How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Losing car keys is a nightmare. It was not a problem until recently however, as cars become more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.
Keys can be lost when you accidentally knock them off the table when you reach into your pocket to grab something else. You can prevent this from happening by keeping a spare key in your home.
1. Call for a locksmith
There's no doubt that losing your car keys could be a huge hassle. It's not a reason to be in a panic. If you know what to do and who to contact, getting your car keys replaced should just take a couple of steps.
One of the first things you have to do is try and go back to where you started. This may seem obvious, but it can be difficult to accomplish if you are in a hurry or already worried about losing your car keys. Be sure to inspect all bags and pockets to see in which you may have put them down, as well as the area around your car.
If you've been unable to locate your car keys, it's time to contact a locksmith. Locksmiths can usually make keys for your car quicker than a dealership. They can also do it for less than a dealership will cost.
Some dealerships are able to create keys for replacement to cars but they might not be able to do it immediately or at all. They often have a very large number of customers, so they may not be able accommodate your request right away. They might not be able to create a exact copy of the existing key.
Another option is to buy an online replacement for your car key. They are available on Amazon and other sites for a lot less than what the price you buy from a dealer, although they may not be able to cut and program them for your specific car model.
Some insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key. It is worth examining your insurance policy to determine whether it will cover the cost of a replacement car key. Remember that you'll need to show proof of ownership to the person or business who is responsible for creating your 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 long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could easily get keys replacements from the dealership and it wasn't too much to get it done. However, with cars getting more advanced in technology and keys becoming more expensive to replace it's not as simple as it was in the past. If you lose your keys today, it's not unusual to spend hundreds of dollars to have them replaced.
It is important to be calm when you've lost your car keys. This will allow you to think clearly and make the right decision. If you have lost your original keys, you should have an extra set of keys in your wallet or car trunk. This will ensure that you're not out of money. You should also check to determine if the replacement is covered under your warranty or insurance for your car which could help you save some cash in the event of a need.
Then, look in your car, your house, your purse, or your wallet for keys that are missing. You can also go back through the steps you took, recollecting the last time you had your keys and where you were when you lost them. This will help you figure out where they are which is a huge relief.
Contact your dealer if haven't found your keys after a thorough search. Dealerships know your vehicle and can give you a replacement key. They are often busy and are not able to accommodate customers who have a short notice. This could make the process difficult.
If you are able to get a hold of your dealer they'll be able create an original key for you in accordance with the VIN number on file. They can also modify your immobilizer system which is required to start your car. However, if you're looking to find an immediate, reliable solution that doesn't involve waiting at the dealership, a locksmith could be the best option.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing car keys was not a big issue. You could call a locksmith to drive to your location and duplicate your key for a reasonable fee. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, the keys have also become more expensive.
Depending on the type of vehicle and the year The process for replacing a lost car key can require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars. www.g28carkeys.co.uk is why it's a good idea to have an extra set of keys in the go, especially if reside in a neighborhood that is dangerous or in a location where theft is a common occurrence.
While it may feel like a waste of time to call your insurance company, doing so could save you money in the long run. Check with your agent to determine whether you can obtain a replacement car key covered by your policy.
Another thing to consider is whether your insurance policy provides roadside assistance. If it does, the company could send someone 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, be sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you believe they're in the car, check inside the trunk and beneath the seat. If you're at home check the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places you may have a habit of putting them. Also, double-check the areas you may have left them, such as your purse or desk.
If you've managed to find the car keys, it's recommended to contact your dealer to have them replaced. Usually, this won't be a problem and is much less expensive than hiring a locksmith or working through the insurance company.
Ask the dealer to create an extra key for you, especially when your car doesn't come with a remote. The dealership is usually able to create an additional key for you without needing to change any other part of your car. If you do this, make sure you keep the key in a place that is secure and safe so that you can retrieve it in the event that you lose it.
4. Call the police
Reporting your lost car keys can help you find the keys and keep you safe. If someone steals your vehicle without permission, they could be fined if they drive it on streets in the city or on private property. If you report your keys missing 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 common problem, but it doesn't have to be a disaster. If you contact the appropriate people, you'll be in a position to obtain a replacement key quickly and easily. You can also prevent future key misplacements by following the guidelines given in this article.
Take a step back. This will help you recall where you might have lost your key. If you were driving to work and then stopped at a restaurant to take a bite and drinks, you might remember that your keys were in your pocket when you left your vehicle. If you can't find the key, it may be in the bag you used to carry things around or on the table where you sat down to eat.
Another option is to publish your most important loss online. This will reach a wide audience and increase your chances of finding it. You can also check local businesses and community bulletin boards.
Before you begin looking for your keys, it's important to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is needed to replace your keys, therefore it's important to keep it secure. You'll usually 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.
Call the police once you've exhausted all other options. They'll be capable of providing you with an interim replacement for your vehicle and also prepare a police report that could help in the event that keys are discovered.