Steps to Take When Your Car Key Goes Missing
It can be stressful to lose your car keys. But the most important thing to remember is to thoroughly check your keys and stay calm.
Informing your insurance company is beneficial. So, anyone who might attempt to use your car using keys you lost will be warned. This will stop them from damaging your vehicle and leading to theft.
1. Retract Your Steps
It’s possible to lose your keys without even realizing. Perhaps you ran an errand, and then left them on the seat when you left or perhaps you’re heading back from a long day at work and accidentally threw the keys in your rush to get inside and relax. Whatever the reason, if the fear of losing your car keys, the first thing you must do is to retrace your steps. This will allow you to get back on the right path and bring your rational mind back into the picture. The more precise you can be, a more successful outcome will be achieved. This will help you save time and effort.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Losing your keys is a stressful experience that takes time, money and even your peace of mind. It can be a nightmare particularly after a long, tiring day. You’re about change into your comfortable clothes, eat pizza, and watch your favorite show when you realize you’ve lost your keys.
Luckily for the majority of us this is the time when insurance can help. Some comprehensive insurance policies provide coverage for replacing lost car key a lost key or recoding locks. Others offer this as an add-on or optional insurance.
You can exchange a traditional key that does not employ rolling codes for protection against theft at an authorized locksmith in your area for less than 200 dollars. If you lose a transponder car key however it could be more expensive. Auto Blog reports that if you don’t own a spare key, lost it could cost up to $320.
In many cases it is important to inform the insurance company as soon as possible regarding the lost keys to avoid any future issues. The insurance company will be able confirm that you did not give your car keys to someone else who might try to use them and could help you obtain a replacement.
3. Call a locksmith
It’s a significant hassle if you lose your keys. It can also be very expensive if you need to get a replacement. Losing your keys do not need to be a disaster. If you’re cautious you can make it simple to avoid the issue in the future.
Calm down first. If you’re overwhelmed it can be difficult to think clearly. Search the area and try to recall where they were last. If you’re unable to locate them and you’re not sure, it’s time to call locksmith.
Before you start, write down your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or the make and model. This information is needed to obtain a new car key. It is usually found on the number on your insurance card, car registration or title document.
Smart keys are available in some cars that allow you to unlock your car keys lost replacement and start it without touching the fob. Locksmiths are typically able to replace this type key. However only your dealership can reprogram your vehicle’s immobilizer system.
No matter if your car is equipped with a smart key or not, it’s important to get a replacement as soon as possible. It’s possible to do this at an auto locksmith or local locksmith dealer.
4. Get a New Replacement
There are two types of car owners – those who protect their keys like treasure and those who keep losing them. If you fall in the second category, it’s crucial to know what steps to take if your keys disappears.
It is best to calm down and then retrace all your steps. Often keys to your car are right where you left them. Contact a locksmith if are unable to locate them.
Note down the VIN number of your vehicle. You will need this in case you go back to the dealer to get a new key car lost.
The standard car key is entirely mechanical. It is inserted into the ignition cylinder to unlock your doors and start the vehicle. The cost of replacing lost car key these keys is between $10 to $12. Remote key fobs allow you to unlock and lock your vehicle from a distance. They are more expensive and require special keys to programme them into your vehicle.
These keys have a computer chip, which is linked to an electronic switch inside your vehicle. To replace one of these, you’ll need to have your vehicle town to the dealership and show proof of ownership. The dealership will then order keys for you, and then pair it with your vehicle. This could be a pain, and the cost will cost you more than $320 with towing charges in addition.