Are Lost Car Keys As Vital As Everyone Says
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
The loss of car keys is a nightmare. It wasn't that long ago, this was not a big deal but it's getting more complicated as cars become technologically advanced.
Most of the time, you lose your keys due to the fact that you've reached into your pocket to find something else, and then accidentally dropped them off somewhere. Having an extra key at home will help you avoid these situations.
1. Call a Locksmith
Losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. There's no reason to panic. If you know what to do and who to call to get your car keys replaced should just take a couple of steps.
Try to go back the steps you took. This might sound like an obvious step, but sometimes it isn't easy to do when you're in a rush or are already worried about the loss of keys to your car. Be sure to inspect all pockets and bags where you might have set them down, as well as the space around your car.
Call a locksmith if you can't find your car keys. Locksmiths are able to create keys for your car quicker than a dealership. lost car key have no spare can also do it for less than the dealership would charge.
Some dealerships can make replacement car keys as well, but they may not be able do it in a hurry or even at all. There are many dealerships with a high volume of clients, so they might not be able to help your request immediately. Additionally, they might not be able to make an exact replica of your key.
Another option is to purchase a replacement car key online. You can find these on Amazon and other places for much cheaper than you'd buy from a dealer, however, they might not be able to cut and program them to your specific car model.
Some insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a stolen or lost vehicle key. Therefore, it's worth checking if you have coverage which will help pay for the cost of purchasing an additional key for your vehicle. Be aware that you'll need show proof of ownership to the person or company who creates the replacement key. This is legally required. If you're not able to prove ownership, it could be quite costly.
2. Call the Dealership
It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. It wasn't too expensive to buy a new key from a dealer. However, this is not the case anymore, since cars are more sophisticated and keys are more expensive. It's not unusual to pay several hundred dollars for a brand new set of keys if you lose them today.
If you've lost your car keys the first thing you should do is be calm. This will help you think clearly and make the right decision about how to solve the issue. If you have lost your original keys, you should have an extra set of keys in your wallet or in your car trunk. This will ensure that you're not out of money. Also, determine if the replacement is covered by your warranty or insurance for your car, which can help you save some money in the event of a financial crisis.
The next step is to do an exhaustive search of your car, home, and your purse or wallet to find keys that are missing. You can try to trace your steps, remembering the last place you had them and the location you were in when you lost them. This may be able to assist you in determining the location they went to and could be an immense relief.
Contact your dealer if haven't found your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are familiar with your specific vehicle, so they're the best option for a replacement key. However, they're typically full and cannot accommodate people with short notice, which could cause the process to be frustrating.
If you are able to get in touch with your dealer, they will be able to make keys for you based on the VIN number that is stored on their system. They can also reprogram the immobilizer device which is needed to start your car. Locksmiths are a good option when you need a quick, reliable solution without having to wait in the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't that long ago that losing car keys was not a major issue. You could call a locksmith to travel to your location and duplicate your key for a reasonable price. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so have keys, and they're more expensive to replace than they were before.
Based on the type of car you drive and year replacing a lost or damaged key can be a lengthy process and cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a smart idea to have an extra set of car keys on hand. This is particularly true in the case of an area that is prone to danger or an area with an abundance of theft.
It may seem like a waste of time to contact your insurance company however it could save you money over the course of time. Check with your agent to see if you can get a replacement car key insured by your policy.
Another thing to think about is whether your insurance policy provides roadside assistance. If it does, the insurance company might send someone out to assist you with your situation, and that might be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or dealership.
Be sure to thoroughly search your vehicle before you contact your insurance company. If you think they're in the car, check the trunk and under the seat. If you're at home, look in the pockets of the clothes you were wearing as well as in other places you may have a habit of putting them. Double-check any places you may have left them. For instance, in your purse or in a messy office.
After you've tried to locate the car keys, it's a good idea to call your dealer to have them replaced. This is usually not a problem, and it's cheaper than calling a locksmith or visiting the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to make an extra key for you, particularly if your car doesn't have an remote. Your dealership can usually clone an extra key for you without having to change anything else in your car. If you do this, make sure you keep the key in a secure and safe place so that you can find it next time you lose yours.
4. Call the police
Not only can the act of reporting your lost car keys to police help you locate them however, it can also help protect you from thieves. If someone drives your vehicle on public streets or on private property without permission, the driver could be penalized. You can help protect yourself by reporting your keys stolen before someone steals your vehicle. This leaves a trace on paper that will show who and when they reported the theft.
Car keys are lost is a common problem, but it doesn't have to be a catastrophe. As long as you call the appropriate people, you'll be in a position to obtain the replacement key fast and quickly. If you follow the guidelines in this article, you'll even be able to prevent any future key loss!
Take a step back. This will help you remember where you might have lost your keys. If you were driving to work, then stopped at a restaurant to purchase food You may recall that keys were in your pockets as you left the vehicle. If you can't find your key, it might be in the bag you carried things around or on the table where you sat down to eat.
Another good idea is to publish your most important loss online. This will increase the likelihood of finding the culprit by reaching a wider audience. You can also inquire with local businesses and other community bulletin boards.
It's important that you note down the VIN of your vehicle prior to when you begin searching for your keys. You'll need this information to replace your keys It's crucial to keep it somewhere safe. The VIN is usually found on your driver's license but can also be found on your insurance card and in your car's owner's guide.
Once you've exhausted all other options then it's time to call the police. You can request a temporary replacement car from the police department, and they'll also file a report which is useful in the event that your keys are found.