15 Startling Facts About Lost Car Keys That You Never Knew
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. This was not a problem until recently but as cars get more technologically advanced, it's becoming more difficult.
Often you lose your keys because you've reached into your pocket for something else and accidentally dropped them off somewhere. You can prevent this from happening by keeping an extra key at home.
1. Contact a locksmith
There's no doubt that losing your car keys lost could be a major hassle. However, there's no need to panic. If you know what to do and who to contact, getting your car keys replaced will be a matter of a few steps.
One of the first things you need to do is try to retrace your steps. It may appear obvious however it can be difficult to accomplish if you are in a rush or concerned about losing your car keys. Make sure you check all your pockets, bags and the space around your vehicle.
If you're unable to locate your car keys, you need to call an locksmith. Locksmiths can usually make a key for your car much faster than a dealership. 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 to do so immediately or at any point. There are many dealerships with many customers, so they might not be able accommodate your request immediately. In addition, they might not be able create an exact copy of your key.
Another option is to buy an online replacement for your car key. They are available on Amazon and other websites at a much lower cost than what the price you pay at a dealer, but they may not be able to cut or program them to the specific model of car you have.
Some insurance policies will cover the cost to replace lost keys a stolen or lost vehicle key. So, it's always worthwhile to check whether you have coverage that would help cover the cost of purchasing the new key for your vehicle. Be aware that you'll 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. If you're unable to provide proof of ownership, it could be a very expensive experience.
2. Call the Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. It wasn't too expensive to buy a new key from a dealer. However, with cars becoming more technologically advanced and keys becoming more expensive to replace It's not as easy as it used to be. It's not unusual to pay several hundred dollars for a brand new set of keys when you lose them.
It is important to be calm in the event that you've lost your car keys. This will help you think clearly and make the right choice about how to resolve the problem. 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 are not in a financial bind. You should also check to determine if the replacement is covered by your warranty or insurance for your car, which can help you save money in a crisis.
Then, look in your vehicle, your home or your purse your wallet for keys that are missing. You can also go back through the steps you followed, and remember when you last had your keys and where you were when you lost Keys for Car no spare them. This can help you find out where they are, which is a huge relief.
Once you've done a thorough search and can't find your car keys, the next step is to call your dealership. Dealerships know the vehicle they are servicing and can supply you with an alternative key. However, they're often full and cannot accommodate people with short notice, which could make the process difficult.
If you can contact the dealership you're dealing with they'll be able to create an original key for you in accordance with the VIN number on file. They can also reprogram your immobilizer system, which is necessary to start your car. However, if you're looking to find an immediate, reliable solution that doesn't involve waiting in the dealership, a locksmith may be the best option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not so long ago, misplacing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could get a locksmith to travel 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 the type of vehicle and year the replacement of a lost key can be a lengthy procedure that could cost hundreds of dollars. It's an excellent idea to keep an extra set of keys on hand, especially if you live in a dangerous neighborhood or an area where theft is common.
It may seem like a waste of time to contact your insurance company however it could save you money over time. Certain policies will cover the cost of replacing lost car key a car key, so be sure to check with your insurance agent prior to losing a key and you find yourself in need.
Another thing to take into consideration is whether your insurance policy offers roadside assistance. If you have roadside assistance, someone might be able to help you. This is a less stressful option than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.
Be sure to thoroughly inspect your car prior to you contact your insurance company. If you believe they're in the car, search inside the trunk and beneath 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 instance, your purse or an unorganized office.
If you've managed to locate your keys to your car, it's recommended to contact your dealer to have them replaced. Most of the time, this won't be a problem and it will be much cheaper than hiring a locksmith or going through the insurance company.
When you visit the dealership, you might want to inquire about having a spare key made, especially when you don't have a key fob. The dealership will usually be able to duplicate an extra key for you without needing to alter anything else in your vehicle. If you choose to do this, be sure you keep the key in a secure and safe location so that you can locate it the when you lose it.
4. Contact the police
Notifying your car keys that you lost can help you locate them and ensure your safety. If someone drives your vehicle on public streets or private property without permission, the individual may be fined. You can safeguard yourself by reporting keys stolen before someone steals your vehicle. This will leave a trail of paper that will show who and when they reported the theft.
Car keys are lost is a frequent occurrence but it doesn't need to be a catastrophe. You can replace your car key quickly and easily if you contact the right people. You can even prevent the possibility of losing keys in the future by following the guidelines given in this article.
Then, try retracing your steps. This will give you an idea of where the key might have been lost and can aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. For instance, if were driving home from work, and then went out to eat at a restaurant, you might be able to remember that the keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you're unable to locate your keys, it could be in the bag you used to carry things around or on the table at which you sat down to eat.
Posting your replacing lost keys to a car key online is a good idea. This will reach a large audience and increase the chances of finding it. You can also check local businesses and bulletin boards for community groups.
It's important that you write down the VIN of your vehicle before you start searching for your keys. This information is required to replace your keys, which is why you must keep it in a safe place. You'll usually find the VIN on your driver's licence, but it's also sometimes printed on your insurance card or in the owner's manual of your car.
After you've exhausted all other options, it's time to call the police. They'll be able to provide you with temporary replacements for your car and can prepare a police report that could help in the event that keys are discovered.