How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Anyone who has lost their car keys understands how stressful it can be. However, there are steps you can do to minimize the stress and costs that comes with it.
Find out where you could have put them. If there's no evidence, you should contact someone. There are many alternatives to consider:
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
A car key is a tiny piece of metal that allows you to open and start your car. It's not common to lose a car key but the good news is that it's generally easy to replace. This guide will show you how to swiftly and easily replace a standard car key or a smart key.
Many newer cars come with keys that are designed to be "smart." This means they're equipped with an electronic chip programmed to work with a specific vehicle. You'll have to visit the dealer where you purchased your car to get a new key if you own an "smart" key. The dealer will need to match the new key to the specific vehicle, so you'll have to wait a few days before you're able to drive again.
If you're fortunate the dealer you choose to work with may have the key on hand and be able to pair it with your vehicle immediately. The dealer may charge a fee for this service. You can also visit a locksmith who can replace the car key at a much cheaper price.
Before you contact your locksmith or dealer be sure to check if you have spare keys. If you do, store them in a safe place where they're unlikely to be lost. Also, consider looking for a secondhand or used replacement key on the internet. These keys are often cheaper than buying a new one from the manufacturer.
Losing a car key can be very stressful but it's not as bad as some people imagine. It's not as expensive as many people think. As long as you know who to call for help, where to find a replacement key and how to avoid any further losses, you'll be back on the road in the blink of an eye. A good way to avoid losing keys is to make an area specifically for them and then always place them there when you're done using them. This will become a habit and make it easy to locate your keys if you lose them.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Whatever you may be, losing your car keys could be a terrifying event. It's one the three most frequently lost items, and can cause anxiety and a panicked search for your car keys. It's not always a lost item and there are many ways to have the replacement of your car keys covered by insurance.
Depending on your situation, you may try to find the key yourself or contact the dealership or your manufacturer of your car for assistance. Some car dealers have the ability to create a new key to cars that are on their lot but it's usually more expensive than working with locksmiths. You may also be able to take advantage of roadside assistance for your vehicle to cover the cost of a new key, dependent on the type of car and the insurance policy you have.
Be sure to search your home and car thoroughly for keys before you call your insurance. lost vehicle key will help narrow the area to search and provide you with an idea of where to begin. Be sure to check all pockets along with the seat and under any cushions. Also, look through your purse, wallet or backpack to ensure the keys are there. If you have a spare key, you can get it copied by a locksmith or dealer to create a new key without having to change anything inside the vehicle.
If you haven't found your keys after an exhaustive search, it might be time to contact police and report the missing car key. The police could file a lost and found report on your behalf and could be able to locate the key or inform you whether it's been turned in. This is a great method to protect your vehicle from being stolen. Also, don't forget to check your phone for lost and found notifications from apps like Find My iPhone or iCloud. You can also make use of GPS trackers to locate your vehicle, in the event that it's been abandoned.
3. Contact the manufacturer of your Vehicle
Lost car keys are likely to be one of the most frustrating and annoying things you could lose since it's almost impossible to open or drive your car without it. However, don't panic It happens to everyone, and there are ways that you can solve the issue quickly and quickly.
If lost vehicle key was manufactured before 1981, you will usually find a standard replacement at a locksmith, or in some hardware stores. These keys are purely mechanical and do not require additional technology such as chips or transponders. If you have an older key that is not high-tech and requires a replacement, it will require replacement by a locksmith or a dealer. This process may take longer and you'll have to provide proof of ownership before you can receive the key.
The remote key is a more sophisticated version of the standard metal key and requires a fob reader in order to operate. These types of keys are more difficult to replace, and can range in price between $50 and $500 - which is why it is always advisable to have spare keys!
Contacting the dealership or a locksmith is the easiest option to replace your lost car key. They will be able to create an entirely new key for you, and are likely to be in a position to program your vehicle so that it is able to start and unlock by pressing one button. However it's not always possible in the absence of the original key to program it.
If you've lost your car keys attempt to trace as many of your steps as you can. This will help you figure out the location they went to if they're not already located and could save you from having to search through your entire home or vehicle again in the future. You can also invest in an Bluetooth tracker that you can keep on your keychain. This will let you locate your keys by using an app that you can install on your smartphone.
4. Contact a locksmith
Car keys are one of the most annoying things to lose. Keys can be lost at any moment regardless of how diligent you may be. There are a few basic steps you can follow to get rid of this issue.
First of all, don't panic! It can be terrifying and stressful to lose your car keys, however you must remain calm and consider what you can do. Start by retracing your steps. Where were they last? This is a crucial question because it can help you to narrow down your search. Then, look in your pockets as well as any other hiding places you may have used. Also, look behind and between the passenger and driver's seats. Be sure to check your backpack or purse in case you suspect you might have left it in the car.
Call a locksmith in case you can't find your car keys. A professional locksmith will be able to create a new key for you and remove the old chip off your vehicle's system. This is a cheaper alternative to returning to the dealer, who will charge a premium.
You can also search online for replacement keys and key fobs at discounted prices. You may be able purchase an aftermarket key for less than what you would pay for new keys. Find a locksmith who can cut and program the key so that it can be used on your vehicle.
If you don't have a spare car key it's worthwhile to invest in one. If you own a manual vehicle, this can be easily accomplished by any locksmith who can create a new key right on the spot. If you have a key fob or smart key, or any other technologically advanced key you will need to contact your dealership to get a replacement.