are typically capable of creating an entirely new key for your car much quicker than a dealership. Plus, they can usually complete the task for much cheaper than the dealership will charge you.
Some dealers are able to make replacement keys, but they might not be able to do so in the immediate future or at any time. There are many dealerships that receive an abundance of customers, so they might not be able accommodate your request immediately. Read the Full Document may not also be able create an exact copy of your current key.
Another option is to buy an online replacement for your car key. You can find these on Amazon and other websites at a much lower cost than what you'd pay at a dealer, although they may not be able to cut them and program them to your specific model of car.
Some insurance policies cover the cost to replace the vehicle's lost or stolen key. It's worth checking your insurance policy to determine if it will cover the cost of a new car key. Be aware that you'll need show proof of ownership to the person or business who is responsible for creating the replacement key. This is legally required. If you're not able provide proof of ownership, it could be quite costly.
2. Contact the Dealership
Not too long ago, misplacing - or even losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily get an alternative key at the dealership and it wasn't too much to get it done. However, with cars becoming more advanced in technology and keys becoming more expensive to replace it's not as simple as it was in the past. If you lose your keys today it's not uncommon to spend several hundred dollars to have them replaced.
You need to act calmly when you've lost your car keys. This will help you think clearly and make the right decision. 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, in case you lose the originals they won't cost you any money. Also, see if the key replacement is covered under your warranty or insurance for your car and can help you save some cash in the event of a need.
Then, look in your car, your house and purse, or your wallet for keys missing. You can also retrace the steps you took, recollecting when you last had your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This could help you determine where they ended up, which can be an enormous relief.
Contact your dealer if you haven't found your keys after a thorough search. Dealerships know your vehicle and can give you a replacement key. However, they're usually busy and aren't able to accommodate customers with short notice, which can cause the process to be frustrating.
If you're able to get a hold of your dealer they'll be able create a new key for you in accordance with the VIN number that is on the file. They can also modify your immobilizer which is required to start your car. However, if you're looking to find a fast, reliable solution that doesn't involve waiting in the dealership, a locksmith could be the best option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to cars was not a major issue. A locksmith could visit your home and duplicate your keys for an affordable price. As cars have become more technologically advanced, keys have also become more expensive.
Depending on the kind of vehicle and the 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 on hand. This is especially true when you live in an area of danger or an area with an abundance of theft.
It may seem like a waste to contact your insurance company, but it can save you money in the long run. Certain policies will cover the cost of replacing a car key, so make sure to inquire with your insurance company before you lose one and find yourself in need.
If your policy covers roadside assistance, you should think about this. If it does, the service might send a person out to assist you with your situation, and that might be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or dealership.
Make sure you thoroughly search your vehicle before you call your insurance company. If you believe they are in the car, search inside the trunk and beneath the seat. Examine the pockets of your clothes and other places where you may have gotten used to placing them. Make sure you check any places you might have left them. For instance, your purse or a cluttered office.
Contact your dealer for replacement of the keys once you've tried to find them. replace lost car keys of the time, this won't be a problem, and it will be much cheaper than hiring a locksmith or working through the insurance company.
While you're at the dealership you may want to ask whether you can have a spare key made, particularly in the event that you don't have an actual key fob. In most cases you can have your dealership make an extra key for you, without altering anything else in your vehicle. If you do this make sure that you keep the key in a location that is safe and secure so you can find it again if you lose it.
4. Call the police
Not only does the act of reporting your lost car keys to police help you locate keys however, it can also help keep you safe from thieves. If someone drives your car on public streets or private property without permission, the person may be fined. If you report your keys lost before the person makes off with your car, you'll know that there's a legal paper trail of when it was missing and who reported it.
Car keys are lost is a common occurrence however it doesn't have to be to be a major issue. You can get a replacement car key quickly and easily if contact the right people. You can even prevent the possibility of losing keys in the future if you follow the tips given in this article.
Then, try retracing your steps. This will give you a good idea of where your key could have been lost and will aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work, then stopped at a restaurant to purchase food and drinks, you might remember that your keys were in your pockets as you left the vehicle. If you're unable to locate the key, it may be in the bag you used to carry things around or on the table where you sat down to eat.
Another good idea is to publish your most important loss online. This will increase your chances of finding the culprit by bringing it to a wider audience. You can also look up local businesses and bulletin boards in the community.
Before you begin searching for your keys, it's important to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. You'll need this information to replace your key It's crucial to keep it in a safe place. You'll usually find the VIN on your driver's license, however it can also be found on your insurance card or in the owner's manual for your car.
Call the police once you've exhausted other options. They'll be able to provide you with a temporary replacement for your car, and they can also make a report that could help if the keys are ever discovered.