An All-Inclusive List Of Lost Car Keys Dos And Don’ts

how to replace Lost car key to Replace Lost Car Keys

It’s an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. This wasn’t a problem until recent times 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 then accidentally thrown them away somewhere. A spare key at home can save you from such situations.

1. Contact for a locksmith

There’s no doubt that losing your car keys could be a major hassle. But, there’s also no need to panic. As long as you know who to contact and what you should do, it should only take a few steps to get your keys to your car replaced.

One of the first things you have to do is try and try to retrace your steps. It might seem obvious but it’s hard to do if you are in a rush or worried about losing your car keys. Be sure to look in all pockets and bags where you might have set them down, and also the area around your car.

If you’ve been unable to locate your car keys, it’s time to call a locksmith. Locksmiths are able to create keys for your vehicle faster than an auto dealer. They can also do it for less than a dealership would cost.

Some dealerships are able to create keys for replacement to cars, but they may not be able do it in a hurry or even at all. There are many dealerships with an abundance of customers, so they might not be able accommodate you right away. In addition, they may not be able to make an exact copy of your current key.

Another option is to buy an online replacement for your car key. The keys are available on Amazon and elsewhere for a much lower price than you’d purchase from the dealer. However, they might not be able to cut and program the keys to your specific car model.

Certain insurance policies cover the cost to replace the vehicle’s lost or stolen key. It is worth examining your insurance policy to see whether it will cover the cost of a new car key. Remember that you’ll be required to provide proof of ownership and proof of identity to the person or company who creates the replacement key. This is required by the law. If you’re not able to prove ownership, it can be quite costly.

2. Call the Dealership

It wasn’t long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could easily get an alternative key at the dealership, and it didn’t cost much to get it done. However, with cars getting more technologically advanced – and the keys getting more expensive to replace it’s not as simple as it used to be. It’s not uncommon to shell out several hundred dollars for a new set of keys when you lose them.

You must be calm in the event that you’ve lost your car keys. This will allow you to think clearly and make the right choice about how to resolve the problem. If you have lost a car key your original keys you should keep an extra set of keys in your pocket or in your car trunk. This will ensure you’re not out of money. It is also important to find out if the replacement key is covered under your warranty or car insurance which could assist you in saving cash in the event of a need.

The next step is to conduct a thorough search of your car, home and purse or wallet to find the missing keys. You can try to trace your steps, remembering where you last saw them and the location you were in when you lost them. This can help you figure out where they are which is a huge relief.

Call your dealership if you aren’t able to locate your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are familiar with your specific vehicle, so they’re the best option for a replacement key. They’re often busy and are not able to accommodate customers with short notice. This can make the process frustrating.

If you are able to contact the dealership you’re dealing with they’ll be able to create an original key for you based on the VIN number that is on the file. They can also reprogram the immobilizer device that’s required to start your car. Locksmiths are an excellent choice if you want a quick and reliable solution, without having to wait in the dealership.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

In the past the time when you lost your car keys wasn’t an issue. Locksmiths could come to your home and duplicate your keys at an affordable cost. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, the keys have also become more expensive.

Depending on your vehicle type and year replacing a i’ve lost my car keys or damaged key could be a lengthy process that can cost hundreds of dollars. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have an extra set of keys lost in hand, especially if you reside in a neighborhood that is dangerous or in a location where theft is a common occurrence.

While it may feel like an unnecessary effort to contact your insurance company, it can save you money in the long run. Contact your agent to determine if you can get an alternative car key that is that is covered by your policy.

Another thing to consider is whether your insurance policy provides roadside assistance. If it does, the company might send a person out to assist you with your situation and it could be less stressful than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.

Make sure you thoroughly inspect your car prior to you call your insurance company. If you think they’re in the car, check 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. Double-check any places you may have left them. For example, your purse or a cluttered office.

Contact your dealer for replacement of the keys once you’ve tried to locate them. Usually, this won’t be a problem and it will be much cheaper than hiring a locksmith, or going through the insurance company.

While you’re at the dealer, you might want to ask about having a spare key made, especially when you don’t have a key fob. The dealership will usually be able to duplicate an additional key for you without having to change anything else in your car. If you decide to do this, make sure to keep the key in a place that is safe and secure so you can find it if you lose it.

4. Call the police

Not only will the act of reporting lost car keys to police help you locate keys however, it can also help keep you safe from thieves. If someone drives your vehicle on public streets or private property without permission, the individual could be charged with a fine. If you report the keys missing prior to the person making off with your vehicle, you’ll be aware that there’s an official paper trail of when the car went missing and who reported it.

It’s not uncommon to lose keys to your car, but it does not have to be a catastrophe. You can get a replacement car key quickly and easily if make contact with the right people. You can also prevent future key misplacements by following the guidelines provided in this article.

First, try to retrace your steps. This will give you an idea of where your key could be and can help you remember what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work, then went to a restaurant to purchase food, you may remember that keys were in your pockets when you left your vehicle. 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 option is to post your key loss online. This increases the chances of finding the key by reaching a wider audience. You can also check with local businesses and other community bulletin boards.

It’s crucial to write down the VIN of your vehicle prior to when you begin looking for your keys. This information is needed to replace your keys, therefore you should keep it secure. The VIN is typically found on your driver’s licence, but can also be found on your insurance card as well as in your car’s owner’s manual.

Contact the police when you’ve exhausted your other options. You can request an emergency replacement car from the police, and they will also file a report which is useful should your keys ever be found.