How to Replace Lost Car Keys
The loss of car keys is a nightmare. This wasn't a problem until the last few years, but as cars become more technologically advanced, it's becoming more difficult.
Often you lose your keys because you've reached into your pockets for something else and accidentally dropped them off somewhere. You can prevent this from happening by keeping an extra key at home.
1. car keys lost replacement for a locksmith
Losing your car keys can be a major inconvenience. However, there's no need to be in a panic. If you know who to contact and how to act it will only take just a few steps to have your keys replaced in your car.
One of the first things you need to do is retrace your steps. This may seem obvious, but it can be difficult to accomplish if you are stressed or concerned about losing your car keys. Make sure you check all your pockets, bags, and the space around your vehicle.
Contact a locksmith in case you can't find your car keys. Locksmiths are able to create a key for your car quicker than the dealership. They can even do it for less than the dealership will charge.
Some dealerships are able to create replacement keys, but may not be able to do this in the immediate future or at any time. They usually have a large number of customers so they may not be able accommodate your request right away. car keys lost replacement might not be able create an exact copy of your existing key.
You can also buy a replacement key online. You can find these on Amazon and other sites for much cheaper than you'd buy from a dealer, however, they might not be able to cut or program them to your specific car model.
Certain insurance policies cover the cost to replace a lost or stolen vehicle key. car lost key replacement is worth examining your insurance policy to determine whether it will cover the cost of a new car key. Be aware that you'll need to provide proof of ownership and identification to the person or company who makes the replacement key. This is legally required. It could be expensive if you are not able to provide proof of ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
A few years ago, misplacing - or even losing - your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily find an alternative key from a dealership, and it wasn't too much to do it. 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.
It is important to be calm when you've lost your car keys. This will enable you to think clearly and make a good decision. If you have lost your original keys you should keep a spare set of keys in your pocket or in your car trunk. This will ensure that you're not in financial trouble. It is also important to see if the key replacement is covered under your warranty or insurance for your car which could help you save cash in the event of a need.
The next step is to search your car, your house and purse, or your wallet for missing keys. You could also try to retrace your steps, keeping track of where you last saw keys and where you were when you lost them. This might help you determine where they ended up, which can be an immense relief.
Call your dealership if you haven't found your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are familiar with the specific car you have, so they're the best option for a new key. They're usually busy and can't accommodate people who have a short notice. This can cause the process to be difficult.
If you can contact your dealer they'll be able create an original key for you in accordance with the VIN number on the file. They can also reprogram the immobilizer device which is needed to start your vehicle. Locksmiths are a good option for those who want a fast and reliable solution that doesn't require you to wait in the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't long ago that losing your keys to your car was not a big issue. A locksmith could come to your home and duplicate your keys at an affordable cost. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so have keys, and they're now more expensive to replace than ever before.
Based on the type of car you drive and year replacing a lost or damaged key could be a lengthy process that can cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a good idea to have an extra set of car keys in your possession. This is especially true in the case of an area that is prone to danger or an area with an extremely high rate of theft.
It may seem like a waste to call your insurance provider, but it can save you money over time. Some policies will cover the cost of a brand new car key, so be sure to inquire with your insurance agent prior to losing a key and you find yourself in need.
If your insurance policy provides roadside assistance, it is advisable to take into consideration this. If you have roadside assistance, someone may come to your aid. This is a much less stressful option than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Be sure to thoroughly search your car before you contact your insurance company. If you think they're in your car, check the trunk and under the seat. Check the pockets of your clothing and other places where you have been accustomed to putting them. You should also double-check the areas where you might have put them, such as in your purse or a desk that is cluttered.
If you've managed to locate the car keys it's recommended to contact your dealer to get them replaced. This isn't an issue and is cheaper than calling an locksmith or calling the insurance company.
While you're at the dealership, you might want to ask whether you can have a spare key made, especially if you don't have a key fob. Most of the time you can have your dealership make the spare key for you without changing anything else inside your vehicle. If you choose to do this, be sure you keep the key in a secure and safe place so that you can locate it the next time you lose yours.
4. Call the police
Not only does the act of reporting lost car keys to police help you find keys however, it can also help keep you safe from thieves. If someone steals your vehicle without permission, they could be subject to fines when they drive it on streets in the city or on private property. If you report your keys lost before the person makes off with your vehicle, you'll be aware that there's an official paper trace of when it went missing and who reported it.
The loss of car keys is a common problem however it doesn't have to be to be a catastrophe. You can replace your car key quickly and easily if make contact with the right people. You can even prevent any future key loss by following the guidelines provided in this article.
Then, try retracing your steps. This will give you a good idea of where the key might have gone missing, and it can also help you remember what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work and then stopped at a restaurant to get some food, you may remember that your keys were in your pocket when you left your vehicle. If you cannot find your key, you might have put it in the bag you used to carry around things or at the table that you ate at.
Posting your lost key online is a great idea. This will increase your chances of finding the key by bringing it to a wider audience. You can also inquire with local businesses and other bulletin boards.
Before you start looking for your keys, be sure to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is required to replace your keys, which is why you should keep it in a safe place. The VIN is typically found on your driver's license, however, it can also be found on your insurance card or in your car's owner's manual.
After you've exhausted all other options, it's time to call the police. They'll be capable of providing you with an interim replacement for your car, and they can also make a report that could be useful should the keys ever be discovered.