It’s a nightmare to lose your car keys. It was not an issue until the last few years, but 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 avoid this by keeping a spare key at home.
1. Call for a locksmith
Losing your car keys can be an enormous inconvenience. But, there’s no need to panic. If you know what to do and who to call to get your car keys changed should only take a couple of steps.
One of the first things to do is try and try to retrace your steps. This may seem like an obvious step, but sometimes it can be difficult to do when you’re in a rush or are already worried about the loss of keys to your car. Examine all pockets, bags and the area around your vehicle.
Call a locksmith if you are unable to locate your car keys. Locksmiths can usually create keys for your car quicker than the dealership. They can even do it for cheaper than a dealership will charge.
Some dealerships can create replacement car keys as well but they might not be able to do it immediately or at all. There are many dealerships that receive a high volume of clients which means they may not be able to help you right away. Additionally, they might not be able to create an exact duplicate of your current key.
Another option is to purchase a replacement car key online. You can find these on Amazon and other sites for much cheaper than the price you pay at a dealer, however, they might not be able to cut and program them to the specific model of car you have.
Some insurance policies cover the cost to replace the vehicle’s lost or stolen key. It’s worth checking whether you have coverage that will cover the cost of purchasing a new key for your car. Remember that you’ll need to prove ownership to the person or business who creates the replacement key. This is legally required. It can be very expensive if you’re not able to prove ownership.
2. Contact the Dealership
A few years ago, misplacing – or even losing your car keys wasn’t an issue. It was easy to get a replacement key at the dealership, and it wasn’t too much to get it done. However, as cars become more technologically advanced and keys becoming more expensive to replace – this isn’t as easy as it was in the past. If you have lost your keys today, it’s not uncommon to spend hundreds of dollars to get them replaced.
If you’ve lost your car keys the first thing you need to do is to act in a calm manner. This will help you think clearly and make an informed decision. Also, make sure that you have a backup set of keys in your pocket or the trunk of your car so that if you do lose the originals they won’t cost you any money at all. It is also important to determine if the replacement is covered by your warranty or insurance for your car, which can help you save some money in a crisis.
Then, look in your vehicle, your home, your purse, or your wallet for keys missing. You can also go back through the steps you followed, and remember when you last had your keys and where you were when you lost them. This may be able to help you determine the location they went to and could be a huge relief.
Call your dealership if you haven’t found your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are familiar with the vehicle they are servicing and can provide you with an alternative key. They’re often busy and are not able to accommodate customers who require a quick response. This can make the process frustrating.
If you are able to contact the dealership you’re dealing with they’ll be able create an entirely new key for you using the VIN number on file. They can also modify the immobilizer system which is needed to start your vehicle. Locksmiths are a good option when you need a quick and reliable solution that doesn’t require you to wait at the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not so long ago losing your car keys wasn’t a big deal. Locksmiths could come to your home and duplicate your keys at an affordable cost. As cars have become technologically advanced, keys are also becoming more expensive.
Depending on the type of vehicle and year, replacing a lost key can be a long process that can cost hundreds of dollars. This is why it’s a good idea to have an extra set of keys in hand, especially if you reside in a dangerous area or in a location where theft is common.
It may seem like a waste of time to call your insurer however it could save you money over the course of time. Talk to your agent to determine if you can get an alternative car key that is covered by your policy.
If your policy covers roadside assistance, you should also take into consideration this. If you have roadside assistance, someone could come to your aid. This is a less stressful option than dealing with a dealer or locksmith.
Before calling your insurance company, be sure to thoroughly search for your keys. 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 as well as in other places you may have a habit of putting them. Double-check any places you may have left them. For instance, your purse or a cluttered office.
Contact your dealer for replacement of the keys once you’ve attempted to locate them. Most of the time it won’t be a problem and it will cost less than hiring a locksmith, or going through an insurance company.
While you’re at the dealer it is possible to ask about having a spare key made, especially if you don’t have a key fob. Most of the time the dealership will be able to make an extra key for you, without altering anything else in your car. If you do this, make sure you keep the key in a safe and secure place to locate it the when you lose it.
4. Call the Police
Not only can reporting your lost key car car keys to the police help you find keys, but it also helps keep you safe from thieves. If someone steals your car without permission, they could be fined for driving it on public roads or on private property. If you report the keys missing before the person makes off with your vehicle, you’ll know that you have an official paper trail of when it was missing and who reported it.
It’s a common problem to lose your car keys, however it does not have to be a major issue. As long as you call the right people, you’ll in a position to obtain a replacement key quickly and quickly. You can also prevent future key misplacements by following the guidelines given in this article.
Then, try retracing your steps. This will give you a clear idea of where your keys might be and can aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. For example, if you were returning home from work and then went out to eat at the restaurant, you may be able to recall that the keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you’re unable to locate the key, it may be in the bag you carried things around or on the table at which you sat down for dinner.
Another option is to post your key loss online. This will reach a wide audience and increase your chances of finding it. You can also inquire with local businesses and other community bulletin boards.
Before you begin searching for your keys, it’s important to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is required to replace your keys, so you should keep it secure. You can usually find the VIN on your driver’s licence, but it can also be found on your insurance card or in the owner’s manual of your car.
If you’ve exhausted all other options then it’s time to call the police. You can obtain a temporary replacement car from the police department, and they’ll also file an investigation report that can be helpful should your keys ever be recovered.