How to Replace Lost Car Keys It's an absolute nightmare to lose car keys. In the past, this was not a big deal but it's getting more complicated as cars get technologically advanced. Most of the time, you lose your keys because you've reached inside your pocket for something else, and then accidentally knocked them off somewhere. You can avoid such situations by keeping a spare key in your home. 1. Call a Locksmith It's a fact that losing your car keys could be a huge inconvenience. But, there's no need to panic. If you know what to do and who to call, getting your car keys changed should be a matter of a few steps. You should try to retrace the steps you did. It may seem obvious but it's difficult to accomplish if you are in a rush or concerned about losing your car keys. Be sure to inspect all your pockets and bags in which you've put them down, as well as the surrounding area around your vehicle. If you've been unable to find your car keys, it's time to call locksmith. Typically, locksmiths will be capable of creating keys for your vehicle much quicker than the dealership. Additionally, they are able to do it for a lot less than the dealership would charge you. Some dealerships can make replacement keys, but they may not be able do so immediately or at any point. They typically have a large number of customers, so they may not be able to accommodate you right away. They may also not be able to create a exact copy of your existing key. Another option is to buy an online replacement for your car key. These keys can be found on Amazon and other websites for a price that is lower than what you would pay an auto dealer. However, they might not be able to cut and program keys that are specific to your car model. Certain insurance policies will cover the cost to replace the vehicle's lost or stolen key. Therefore, it's worth checking to see if you have coverage which will help pay for the cost of getting a new key for your vehicle. Remember that you'll have to prove ownership and identification to the person or company who makes the replacement key. This is legally required. If you're not able to prove ownership, it could be quite costly. 2. Contact the Dealership It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily get a replacement key at the dealership and it didn't cost too much to do it. This is no longer the case, because cars are more modern and keys are more expensive. It's not uncommon to pay hundreds of dollars for a brand new set of keys if you lose them today. If you've lost your car keys, the first thing you should do is to act in a calm manner. This will allow you to think clearly and make the best decision about how to solve the problem. It is also important to ensure that you have a backup set keys somewhere, like in your pocket or the trunk of your car in case you lose the originals, you won't be out any money. Make sure to check whether your insurance or warranty covers the cost of replacing a key. This can help you save money in an emergency. Next, search your vehicle, your home, your purse, or your wallet for keys that are missing. You can try to retrace your steps, remembering where you last had them and the location you were in when you lost them. This may be able to assist you in determining where they went, which can be a huge relief. Once you've done an exhaustive search but are unable to find your car keys, the next option is to contact your dealership. Dealerships are knowledgeable about your specific vehicle, so they're the best option to get a replacement key. However, they're often busy and aren't able to accommodate customers at short notice, which could make the process difficult. If you are able to get a hold of your dealer, 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 required to start your car. Locksmiths are a great option for those who want a fast, reliable solution without having to wait in the dealership. 3. Call Your Insurance Company Not so long ago, misplacing your car keys was not an issue. A locksmith could come to your home and duplicate your keys for an affordable price. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so have keys, and they're more expensive to replace than ever. Depending on the kind of vehicle and year the process of replacing the car key that was lost could take a few steps and cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a smart idea to keep an additional set of keys for your car on hand. This is especially true in the case of an area of danger or a place with a high rate of theft. While it might seem like it's a waste of time to contact your insurance company, calling them can save you money in the end. Contact your agent to determine if you can get a replacement car key insured by your policy. Another thing to take into consideration is whether your policy includes roadside assistance. If it does, the service might send someone out to help you out of your situation which could be less stressful than dealing with a dealership or locksmith. Before you call your insurance company, be sure to search thoroughly for your keys. If you think they're in your car, check the trunk and under the seat. Check the pockets of your clothes and other places where you have gotten used to placing them. You should also check the areas where you might have left them, such as your purse or a desk that is cluttered. Contact your dealer for replacement of the keys after you've tried to find them. This is usually not a problem, and it's cheaper than calling a locksmith or going to the insurance company. While you're at the dealer it is possible to inquire about having a spare key made, especially in the event that you don't have an actual key fob. In most cases the dealership will be able to make the spare key for you without changing anything else inside your car. If you do this make sure that you keep the key in a place that is safe and secure to ensure you can locate it if you lose it. 4. Call the police Not only will the act of reporting lost car keys to police help you find them, but it also helps keep you safe from thieves. If someone drives your car on public streets or on private property without permission, the driver could be charged with a fine. You can protect yourself by reporting your keys stolen before someone else steals your car. This leaves a trace on paper that shows who and when they reported the theft. Losing car keys is a frequent occurrence but it doesn't need to be a catastrophe. You can get a replacement car key quickly and easily if contact the right people. You can also prevent future key misplacements if you follow the tips that are provided in this article. Follow your steps. This will help you to remember where you might have lost your key. For go!! , if you were driving home from work and then went out to eat at the restaurant, you may be able to recall keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you are unable to locate your keys, you may have put it in the bag 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 locating the key by bringing it to a wider audience. You can also inquire with local businesses as well as other community bulletin boards. It's important that you write down the VIN of your car before you begin looking for your keys. This information is required to replace your keys, so you should keep it secure. The VIN is usually found on your driver's licence, however, it can also be found on your insurance card as well as in your car's owner's guide. Contact the police when you've exhausted all other options. They'll be capable of providing you with a temporary replacement for your car and can file a report that will come in handy in the event that keys are found.
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