Ten Common Misconceptions About Lost Key Car That Arent Always The Truth
How to Find a Lost Key Car
Car keys are one of the easiest things to lose. If you don't have a spare key this can be a major inconvenience.
The good news is that the majority of keys that are lost can be replaced relatively inexpensively. However, it's best to begin your search right away. Follow your steps, search thoroughly and remain cool.
Retract Your Steps
It's stressful can be to lose your keys to your car. It happens to everyone, whether you were running errands in the car and forgot them or you misplaced keys as you rushed out the door. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to find your key.
First, remain calm. Doing anything to help you locate your keys faster and can only make the situation more difficult. Make a conscious effort to recall the last time you had keys in your hand or where you may have seen them the last time. It's also an excellent idea to walk around the area in which you believe you may have discovered your keys, looking for them on the ground or in bushes or even under mats for floors.
You can also record the places you went to throughout the day, just in the event you forget. If you don't own a pen and a piece of paper, you can walk around your house or places you visited during the day and look through every pocket on your bags, clothes and other items.
If you have a spare, it's time to make use of that. This will spare you lots of anxiety and frustration in the short term and you won't need to contact a dealer or a locksmith to get a replacement key.
If you do not have a spare, now is the time to call your local police department and inquire for any lost or found keys that have been handed in from the nearby area. Many people will surrender their keys that have been lost, and they are waiting to be picked by the right person. This is especially true when your vehicle is older and doesn't have an integrated tracking system like the latest models. A professional locksmith will replace your keys quickly and efficiently and give you peace of assurance.
Call Your Insurance Company
You have to admit, losing your keys is annoying. It's not only an enormous problem and expense, but it also costs you money. Many insurance companies offer a car key protection policy, which will save you money on replacing keys that have been lost. But, before you file an insurance claim, be sure that you check whether your keys are covered under your policy.
If you don't keep an extra key, it could be difficult to replace your car key. If you have the key code or VIN number of your vehicle, a dealer or locksmith can make a copy for you. If you have roadside assistance, this service will usually be free of charge.
The best thing to do if you're looking for your car keys is to take a your breath and relax. Panicking will only make you more frustrated and will not help you locate the keys any quicker. After you've calmed down, you can begin to look through your pockets and other obvious places, such as your laptop bag or purse you carried. It's also an excellent idea to look into places you might not think of checking, such as the floor of your house or the inside of your shoes.
Modern cars are stocked with smart keys, which emit an electronic signal when they're in the range of the vehicle's immobilizer system. These keys can only be replaced by a locksmith or dealer and can be extremely expensive. If you are worried about the expense of a key then consider an old-fashioned key. These don't require a fancy chip and can be easily copied by locksmiths.
The process of filing a claim for car insurance for a lost key could be a bit complicated, and the process can take a long time. You'll also need to pay for the deductible, which could be more expensive than a replacement car key. Therefore, it's not always a good idea to file a car insurance claim for the loss of a car key. However, it's still worth looking into your insurance company's policies and optional riders to determine if they offer protection for lost car keys.
Call Your Dealership
If you have a smart key car, or one that utilizes a transponder to unlock your doors or start your engine, you'll have to contact your dealer for an alternative. The keys emit a unique electronic code that the vehicle is able to recognize and communicate with the chip inside to unlock the doors or start the engine. You'll need proof of ownership at the dealership to obtain a replacement key.
The main downside to calling the dealership is that it's a time-consuming process. Dealerships must be able to work with thousands of customers every day. It's likely that you'll be left off the list unless you require urgent appointments or else. Dealerships will also charge a premium for replacing your key. Your budget and your preferences will determine whether this is worth it.
A locksmith is another option. Local locksmiths are more efficient as you can usually speak directly with them. This can help you avoid any unnecessary wait time and problems. Additionally, many auto locksmiths are available after hours and will go the extra mile to assist you when the dealership isn't open.
The main benefit of choosing a locksmith is that they can create a traditional car key right on the right on the spot. This is a great alternative to visiting the dealership, especially when you're in a hurry and need to travel. The biggest drawback of using a locksmith that they will not be able replace your smart key. If lost car key and no spare looking for the best solution, you should contact both a dealership and a locksmith to see what options are available. The decision will ultimately come down to your priorities in terms of service.
Contact a locksmith
Car keys are among the most frequently lost items people lose. They are light, small and can be tucked away in almost every pocket, but they are easy to misplace in the event that you don't know where to search for them. If you've lost your key car, it's important to act fast. Begin by using your spare. If not, you'll have to call an locksmith.
A good NYC locksmith can create you a new car key, even in the event that you don't have the original. The process could take longer than if you went to the dealership, but it will probably cost less. If you do decide to visit the dealership, be sure you bring proof of ownership like your registration or title.
Be sure to look over every possible spot where you may have placed it before calling a locksmith. For example, you might have put it under the seat or in the cupholder. It's also possible you dropped it on the ground somewhere and forgot about it.
If you cannot locate your keys anywhere, contact your insurance company immediately. Inform them of the incident in writing, so that there is no chance that your claim will be denied in the future.
Certain companies like AAA can assist you in finding your lost car key for a fee. They can only help in only a certain amount. If you've lost your smart key, they can only create a replacement at the dealership.
Getting a replacement at the dealership can be costly however, if you have a locksmith, it's much cheaper. You'll need the vehicle's make, model, year, and any documents proving ownership, such as a title or registration, to complete the job. If your key fob is lost, be prepared to wait for a couple of days before having it reprogrammed. The key fob emits a code that your car can recognize, and if it gets lost, you won't be in a position to start your vehicle without it.