5 Lost Car Keys Lessons From The Pros

How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's a 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.
You can lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pockets to grab something else. You can prevent this from happening by keeping a spare key at home.
1. Call for a locksmith
There's no doubt that losing your car keys could be a huge inconvenience. It's not a reason to panic. As long as you know who to contact and what you should do, it should only take just a few steps to have your car keys replaced.
You should try to retrace the steps you did. This may seem like an obvious step, but sometimes it can be difficult when you're in a hurry or are already worried about the loss of keys to your car. Make sure you check all your pockets, bags and the surrounding area around your vehicle.
Contact a locksmith in case you can't find your car keys. Locksmiths can usually create keys for your car quicker than the dealership. Plus, they can usually accomplish this for much less than what a dealership would charge you.
Some dealerships can create replacement keys, but might not be able to do this in the immediate future or at any time. There are many dealerships with an abundance of customers which means they may not be able to accommodate you right away. In addition, they might not be able to create an exact duplicate of your current key.
Another option is to purchase a replacement car key online. The keys are available on Amazon and elsewhere at a lower cost than what you would purchase from an auto dealer. However, they might not be able to cut and program these keys for your specific car model.
Some insurance policies also provide coverage for the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. It's a good idea to check your insurance policy to see whether it covers the cost of a new car key. Remember that you'll need to prove ownership to the person or company who makes your replacement key. This is required by the law. It can be extremely costly if you are unable to prove ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
In the past the possibility of misplacing or losing - your car keys wasn't a huge deal. It wasn't expensive to get new keys from a dealer. This is not the case anymore, since cars are more sophisticated 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. If you lose your original keys, you should keep an extra set of keys in your purse or car trunk. This will ensure you're not in financial trouble. Find out whether your warranty or insurance covers the cost of a replacement key. This could save you money in the event of a crisis.
Next, search your vehicle, your home or your purse your wallet for missing keys. You can also go back through the steps you followed, and remember when you last held your keys and where you were when you lost them. This could assist you in determining the location they went to, which can be an immense relief.
Once you've done an exhaustive search but can't find your car keys, the next option is to call your dealership. Dealerships are familiar with the vehicle they are servicing and can give you an alternative key. However, they're typically busy and aren't able to accommodate customers at short notice, which could make the process frustrating.
If you are able to contact 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 that's required to start your vehicle. Locksmiths are a great option when you need a quick and reliable solution, without having to wait in the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
In the past, misplacing your car keys wasn't an issue. A locksmith could visit your home and duplicate your keys for an affordable cost. As cars have become technologically advanced, keys are also becoming more expensive.
Depending on the type of vehicle and year The process for replacing a lost car key can require several steps and can cost you hundreds of dollars. It's always a good idea to have an additional set of keys for your car in your pocket. This is particularly true in the case of an area that is prone to danger or an area that has an abundance of theft.
While it may feel like a waste of time to contact your insurance company, it will save you money in the end. Some policies will cover the cost of a brand new car key, so be sure to speak with your insurance agent before you lose one and you find yourself in need.
If your policy covers roadside assistance, you should think about this. If it does, the service might send a person out to assist you in your circumstance which could be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or a dealership.
Before calling your insurance company, make sure to search thoroughly for your keys. If you think they're in the car, try looking in the trunk and under the seat. If you're at home, look in the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places you may be prone to putting them. Double-check any places you may have left them. For instance, your purse or in a messy office.
Once you've done your best to find the car keys It's an excellent idea to call your dealer to get them replaced. Usually this shouldn't be a problem and is much less expensive than hiring a locksmith or going through an insurance company.
While you're at the dealer, you might want to inquire whether you can have a spare key made, particularly if you don't have a key fob. Most of the time you can have your dealership make the spare key for you without changing anything else inside your car. If you do this, make sure you keep the key in a safe and secure place so that you can find it next time you lose yours.
4. Contact the police
Not only does the act of reporting your lost car keys to the police help you locate the keys however, it can also help protect you from thieves. If someone drives your vehicle on public roads or on private property without permission, the person could be charged with a fine. If you report your keys lost prior to the person making off with your vehicle, you'll know that you have an official paper trail of when it was missing and who reported it.
Car keys are lost is a frequent occurrence, but it doesn't have to be a disaster. You can get a replacement car key quickly and easily if make contact with the right people. If you follow the guidelines in this article, you'll even be able to prevent future key misplacements!
Retrace your steps. This will give you a clear idea of where your key could have been lost, and it can also help you remember what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work, then stopped at a restaurant in order to purchase food and drinks, you might remember that keys were in your pocket as you left the vehicle. If you are unable to locate your key, you could have left it in the bag that you carried around with things or at the table that you ate at.
Posting your lost key online is another good idea. This will increase your chances of locating the key by reaching a wider audience. You can also look up local businesses and bulletin boards for community groups.
It is essential to note down the VIN of your car before you begin looking for your keys. You'll require this information to replace your key therefore it's essential to keep it in a safe place. It's common to find the VIN on your driver's licence, but it may also appear on your insurance card or in the owner's manual of your vehicle.
Contact the police after you've exhausted all other options. You can request an emergency replacement car from the police, and they'll also submit an investigation report that can be helpful in the event that your keys are found.