Are Lost Car Keys As Important As Everyone Says?

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

Losing car keys is a nightmare. Not long ago this wasn't a huge deal but it's getting more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.

Keys can be lost when you accidentally knock them off the table when you reach into your pocket to get something else. A spare key in the house can help you avoid such situations.

1. Call for a locksmith

Losing your car keys is a major inconvenience. There's no need to be in a panic. If you know who to call and what you should do, it should only take a few steps to get your car keys replaced.

One of the first things you have to do is go back to where you started. This may seem like a straightforward step, but sometimes it isn't easy to do when you're in a rush or are already panicking over the loss of keys to your car. Be sure to look in all your bags and pockets in which you've put them down, and also the surrounding area around your vehicle.

If you're unable to find your car keys, you need to call locksmith. Locksmiths are able to create keys for your car quicker than an auto dealer. They can also do it for much less than a dealership would cost.

Some dealerships can create keys for cars that are replacements however they might not be able to complete it immediately or even at all. There are many dealerships that receive a high volume of clients and therefore may not be able to accommodate you immediately. In addition, they may not be able to create an exact copy of your key.

You can also purchase a replacement key online. You can find these on Amazon and other places for a lot less than what the price you buy from a dealer, however, they might not be able to cut them and program them to your specific car model.

Some insurance policies also provide coverage for the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. Therefore, it's worth checking to see whether you have insurance that will cover the cost of purchasing an additional key for your vehicle. Just remember that you will be required to provide proof of ownership and identification to the individual or company who is responsible for the creation of the replacement key. This is legally required. It can be very costly if you are unable to prove ownership.

2. Contact the Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily get a replacement key from a dealership and it didn't cost much to do so. This is no longer the case because cars are more modern and keys are more expensive. It's not unusual to pay several hundred dollars for a new set of keys in the event that you lose them today.

If you've lost your car keys first thing you must do is to act in a calm manner. This will help you think clearly and make the right choice about how to resolve the problem. You should also make sure that you have a backup set of keys somewhere else, such as in your pocket or the trunk of your car in case you lose the originals, you won't be out any money. Find out whether your warranty or insurance covers the cost of a replacement key. This could save you money in the event of an emergency.

The next step is to conduct an exhaustive search of your car, home and your purse or wallet to find keys that have gone missing. You can also go back through the steps you took, remembering when you last had your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This might assist you in determining where they went and could be a huge relief.

Call your dealership if you aren't able to locate your keys after a thorough search. Dealerships know the vehicle they are servicing and can provide you with an alternative key. They're often busy and cannot accommodate people who have a short notice. This can make the process frustrating.

If you are able to get a hold of the dealership you're dealing with they'll be able to create a new key for you in accordance with the VIN number that is on the file. They can also modify your immobilizer, which is necessary to start your vehicle. Locksmiths are a great option for those who want a fast and reliable solution, without having to wait at the dealership.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

Not so long ago losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could call an locksmith to come to your place of residence and duplicate your keys at a reasonable cost. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, keys have also become more expensive.

Depending on the type of vehicle and year, replacing a lost car key a lost key could be a lengthy process that can cost hundreds of dollars. That's why it's always an excellent idea to keep an extra set of keys in hand, especially if you reside in a dangerous area or how to replace lost car keys an area where theft is a common occurrence.

It may seem like a waste of time to call your insurance provider but it can actually save you money over time. Talk to your agent to determine whether you are able to get an alternative car key that is that is covered by your policy.

If your policy provides roadside assistance, it is advisable to consider this. If you have roadside assistance, a person could come to your aid. This is a much less stressful option than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.

Be sure to thoroughly search your vehicle before you call your insurance company. 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 you might be prone to putting them. You should also check the areas where you might have left them, such as your purse or a cluttered desk.

Contact your dealer for replacement of the keys once you've attempted to find them. This isn't an issue, and it's cheaper than calling an locksmith or calling the insurance company.

When you visit the dealership you may want to ask whether you can have a spare key made, especially if you don't have an actual key fob. In most cases the dealership will be able to make an extra key for you, without changing anything else inside your car. If you choose to do this, be sure you keep the key in a secure and safe place so that you can find it next time you lose it.

4. Call the police

Reporting lost car keys can help you locate them and ensure your safety. If someone drives your car on public streets or on private property without permission, the person may be fined. You can safeguard yourself by reporting your keys stolen before someone steals your car. This leaves a trace on paper that will show who and when they reported the theft.

Losing car keys is a common occurrence however it doesn't have to be to be a major issue. You can replace your car key quickly and easily if you contact the right people. You can also avoid future key misplacements by following the guidelines that are provided in this article.

Take a step back. This will allow you to recall where you might have lost your key. For instance, if you were driving home from work, and then went to eat at a restaurant, you might be able to recall that the keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you can't find your key, it might be in the bag you used to carry things around or on the table at which you sat down to eat.

Another good idea is to share your primary loss online. This will increase the likelihood of finding the culprit by reaching a larger audience. You can also check local businesses and community bulletin boards.

It's important that you note down the VIN of your vehicle prior to when you begin looking for your keys. This information is needed to replace your keys, so you should keep it secure. The VIN is typically found on your driver's license but can also be found on your insurance card as well as in the owner's manual of your vehicle.

Contact the police when you've exhausted other options. They'll be able to provide you with an interim replacement for your car and can file a report that will help in the event that keys are discovered.