How to Replace lost car key what to do Car Keys
It’s an absolute nightmare to lose car keys. In the past, this was not a big problem, but it’s now becoming more complicated as cars become technologically advanced.
Keys can be lost when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pockets to find something other. You can prevent this from happening by keeping a spare key in your home.
1. Contact an expert locksmith
Losing your car keys is an enormous inconvenience. But, there’s also no need to panic. As long as you know who to contact and how to act, it should only take a few steps to get your car keys replaced.
One of the first things you have to do is try and try to retrace your steps. This might sound like a simple task but it can be difficult to do when you’re in a hurry or are already panicking over the loss of your car keys. Make sure to check all bags and pockets in which you’ve put them down, and also the space around your car.
Call a locksmith if you can’t find your car keys. Typically, locksmiths will be in a position to make a new key for your vehicle more quickly than a dealership. They can also do it for much cheaper than a dealership would cost.
Some dealerships are able to create replacement keys, however they may not be able do so in the immediate future or at any time. There are many dealerships with many customers, so they might not be able to accommodate your request immediately. They may not also be able to make an exact copy of your existing key.
You can also buy a replacement key online. Keys can be purchased on Amazon and other sites for a price that is lower than you would purchase from the dealer. However, they may not have the ability to cut and program these keys for your specific car model.
Some insurance policies cover the cost to replace a lost or keys stolen vehicle key. It is worth examining your insurance policy to determine whether it will cover the cost of a replacement car key. Be aware that you’ll need prove ownership to the person or company who is responsible for creating your replacement key. This is required by the law. It can be very expensive if you are not able to provide proof of ownership.
2. Call the Dealership
It wasn’t too long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. It wasn’t too expensive to buy an alternative key from a dealer. However, this is not the case anymore, since cars are more sophisticated and keys are more expensive. It’s not uncommon to shell out several hundred dollars for a new set of keys when you lose them.
If you’ve i lost my car keys your car keys the first thing you should do is be calm. 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 so that if you do lose the original keys and you lose them, you won’t lose any money at all. Make sure to check whether your warranty or insurance covers the cost of a key replacement. This could save you money in the event of a crisis.
Next, search your car, your home and purse, or your wallet for keys missing. You could also retrace the steps you followed, and remember when you last held your keys and where you were when you lost them. This could help you figure out the location they went to and could be an enormous relief.
After you’ve conducted a thorough search and can’t find your car keys, the next option is to contact your dealer. Dealerships are aware of the vehicle they are servicing and can supply you with an alternative key. However, they’re typically full and cannot accommodate people at short notice, which can make the process frustrating.
If you are able to contact your dealer, they will be able create keys for you using the VIN number that is recorded on their system. They can also reprogram the immobilizer system which is needed to start your vehicle. Locksmiths are a great option for those who want a fast, reliable solution without having to wait in the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn’t too long ago that misplacing car keys was not a big issue. You could call a locksmith to travel to your place of residence and duplicate your keys for a reasonable fee. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have the keys, and they’re now more expensive to replace than they were before.
Depending on your vehicle type and year the replacement of a lost key could be a lengthy process that can cost hundreds of dollars. It’s always a smart idea to have an extra set of car keys on hand. This is especially important when you live in an area that is prone to danger or a place with an abundance of theft.
While it might seem like an unnecessary effort to contact your insurance company, calling them will save you money in the long run. Check with your agent to see whether you are able to get an alternative car key that is that is covered by your policy.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether your policy includes roadside assistance. If it does, the service might send a person out to assist you in your circumstance which could be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or dealership.
Be sure to thoroughly search your vehicle before you call your insurance company. If you believe they’re in the car, check the trunk and under the seat. Examine the pockets of your clothing and other places where you may have been accustomed to putting them. You should also check the areas where you might have left them, such as in your purse or desk.
Call your dealer to replace the keys once you’ve tried to find them. This isn’t a problem, and it’s cheaper than calling a locksmith or visiting the insurance company.
While you’re at the dealer you may want to ask whether you can have a spare key made, especially in the event that you don’t have a key fob. The dealership is usually able to create an additional key for you without needing to alter anything else in your vehicle. If you choose to do this, be sure you keep the key in a secure and safe location so that you can locate it the next time you lose it.
4. Call the police
Not only can the act of reporting your lost car keys to police help you find keys however, it can also help protect you from thieves. If someone drives your car on public roads or private property without permission, the driver may be fined. You can protect yourself by reporting keys stolen prior to someone stealing your car. This leaves a trace on paper that will show the time and date of the theft.
The loss of car keys is a common occurrence however it doesn’t have to be to be a major issue. You can replace your car key quickly and easily if contact the right people. You can also avoid any future key loss by following the guidelines given in this article.
Try to trace your steps. This will give you a clear idea of where your key could have gone missing and will aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. For instance, if you were driving home from work and then went to eat at the restaurant, you may be able to recall that 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 carried things around or on the table at which you sat down to eat.
Another good idea is to publish your most important loss online. This will increase your chances of finding the key by bringing it to a wider audience. You can also contact local businesses and other community bulletin boards.
Before you begin searching for your keys, it’s important to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is needed to replace your keys, so it’s important to keep it secure. You can usually find the VIN on your driver’s license, however it may also appear on your insurance card or in the owner’s manual for your car.
Contact the police after you’ve exhausted all other options. They’ll be capable of providing you with an interim replacement for your vehicle and also file a report that will be useful should the keys ever be found.