Replacing Lost Car Keys
It can be very frustrating to lose your car keys. You may be rushing out the door or trying to put your keys away when they slip out of your pocket.
There are several options available to replace keys that have been lost. Here are some tips to guide you through the procedure: Retrace Your Steps or Contact Your Dealership or contact a locksmith.
Retract Your Steps
It's not a secret that losing your keys to your car can be a stressful occasion. It's one of those things that can occur to anyone at any moment regardless of whether you're running an easy errand and forgetting to leave your keys on the seat or you're returning home from an extended day of work and forget to grab your keys prior going inside. It can cause anxiety or a lot more stress than you're required to. To avoid this the first step is to take a deep breath and try to calm down. When your emotions are in control the next thing to do is to retrace your steps. This is the most effective method to find an item that is missing, as it lets you know the place you left it.
Start by examining your pockets and emptying all bags you have. After that, it's a good idea return to the last place you remember having your car keys and check at them again. It's also an excellent idea to contact the restaurant where you last used them or the hotel where you resided. This will allow you to get an idea of where your keys are likely to be found.
If lost car key have no spare retract when you park, but not when driving and turning the ignition key, it is most likely that there is an issue with the step switch or low battery. You can try dismantling the fuse or disconnecting the power source to it.
Contact Your Car Dealership
If you have a classic manual car key, getting it changed shouldn't be too much of a hassle. If you have the original key, most hardware stores and locksmiths can create a new key. However, if you have a key fob or smart car, or laser-cut key, you'll need visit the dealership to get it replaced.
This is because modern cars come with sophisticated anti-theft features which include the use of transponder chips. This chip communicates with your vehicle to begin it and must be reprogrammed to work with the particular model of car. This is usually done by the dealer on a voluntary basis however it will cost you a considerable amount of money.
Be sure to explore all other options prior to calling the dealership. Check every pocket you've been in and empty any bags you might have had on you and search your home thoroughly for keys. This is the best way to be sure that you didn't set them somewhere and then forget about them or put them in the trunk and leave the car running, with your spare keys in it.
A locksmith who specializes in autos is another option. This is a better alternative than visiting a dealership, and is cheaper in the majority of instances. However, you'll need to show them your vehicle's registration or title to prove ownership.
You could also call the manufacturer. Some manufacturers provide an online service to assist you in creating a new key. However, they will require proof of ownership as well as the payment.
It's not a big deal to replace lost car keys, but you have to act quickly before the situation becomes more serious. If your keys have been stolen, it will cost you more money to replace them and require more research. These tips should aid you in resolving your issue quickly, and at a cost that is affordable.
Call a locksmith
Many drivers have this fear: reaching in their purses or pockets to find their keys to their car and then finding they're not there. It happens all the time and usually at the most inconvenient times -- while filling up on gas or shopping for groceries, or even on your way home from work after an exhausting day.
A few simple steps can get you back on the road fast and effectively. There are many options to replace your key, whether it's a traditional key or modern smart keys. You can request assistance from the dealer however it is important to remember that this option can cost more than hiring a locksmith.
If you do choose to contact your local dealership, make sure that you bring all of the required documents with you. They'll likely require your vehicle identification number (VIN), your driver's license, and any proof of ownership that you may have. The dealer will then design your new key and may charge you for the service.
If you do choose to hire a professional locksmith, make sure that they have a lot of positive reviews on the internet and that they are licensed by your state's regulatory authority. It's also a good idea to ensure that they have the proper ID, uniforms and signs at their place of business and in their vehicle.
While you wait for the locksmith, be as patient as you can. It isn't easy to determine if you're dealing with an honest and competent tradesperson in these situations, so it's best to be patient.
To avoid having to replace your car keys in the future, you should always have a spare somewhere secure. It's also a good idea to make it harder for yourself to lose them by using a Bluetooth key tracker, which attaches to your keychain, and can notify you of the location of your keychain.
Call Your Insurance Company
The keys you lost might be covered under your insurance policy for cars according to the type of policy. Some policies include a roadside assistance plan that covers key replacement. It's vital to check the insurance information on your vehicle. Your policy number should be located in the upper left corner of your policy. Then, call your insurance company and inquire about what options are available to you for getting a new set of keys.
If you only have a traditional key (without buttons or chips) it is best to contact a locksmith to create a new key right on the spot. This is typically the fastest and most affordable solution in this scenario.
You can also contact your local police department to find out if anyone has turned in your keys. This is especially helpful if you keys were stolen. The police department can create reports that tell you if your keys have been discovered or if someone else has turned them over to police.
Some people attach Bluetooth key trackers to their keys. These trackers can be accessed through an app on your smartphone, and the app will inform you where your keys are located. These aren't the best solution for everyone, but they can help you find your keys when you require them.
If your car isn’t too old, it might have an additional key, which isn't part of the remote. You can use it to open doors and start your vehicle. You can find spares at garage sales and from previous owners.
Car keys are among the top three most lost items1. You can still get back on the roads even if you lose your keys. Be sure to follow the steps above, and you'll be able to locate your car keys in a short time. If you find yourself in this situation remain calm and follow the steps to solve your problem.