Learn About Lost Car Keys When You Work From Home
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
It's an absolute nightmare to lose your car keys. This was not a problem until recent times but as cars get more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.
Most of the time, you lose your keys due to the fact that you've reached into your pockets for something else and have accidentally knocked them off somewhere. A spare key at home can save you from such situations.
1. Call an expert locksmith
Losing your car keys is an extremely frustrating experience. However, there's no need to panic. If you know who to call and what you should do, it should only take only a few steps to get your car keys replaced.
One of the first things to do is try and go back to where you started. It may appear obvious, but it can be difficult to accomplish if you are stressed or concerned about losing your car keys. Make sure to check all bags and pockets to see in which you've put them down, as well as the surrounding area around your vehicle.
If you're unable to locate your car keys, you need to contact a locksmith. Locksmiths are able to create keys for your vehicle quicker than the dealership. Additionally, they are able to do it for a lot cheaper than the dealership will charge you.
Some dealerships can make keys for replacement to cars, but they may not be able to do it immediately or at all. There are many dealerships that have an abundance of customers and therefore may not be able to help your request immediately. They may also not be able to create a exact copy of the existing key.
You can also buy a replacement key online. Keys can be purchased on Amazon and other websites for a much lower price than you'd purchase from the dealer. However, they may not be able to cut and program keys that are specific to your car model.
Certain insurance policies will cover the cost to replace a stolen or lost vehicle key. Therefore, it's worthwhile to check if you have coverage that will cover the cost of purchasing a new key for your car. Just remember that you will have to prove ownership and identification to the individual or company who makes the replacement key. This is required by law. If you're not able to prove ownership, it could be a very expensive experience.
2. Call the Dealership
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. It wasn't expensive to get an alternative key from a dealer. However, with cars getting more advanced in technology 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 unusual to spend hundreds of dollars to get them replaced.
If you've lost your car keys first thing you should do is act calmly. This will enable you to think clearly and make the right decision. If you lose your original keys, you should have an extra set of keys in your purse or car trunk. This will ensure that you are not out of money. It is also important to determine if the replacement is covered under your warranty or insurance for your car and can assist you in saving money in the event of a financial crisis.
The next step is to do thorough searches of your home, car and purse or wallet for keys that are missing. You can also retrace the steps you took, recollecting when you last held your keys and where you were when you lost them. This may be able to help you figure out where they ended up, which can be an enormous relief.
After you've conducted an exhaustive search but can't find your car keys, the next step is to contact your dealership. Dealerships are knowledgeable about your specific vehicle, so they're the best place to go for a new key. They're often busy and are not able to accommodate customers with short notice. This could make the process difficult.
If you can contact your dealer they'll be able to create an original key for you based on the VIN number that is on the file. They can also modify your immobilizer that is needed to start your car. Locksmiths are a good option when you need a quick and reliable solution that doesn't require you to wait in the dealership.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Not too long ago losing your car keys was not an issue. You could call an locksmith to come to your location and duplicate your key for a reasonable fee. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so have keys, and now they're more expensive to replace than ever before.
Based on the type of vehicle and the year the process of replacing a lost car key can take a few steps and cost you hundreds of dollars. It's always a good idea to have an extra set of car keys in your possession. This is particularly true if you live near an area of danger or an area with an extremely high rate of theft.
It may seem like a waste to contact your insurance company but it can actually save you money in the long run. Some policies will cover the cost of a brand new car key, so make sure to inquire with your insurance provider before you lose one and find yourself in need.
If your insurance policy provides roadside assistance, you should think about this. If it does, the service could send someone out to help you in your circumstance which could be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or dealership.
Before you call your insurance company, be sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you think they're in the car, look in 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 placing them. You should also check the places where you may have put them, such as in your purse or a cluttered desk.
Once you've done your best to locate the car keys, it's a good idea to call your dealer to have them replaced. Usually it won't be a problem, and it will be much cheaper than hiring a locksmith, or going through the insurance company.
When you visit the dealership, you might want to inquire about having a spare key made, particularly 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 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 again if you lose it.
4. Call the police
Reporting your lost car keys can help you find them and ensure your safety. If a person drives your car on public roads or private property without permission, the individual could be penalized. lost car key replacement can help protect yourself by reporting your keys stolen before someone else steals your vehicle. This leaves a trace on paper that reveals when and who reported the theft.
Car keys are lost is a frequent occurrence, but it doesn't have to be a catastrophe. As long as you call the appropriate people, you'll be able to get an alternative key quickly and quickly. You can also prevent future key misplacements by following the suggestions provided in this article.
Take a step back. This will give you a good idea of where your key could be, and it can also aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. For instance, if you were driving home from work and then went to get food 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 key, it might be in the bag you carried things around or on the table at which you sat down to eat.
Another option is to post your key loss online. This increases the chances of finding the culprit by reaching a wider audience. You can also check local businesses and bulletin boards for community groups.
Before you start looking for your keys, be sure to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. You'll need this information to replace your key, so it's important to keep it safe. It's common to find the VIN on your driver's license, however it can also be found on your insurance card or in the owner's manual of your vehicle.
Contact the police after you've exhausted your other options. They'll be capable of providing you with temporary replacements for your vehicle, and they can also file a report that will be useful in the event that keys are found.