How To Recognize The Lost Car Keys Which Is Right For You
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. This was not an issue until the last few years but as cars get more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.
You can lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pocket to grab something else. You can avoid such situations by keeping a spare key in your home.
1. Contact a locksmith
There's no denying that losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience. But, there's also no need to panic. If you know who to call and what to do, it should only take a few steps to get your keys to your car replaced.
Try to go back the steps you did. This might sound like a simple task, but sometimes it can be difficult to do when you're in a hurry or are already worried about the loss of keys to your car. Be sure to look in all of your bags and pockets in which you may have put them down, and also the surrounding area around your vehicle.
If you're unable to locate your car keys, you need to call a locksmith. Locksmiths are able to create keys for your car faster than an auto dealer. In addition, they will usually do it for a lot less than the dealership would charge you.
Some dealerships can make replacement keys, but they may not be able do so immediately or at any time. There are many dealerships with a high volume of clients and therefore may not be able to accommodate your request immediately. In addition, they may not be able create an exact replica of your current key.
Another option is to buy a replacement car key online. They are available on Amazon and other places for much cheaper than you'd pay at a dealer, however, they might not be able to cut them and program them for the specific model of car you have.
Some insurance policies also provide coverage for the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key. It is worth examining your insurance policy to see whether it will cover the cost of a replacement car key. Be aware that you'll need provide proof of ownership to the person or company who creates your replacement key. This is legally required. It could be expensive if you are not able to prove ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. It wasn't expensive to get an alternative key from the dealer. This is no longer the case as cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive. If you lose your keys today it's not uncommon to spend several hundred dollars to have them replaced.
You must be calm when you've lost your car keys. This will allow you to 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 the trunk of your car so that if you do lose the originals, you won't be out any money at all. You should also check to find out if the replacement key is covered under your warranty or car insurance, which can assist you in saving cash in the event of a need.
The next step is to conduct thorough searches of your car, home and your purse or wallet to find keys that have gone missing. You can also retrace the steps you took, remembering when you last held your keys and where you were when you lost them. This will help you figure the location of your lost items, which is a relief.
After you've conducted a thorough search and can't find your car keys, the next step is to call your dealership. Dealerships are knowledgeable about the specific car you have, so they're the best place to go to get a replacement key. They're often busy and cannot accommodate people who require a quick response. This can make the process frustrating.
If you contact the dealership, they'll be able create keys for you using the VIN number that is stored on their system. They can also reprogram your immobilizer system that is needed to start your car. 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 losing your car keys was not a big issue. You could call a locksmith to drive to your place of residence and duplicate your keys for a reasonable fee. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, keys have also become more expensive.
Depending on your vehicle type and year the replacement of a lost key can be a long 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 if you live near a dangerous area or in a place with an abundance of theft.
It may seem like a waste of time to contact your insurance company but it can actually save you money over time. Contact your agent to see whether you can obtain a replacement car key insured by your policy.
Another thing to think about is whether your insurance policy offers roadside assistance. If you have roadside assistance, a person might be able to help you. This is less stressful than dealing with a dealer or locksmith.
Be sure to thoroughly search your car before you call your insurance company. If you think they're in the car, look in the trunk and under the seat. If you're at home, look in the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places you might have a habit of putting them. Make sure you check any places you might have left them. For example, your purse or in a messy office.
Once you've done your best to find the car keys it's a good idea to call your dealership to have them replaced. Usually, this won't be a problem and it is much less expensive than hiring a locksmith or going through the insurance company.
When you visit the dealership 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 extra key for you without having to alter anything else in your vehicle. If you do this, make sure you keep the key in a safe and secure place to locate it the next time you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Not only can the act of reporting lost car keys to the police help you locate keys It also helps keep you safe from thieves. If someone steals your vehicle without permission, they could be fined for driving it on public roads or private property. You can help protect yourself by reporting keys stolen before someone else steals your car. This will leave a trail of paper that reveals when and who reported the theft.
It's common to lose your car keys, but it doesn't have to be a catastrophe. You can obtain a replacement car key quickly and easily if you make contact with the right people. If you follow the suggestions in this article, you'll even be able to avoid any future key loss!
Follow your steps. This will help you to recall where you might have lost your key. If you were driving to work, then went to a restaurant to take a bite You may recall that keys were in your pockets when you left your vehicle. If you cannot find your keys, you may have left it in the bag you carried around with things or on the table you dined at.
Another option is to publish your most important loss online. This will reach a large audience and increase your chances of finding it. You can also search local businesses and community bulletin boards.
It's important that you write down the VIN of your vehicle before you begin looking for your keys. This information is required to replace your keys, therefore you must keep it safe. The VIN is usually found on your driver's license, but can also be found on your insurance card as well as in your car's owner's manual.
After you've exhausted all other options then it's time to call the police. You can get a temporary replacement car from the police department, and they'll also file reports that are useful should your keys ever be recovered.