10 Healthy Lost Car Keys Habits
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. In the past, this was not a big issue, but it's becoming more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.
You could lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pocket to find something other. You can avoid this by keeping a spare key at 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 be in a panic. If you know what to do and who to call to get your car keys replaced will only take a couple of steps.
You should try to retrace the steps you made. This may sound like an obvious step however it isn't easy to do when you're in a rush or you're already worried about the loss of keys to your car. Be sure to look in all pockets and bags where you might have set them down, as well as the space around your car.
Contact a locksmith if cannot locate your car keys. Locksmiths are able to create a key for your car faster than an auto dealer. They can even do it for less than the dealership will charge.
Some dealerships are able to create keys for replacement to cars but they might not be able to do it in a hurry or even at all. They usually have a large number of customers, therefore they might not be able to accommodate your request right away. They may also not be able create an exact copy of your existing key.
You can also purchase an online replacement key. You can find them on Amazon and other places for much cheaper than you'd buy from a dealer, but they may not be able to cut them and program them for your specific model of car.
Some insurance policies also provide coverage for the cost of replacing a lost car key near me or stolen car key. It's worth checking if you have coverage which will help pay for the cost of getting an additional key for your car. Just remember that you will need to provide proof of ownership and identification to the person or company who is responsible for the creation of the replacement key. This is required by law. It can be extremely costly if you are unable to provide proof of ownership.
2. Call the Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily get a replacement key at the dealership, and it didn't cost much to do it. However, this is no longer the case, as cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive. It's not uncommon to pay several hundred dollars for a new set of keys if you lose them today.
It is important to be calm in the event that you've lost my car keys your car keys. This will allow you to think clearly and make the best choice about how to resolve the problem. If you have lost your original keys you should have an extra set of keys in your pocket or in your car trunk. This will ensure you're not in a financial bind. Also, find out if the replacement key is covered under your warranty or car insurance which could assist you in saving money in a crisis.
Then, look in your vehicle, your home and purse, or your wallet for keys missing. You may also try to retrace your steps, recollecting the last place you had keys and the location you were in when you Lost Key replacement them. This can help you find the location of your lost items, which is a huge relief.
Call your dealership if you aren't able to locate your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are aware of your vehicle and can give you a replacement key. They are often busy and are not able to accommodate customers who require a quick response. This could make the process difficult.
If you can contact your dealer, they'll be able to create an entirely new key for you using the VIN number on the file. They can also modify the immobilizer system which is needed to start your car. Locksmiths are a good option if you want a quick and reliable solution that doesn't require you to wait at the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys to your car was not a big issue. You could get an locksmith to come to your place of residence and duplicate your keys for a reasonable fee. As cars have become technologically advanced, keys are also becoming more expensive.
Depending on your vehicle type and year, replacing a lost key can be a lengthy process and cost hundreds of dollars. This is why it's an excellent idea to keep an additional set of keys on hand, especially if you live in a dangerous neighborhood or in a location where theft is common.
It might seem like a waste to call your insurance provider however it could save you money over time. Contact your agent to determine whether you are able to get an alternative car key that is covered by your policy.
If your policy provides roadside assistance, you should also think about this. If it does, the company might send someone out to assist you out of your situation which could be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or dealership.
Before you call your insurance company, make sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you believe they're in the car, check the trunk and under the seat. Examine the pockets of your clothing and other places you might have been accustomed to putting them. Also, double-check the areas you may have put them, such as your purse or a desk that is cluttered.
After you've tried to locate the car keys, it's a good idea to call your dealer to have them replaced. Usually this shouldn't be a problem, and it is much less expensive than hiring a locksmith, or going through the insurance company.
While you're at the dealer you may want to inquire whether you can have a spare key made, especially if you don't have a key fob. In most cases you can have your dealership make an extra key for you, without changing anything else inside your car. If you do this make sure you keep the key in a location that is secure and safe so you can find it again if you lose it.
4. Call the Police
Not only can the act of reporting your lost car keys to police help you find them however, it can also help protect you from thieves. If a person drives your car on public streets or private property without permission, the driver could be charged with a fine. If you report your keys missing before the person makes off with your car, you'll know that there's an official paper trace of when it went missing and who reported it.
It's not uncommon to lose your car keys, however it does not need to be a disaster. You can replace your car key quickly and easily if contact the right people. You can also avoid the possibility of losing keys in the future by following the guidelines that are provided in this article.
First, try to retrace your steps. This will allow you to recall where you may have lost your key. For example, if you were driving home from work and then went to eat at an eatery, you might be able to recall the keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you're unable to locate your key, it might be in the bag you used to carry things around or on the table where you sat down to eat.
Posting your key online is a great idea. This will increase your chances of locating the key by bringing it to a wider audience. You can also look up local businesses and bulletin boards for community groups.
Before you begin looking for your keys, it's important to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. You'll require this information to replace your key therefore it's essential to keep it somewhere safe. You can usually find the VIN on your driver's license, however it may also appear on your insurance card or in the owner's manual for your car.
If 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 an investigation report that can be helpful should your keys ever be found.