Replacing Lost Car Keys
Losing your car keys could be a frustrating experience. You may be rushing out the door or trying to put your keys away when they fall out of your pocket.
Luckily, there are many options for replacing lost car keys. Here are car lost key replacement to help you navigate the process: Retrace Your Steps or Contact Your Dealership or call an Locksmith.
Retract your steps
It's no secret that losing your car keys is an unpleasant experience. It's one of those things that can happen to anyone at any moment whether you're on an errand that's quick and you put your keys on the table or you're heading home after an exhausting day and don't remember to grab your keys prior heading to the house. It could trigger an anxiety attack or cause more stress than you're required to. To avoid this take a deep breath and settle down. When your emotions are in control then the next thing you need to do is retrace your steps. This is the best way to find a lost item because it helps you determine the place you left it.
Start by examining your pockets and emptying all bags that you may have. After you've done this it's a good idea return to the last location you've ever had your car keys and look there again. You can also call the restaurant or hotel where you last had them. This will give you a solid starting point to find your keys.
If your steps retract when in a parking space but not when driving and you turn the key in the ignition it is most likely a problem with your step switch or a low battery. You can try dismantling the fuse or disconnecting power to it.
Contact Your Car Dealership
It shouldn't be a problem to replace a car key that is manual in the event that you own one. As long as you have the original key, a majority of hardware stores and locksmiths can make you a replacement key. If you own an electronic or laser-cut key, or a key fob, you'll need to take it to the dealer to have it replaced.
This is because modern cars come with sophisticated anti-theft features that include transponder chips. This chips communicates with the vehicle to begin it and needs to be reprogrammed to work with your particular model of vehicle. This process can usually be performed by the dealership as a service, but it will also cost you a pretty penny.
Make sure you've exhausted all other options prior to calling the dealership. Check every pocket you've been in and empty any bags you might have carried around and search your home thoroughly for keys. This will ensure that you haven't forgotten them or put them in the trunk with the car running.
A locksmith that specializes in autos is also an alternative. This is a better alternative than going to the dealership, and is more affordable in most cases. You will still need to provide them with your vehicle title or registration as proof of ownership.
You could also call the manufacturer. Some offer a service online that can help you create an alternative key, however they'll want proof of ownership and a cost to do this.
Replacing lost car keys isn't necessarily a major deal however, you must act quickly before it gets more serious. If your keys have been stolen, you'll have to do a lot more investigation to locate them and it's going to be more expensive to replace them. The suggestions above will assist you in resolving your issue quickly and cheaply.
Contact an expert locksmith
It's a common fear of many drivers: reaching into your pocket or purse to grab your car keys and then realizing they're not to be located. It happens to everyone and at the worst possible instances.
Fortunately, a few simple steps can help you get back on the road quickly and efficiently. Whether you have an old-fashioned key or a contemporary smart key, there are plenty of options for replacing it. You can request assistance from the dealer, but it is important to note that this method can cost more than hiring locksmiths.
If you do choose to call your local dealership, make sure to have all the required documents with you. This will most likely include your vehicle's identification number (VIN) and driver's license and any other proof of ownership you may have. The dealer will design a key for you and could charge an amount.
If you do decide to contact a professional locksmith, be sure that they have a lot of positive online reviews and are licensed by your state's regulatory authority. It's also an excellent idea to confirm whether they have the correct ID, uniforms, and signs in their vehicle and at their place of business.
As you wait for the locksmith to arrive, be as patient as you can. When you're dealing with these kinds of situations it can be difficult to tell if the tradesperson is honest and knowledgeable. It's best to take your time.
You should always keep a spare set of keys in a safe location to avoid having to replace them in the future. You can also make it more difficult for you to lose your keys by utilizing an Bluetooth tracker that you attach to your keychain. It will notify you where it is.
Call Your Insurance Company
The type of car insurance policy you own your keys could be covered. Certain policies offer an emergency roadside assistance plan which covers key replacement. It's vital to check the insurance information on your vehicle. You will be able to locate your policy number in the upper-left corner of your policy. Then, call your provider and see what options are available to get an updated set of keys.
If you have only a standard key (without buttons or chips), it is best to contact a locksmith and get a new key made right on the spot. This is typically the most efficient and cheapest solution for this situation.
You can also check with your local police department to see if anyone has turned in your keys. This is especially useful if your keys were stolen. The police department will be able to create reports that tell you whether your keys have been discovered or if someone else has turned them over to police.
There are people who make use of Bluetooth key trackers that are attached to their keys. These trackers are accessible via an app for your smartphone. The app will provide you with the whereabouts of your keys. These aren't the best solution for everyone, but they can assist you in finding your keys when you require them.
If your car isn't too old you might have an extra key that isn't part of the fob. It can be used to open doors and start your vehicle. You can find spares at garage sales as well as from previous owners.
Car keys are among the top three misplaced items1. But just because you've lost yours does not mean you cannot return to the road. Just be sure to follow the steps above and you should be able to locate your car keys in no time. If you encounter this issue be calm and follow the steps below to solve your problem.