It Is The History Of Lost Car Keys In 10 Milestones
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. Not long ago this wasn't a huge deal but it's getting more complicated as cars become technologically advanced.
Keys can be lost when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pocket to find something other. A spare key at home will help you avoid these situations.
1. Call a Locksmith
There's no denying that losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience. But, there's no need to panic. If you know what to do and who to contact to get your car keys replaced will only take a couple of steps.
It is recommended to try retracing the steps you did. This might sound like a simple task however it can be difficult when you're in a hurry or are already panicking over the loss of your car keys. Check all your pockets, bags, and the space around your vehicle.
Contact a locksmith if are unable to locate your car keys. Locksmiths are able to create a key for your car much faster than an auto dealer. They can also do it for much cheaper than a dealership would cost.
Some dealerships can make keys for replacement to cars, but they may not be able do it for you immediately or even at all. They often have a very large number of customers therefore they might not be able to assist immediately. They might not be able to make an exact copy of the existing key.
You can also buy a replacement key online. You can find them on Amazon and other websites for a lot less than what you'd purchase from a dealer although they may not be able to cut them and program them to the specific model of car you have.
Some insurance policies cover the cost of replacing the vehicle's lost or stolen key. It is worth examining your insurance policy to determine if it will cover the cost of a new car key. Be aware that you'll need show proof of ownership to the person or company who is responsible for creating the replacement key. This is required by law. It can be very expensive if you're not able to prove ownership.
2. Call the Dealership
A few years ago losing - or losing - your car keys wasn't an issue. It wasn't expensive to get an alternative key from the dealer. This is no longer the case because cars are more modern and keys are more expensive. It's not uncommon to pay several hundred dollars for a brand new set of keys when you lose them.
If you've lost your car keys first thing you should do is to act in a calm manner. This will allow you to think clearly and make the right decision on how to fix the issue. If you lose your original keys, you should keep a spare set of keys in your pocket or car trunk. This will ensure that you're not in financial trouble. You should also check to determine if the replacement is covered by your warranty or insurance for your car and can help you save money in the event of a financial crisis.
Then, look in your vehicle, your home or your purse your wallet for keys missing. You could also try to retrace your steps, keeping track of where you last had them and where you were when you lost them. This can help you figure out where they are which is a great relief.
Call your dealership if you aren't able to locate your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are knowledgeable about your particular vehicle, which is why they're the best place to go for a new key. However, they're usually busy and can't accommodate people with short notice, which could make the process frustrating.
If you get in touch with the dealership, they'll be able to make keys for you based on the VIN number that is saved on their system. They can also reprogram your immobilizer system that is needed to start your car. But if you're looking for an immediate, reliable solution that doesn't require waiting at the dealership, a locksmith might be the best option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't too long ago that losing keys to your car was not a major issue. You could contact a locksmith to travel to your location and duplicate your key for a reasonable price. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so have keys, and they're more expensive to replace than ever before.
Depending on the kind of vehicle and the year, the process for replacing keys for a car that have been lost can require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a smart idea to have an extra set of car keys in your possession. This is particularly true in the case of a dangerous area or in an area with an abundance of theft.
Although it might seem like it's a waste of time to contact your insurance company, calling them will save you money in the long run. Certain policies will cover the cost of replacing a car key, so make sure to speak with your insurance agent before you lose a key and find yourself in need.
If your policy covers roadside assistance, you should consider this. If it does, the service could send someone out to help you out of your situation, and that might be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or a dealership.
Before you call your insurance company, be sure to search thoroughly for your keys. If you think they're in your car, look in the trunk and under the seat. If you're at home check the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places where you may be prone to putting them. Make sure you check any places you might have left them. For instance, in your purse or in a messy office.
After you've tried to locate the car keys, it's an excellent idea to call your dealer to have them replaced. This is usually not a problem, and it's cheaper than calling a locksmith or going to the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to make an extra key for you, particularly if your car doesn't have a remote. Usually, your dealership can clone an extra key for you, without changing anything else inside your car. If you do this, make sure to keep the key in a secure and safe place to locate it the next time you lose yours.
4. Contact the police
Not only will the act of reporting your lost car keys to the police help you locate the keys, but it also helps keep you safe from thieves. If someone takes your vehicle without permission, they may be subject to fines for driving it on streets in the city or on private property. If you report your keys missing before the person gets away with your vehicle, you'll be aware that there's a legal paper trail of when it was missing and who reported it.
The loss of car keys is a frequent occurrence however it doesn't have to be to be a catastrophe. If you contact the appropriate people, you'll be able to get a replacement key quickly and easily. If you follow the guidelines in this article, you'll be able to prevent future key misplacements!
Try to trace your steps. This will give you a good idea of where the key might be, and it can also help you remember what you were doing at the time. For example, if you were driving home from work and then went out to eat at an eatery, you might be able to recall keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you can't locate your key, you could have put it in the bag that you carried around with things or on the table you dined at.
Another good idea is to share your primary loss online. This will reach a large audience and increase your chances of finding it. You can also contact local businesses and other community bulletin boards.
Before you begin looking for your keys, be sure to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. You'll require this information to replace your keys, so it's important to keep it in a safe place. The VIN is typically found on your driver's licence, however, it can also be found on your insurance card and in the owner's manual of your vehicle.
If you've exhausted all other options, it's time to call the police. They'll be in a position to provide you with an interim replacement for your car, and they can also file a report that will help in the event that keys are found.