How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It’s an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. It was not an issue until the last few years but as cars get more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.
Most of the time, you lose your keys because you’ve reached into your pocket to find something else and have accidentally knocked them off somewhere. You can prevent this from happening by keeping a spare key in your home.
1. Call a Locksmith
There’s no doubt that losing your car keys can be a major hassle. But, there’s no need to panic. If you know who to contact and what to do you should only need to take a few steps to get your car keys replaced.
One of the first things you have to do is try to retrace your steps. This may sound like a simple task but it can be difficult to do when you’re in a rush or are already panicking over the loss of your car keys. Make sure to check all pockets and bags in which you may have put them down, as well as the surrounding area around your vehicle.
If you’ve been unable to locate your car keys, it’s time to contact a locksmith. Locksmiths are able to create a key for your car faster than the dealership. In addition, they will usually accomplish this for much less than what a dealership would charge you.
Some dealerships can create keys for replacement to cars, but they may not be able do it for you immediately or at all. There are many dealerships that receive many customers, so they might not be able accommodate you right away. They may not also be able to make an exact copy of your existing key.
Another option is to buy a replacement car key online. They are available on Amazon and other sites for a lot less than what the price you buy from a dealer, however, they might not be able to cut or program them to your specific model of car.
Certain insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a lost car key replacement price or stolen car key. It’s worth checking to see whether you have insurance that will cover the cost of purchasing the new key for your car. Just remember that you will need to provide proof of ownership and identification to the person or company who creates the replacement key. This is required by the law. It can be extremely costly if you are unable to prove ownership.
2. Call the Dealership
Not too long ago the possibility of misplacing or losing your car keys wasn’t a huge deal. You could easily get a replacement key from the dealership and it didn’t cost much to get it done. However, this is not the case anymore, as cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive. It’s not unusual to pay several hundred dollars for a new set of keys if you lose them today.
You need to act calmly in the event that you’ve lost your car keys. This will help you think clearly and make an informed decision. It is also important to ensure that you have a backup set keys somewhere else, such as in your pocket or in the trunk of your car in case you lose the originals and you lose them, you won’t lose any money at all. Also, see if the key replacement 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 search your car, your home or your purse your wallet for missing keys. You could also retrace the steps you took, recollecting the last time you had your keys and where you were at the time you lost key replacement them. This might help you figure out where they went and could be an enormous relief.
If you’ve completed an exhaustive search but can’t find your car keys, the next option is to call your dealership. Dealerships are aware of the vehicle they are servicing and can supply you with a replacement key. They are often busy and cannot accommodate people with short notice. This could make the process difficult.
If you are able to get a hold of the dealership you’re dealing with, they’ll be able to create an original key for you in accordance with the VIN number that is on the file. They can also modify the immobilizer system that’s required to start your vehicle. However, if you’re looking to find an efficient, quick solution that doesn’t involve waiting at the dealership, a locksmith could be a better option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn’t long ago that losing your car keys was not a problem. A locksmith could visit your home and duplicate your keys at a reasonable price. As cars have become technologically advanced, keys are also becoming more expensive.
Based on the type of vehicle and year The process for replacing a lost car keys price car key can require several steps and can cost you hundreds of dollars. That’s why it’s always recommended to keep an additional set of keys on your side, especially if you reside in a dangerous area or in a location where theft is commonplace.
Although it might seem like it’s a waste of time to call your insurance company, it can save you money in the long run. Contact your agent to see whether you are able to get a replacement car key covered by your policy.
If your policy covers roadside assistance, you should think about this. If it does, the insurance company might send someone out to help you with your situation, and that might be less stressful than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Make sure you thoroughly search your vehicle before you call your insurance company. If you think they’re in the car, check under the trunk and under the seat. If you’re at home check the pockets of the clothes you were wearing as well as in other places you may have a habit of putting them. You should also double-check the areas where you might have left them, such as in your purse or a desk that is cluttered.
Contact your dealer for replacement of the keys once you’ve attempted to locate them. Most of the time this shouldn’t be a problem, and it will cost less than hiring a locksmith or working through the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to make a spare key for you, specifically when your car doesn’t come with a remote. Usually, your dealership can clone a spare for you without changing anything else inside your vehicle. If you do this make sure to keep the key in a place that is secure and safe so you can find it if you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Reporting your lost car keys can help you locate them and keep you safe. If a person drives your car on public roads or private property without permission, the driver may be fined. If you report your keys missing before the person makes off with your car, you’ll know that there’s a legal paper trail of when the car went missing and who reported it.
Losing car keys is a common problem however it doesn’t have to be to be a major issue. As long as you call the appropriate people, you’ll be able to get an alternative key quickly and quickly. If you follow the tips in this article, you’ll be able to prevent future key misplacements!
Follow your steps. This will give you a clear idea of where your keys might be, and it can also aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. For example, if you were driving home from work and then went out to eat at a restaurant, you might be able to recall that keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you can’t find your key, it might be in the bag you used to carry 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 be seen by a large audience and increase the likelihood of finding it. You can also check local businesses and community bulletin boards.
Before you start looking for your keys, be sure to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. You’ll need this information to replace your key, so it’s important to keep it somewhere safe. It’s common to find the VIN on your driver’s license, however it’s also sometimes printed on your insurance card or in the owner’s manual for your vehicle.
After you’ve exhausted all other options, it’s time to call the police. You can obtain an emergency replacement car from the police department, and they will also file a report which is useful should your keys ever be recovered.