Why Everyone Is Talking About Lost Car Keys This Moment
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. It wasn't that long ago, this wasn't a huge issue, but it's becoming more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.
You can lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table when you reach into your pocket to grab something else. Having an extra key in your house can save you from such situations.
1. Call an expert locksmith
It's a fact that losing your car keys could be a major hassle. It's not a reason to be in a panic. If you know who to contact and how to act it will only take only a few steps to get your car keys replaced.
One of the first things you need to do is go back to where you started. It may appear obvious but it's difficult to accomplish if you are in a rush or worried about losing your car keys. Make sure to check all your bags and pockets to see in which you've put them down, as well as the surrounding area around your vehicle.
If you've been unable to find your car keys, it's time to call an locksmith. Locksmiths are able to create keys for your vehicle quicker than a dealership. They can even do it for cheaper than a dealership would cost.
Some dealerships can create replacement car keys as well, but they may not be able to complete it immediately or at all. There are many dealerships with an abundance of customers and therefore may not be able to help you immediately. In addition, they may not be able to create an exact copy of your current key.
Another option is to purchase an online replacement for your car key. internet are available on Amazon and other websites for a much lower price than what you would purchase from a dealer. However, they might not have the ability to cut and program these keys for your specific car model.
Some insurance policies also provide coverage for the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. It's worth checking your insurance policy to determine whether it covers the cost of a new car key. Remember to show proof of ownership to the person or business who makes your replacement key. This is required by law. It can be very expensive if you're not able to provide proof of ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
Not too long ago the possibility of misplacing or losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could easily get a replacement key from a dealership and it didn't cost too much to do so. However, this is no longer the case, since cars are more sophisticated and keys are more expensive. If you lose your keys today it's not unusual to spend hundreds of dollars to get them replaced.
If you've lost your car keys the first thing you must do is act calmly. This will allow you to think clearly and make a good decision. If you have lost your original keys you should keep an extra set of keys in your purse or car trunk. This will ensure that you're not in financial trouble. Also, determine if the replacement is covered by your warranty or insurance for your car which could help you save some money in the event of a financial crisis.
Then, look in your car, your house or your purse your wallet for keys that are missing. You could try to trace your steps, keeping track of where you last saw them and where you were when you lost them. This can help you find out where they are which is a huge relief.
Contact your dealer if you aren't able to locate your keys after a thorough search. Dealerships are familiar with the specific car you have, so they're the best place to go for a replacement key. They're often busy and cannot accommodate people who have a short notice. This could make the process difficult.
If you get in touch with the dealership, they'll be able create keys for you based on the VIN number that is saved on their system. They can also reprogram the immobilizer device which is needed to start your vehicle. Locksmiths are a great option if you want a quick and reliable solution, without having to wait at the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing car keys was not a big issue. You could contact a locksmith to travel to your location and duplicate your key for a reasonable fee. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so too have the keys, and they're more expensive to replace than they were before.
Depending on your vehicle type and year replacing a lost or damaged key can be a long process that can cost hundreds of dollars. That's why it's always a good idea to have an extra set of keys on the go, especially if reside in a dangerous area or an area where theft is commonplace.
It may seem like a waste to call your insurance provider but it can actually save you money over the course of time. Check with your agent to see whether you can obtain a replacement car key covered by your policy.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether your policy includes roadside assistance. If you have roadside assistance, someone may come to your aid. This is a less stressful option than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Before you call your insurance company, be sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you think they're in your car, try looking in the trunk and under the seat. Check the pockets of your clothing and other places you might have been used to putting them. You should also check the areas where you might have put them, such as in your purse or a desk that is cluttered.
Contact your dealer for replacement of the keys after you've tried to find them. This isn't an issue, and it's cheaper than calling a locksmith or visiting the insurance company.
While you're at the dealership it is possible to inquire about having a spare key made, particularly when you don't have an actual key fob. Usually the dealership will be able to make the spare key for you without changing anything else inside your vehicle. If you do this make sure you keep the key in a location that is safe and secure to ensure you can locate it if you lose it.
4. Call the police
Not only can the act of reporting lost car keys to police help you find them, but it also helps keep you safe from thieves. If someone steals your car without permission, they may be subject to fines when they drive it on public roads or on private property. If you report your keys missing prior to the person making off with your car, you'll know that there's an official paper trail of when the car went missing and who reported it.
It's not uncommon to lose your car keys, but it doesn't have to be a major issue. You can get a replacement car key quickly and easily if you contact the right people. If you follow the tips in this article, you'll even be able to avoid any future key loss!
Then, try retracing your steps. This will help you to remember where you might have lost your key. For instance, if you were returning home from work and then went to get food at a restaurant, you might be able to recall keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you are unable to locate your key, it might be in the bag you carried things around or on the table at which you sat down for dinner.
Another option is to publish your most important loss online. This will reach a wide audience and increase the chances of finding it. You can also look up local businesses and bulletin boards for community groups.
It is essential to write down the VIN of your vehicle before you begin searching for your keys. This information is needed to replace your keys, which is why you must keep it safe. The VIN is typically found on your driver's license, but it's also on your insurance card or in the owner's manual of your vehicle.
After you've exhausted all other options then it's time to call the police. You can obtain a temporary replacement car from the police, and they'll also submit reports that are useful should your keys ever be found.