How to Deal With a
Car Lost KeyIf you're not paying attention, it's very easy to lose your car keys. This might not be the most pleasant situation, but you can fix it if you are in control and take the proper steps.
Start by searching your bag and
Car Lost Key pockets. Then, retrace your steps and search for places where you may have dropped them.
1. Make sure to check the VIN
If you have a spare car key, losing them won't mean the end of the world. Modern cars have keys that are more difficult to replace in the event that you don't have the original key. The keys are equipped with transponders that aid in stopping theft. It is also essential to report your lost keys immediately. If you don't report it, someone may attempt to use your car to steal or vandalize the key. This could cause scratches on the door locks or damage your ignition!
If you have an extra key, the dealer or a locksmith may make a duplicate. It's not cheap however it's much less than the cost of a
replacement lost car keys key. A locksmith can also create keys from the VIN so long as you have proof of ownership.
The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard's front. You can find it on the insurance card or registration. You'll need to present this information to a professional locksmith or car dealer in order to have an alternative key made from the VIN.
2. Check the locks
Always keep an extra car key in a secure place. A spare key could save you time and anxiety in the event that you lose your car keys. Spare car keys are also useful in situations where you might have accidentally left your car unlocked. In this scenario, you can use your spare key to unlock the vehicle and then get back on the road.
Utilizing a spare key could make it difficult for anyone else to drive your car and could cause damage. Reporting your lost keys to your insurance company will protect you from these situations.
After you've calmed down, you can begin looking for your car keys. It's easy to be
replacing lost car keys in the midst of distraction or exhausted. To begin, check around you and then retrace your steps. Consider the last time you had your car keys as well as what you were doing and where you might have lost them. This is referred to as context restoration and is an extremely effective way to find missing items.
3. Check the doors
You've had a long day and you're ready to get home, change to your comfortable clothes, and sit down with some soup and a good TV show. Then you find that the keys to your car are missing.
Don't be worried Do not be afraid, they're likely to be nearby. When you lose your keys, you should start looking in obvious places, such as the pockets of the clothing you were wearing and the bags you're carrying. Also, make sure you check areas that are congested, like tables and desks. Call your local locksmith if you cannot locate your car keys.
It's worthwhile to have an extra key in case of emergency, even if you don't own a newer car model. This will save you the headache of calling a tow truck. If you can't find your spare key, you might consider purchasing a smart tag, such as an Apple AirTag or Tile, that can help you track it down in the event of a need. It's also a good idea to always put your keys in the same location so that you can locate them easily the next time.
4. Check the trunk
It's not an issue in the event that you lose your car key. If you have a spare, you can simply turn on the car and start it. If there's no spare, you can ask an authorized locksmith or a dealership for the new key. They'll need to know the VIN of your vehicle, and the type of key that you have - either traditional or smart fob - in order to connect it to your car.
Everyone loses their keys for their cars from time-to-time. It's a hassle but it doesn't have to be a complete disaster. By remaining calm, searching for your car keys in the most obvious places and retracing your steps, you'll find them quickly. To avoid this happening again, ensure you leave a spare car key in a safe location and consider purchasing a smart tag like Apple AirTags and Tile to track your keys. These smart tags are much cheaper than having to replace your keys. Check your insurance policy to determine if the cost of
Replacing Lost Car Key keys lost is covered.
5. Check the ignition
There's no way to know when you'll lose your keys to your car, and it's usually in the most unfortunate of times. However, there are ways you can minimize the damage and get back on the road in a hurry.
Check all the places you've recently been. You might have dropped them in the process of getting out of the car It's worth looking in the pockets of all your clothing. Also, be sure to look in places that you wouldn't normally look, like inside the fridge or washing machine.
If your vehicle has mechanical keys and you are unable to locate a locksmith who can provide you a replacement. If you have the transponder or switchblade keys however, it may be more difficult.
In some instances, a professional can decode the VIN to locate the keycode, and get your vehicle functioning again. This is typically done at a dealership and you'll have to provide evidence of ownership such as the title and registration. However, this could be risky and costly.