What Should I Do If I Lost My Car keys?
The Next Step You Should Take After Losing Your Car Keys
The first thing you should do in this situation is to stop worrying, do not be distressed that you cannot get your car keys. Having a lot of tension and stress will only make you have more thoughts, making you not get the keys even if they are around you.
Our concern is that you get your car keys as quickly as possible, not to educate you on how to get your misplaced items. But try looking for your car keys in the following areas;
- Carry out a search in clothes with pockets, especially those you had won the last time you used the car.
- Look in the bags you often use, the gym bag, purse, or bag you had before you lost your car keys.
- Search in those places specifically known for keeping things used periodically.
- Kitchen cabinets
- Look at all the tables in the house.
- On and under the sofas.
Learn About the Main Types of Car Keys
It is time to go out using your car, and you realize that you are not holding your car keys and they are not in the normal place where you keep them.
You then spend over 20 minutes doing a thorough search, and the reality is that you lost your car keys. Unfortunately, you are unsure where you lost your car keys, and about the next step you should take. This should not happen again because we are here to help you get another car key and help you with car key fob replacement and car key programming.
Mechanical Keys
Mechanical keys are the most popular and are applied to older cars. These keys are made from metal and can be produced like switchblade keys that contain a button on the fob to let the key out. You can make other copies of the key because they are metal-produced.Â
Remote Fob with Integrated Keys
These types of keys are known to perform a lot of activities. You can use them by pressing the fob button or employing the mechanical key.Â
Remote Keyless Fob
Car keys with a remote have buttons on the fob that you can use for locking and unlocking your car from a close distance. These keys are often operated using a battery; you should place them in the ignition to run the car.
Transponder Keys
In some cases, transponder keys can contain an electronic microprocessor that transmits a sequence of codes to your car. You are not required to place the keys on the ignition point, and the keys allow you to start the car when it is at a nearby distance.Â
Note that the keys are mostly exposed to keyless car robbery.Â
Replacing transponder keys is a bit tough because a new key requires programming to suit your car.
If you have misplaced your old car keys, the locksmith will require your motorcar identification number (VIN) to computerize the new key. The number is placed in front of the car steering wheel on the lower part of the left-hand corner of the dashboard.
A Way of Replacing Car Keys When You Lose Yours, and You Do Not Have a Spare
If you have carried out a thorough search for your keys and still there is no trace of your car keys, you are entitled to the following car replacement alternatives;Â Â
Purchase Other Car Keys From the Dealer
Getting another set of car keys from your dealer is very easy. But it can be an option that will take much of your resources in terms of money and time.Â
Contact a Locksmith
An affordable alternative is probably talking to an auto locksmith, who can develop a new car key without looking at the original one. Get price quotes from the different locksmiths you know and choose the one you can afford.
If the locksmith has a blank key that suits your car, you will get another car key much faster than if you dealt with a dealer.Â
Most auto locksmiths have adopted a flexible way of working; they are always ready to bring their services to you. They should possess the skill to cut you a spare key and develop a remote car key fob.Â
The locksmith should also deactivate the original key, making it inactive if it is in possession of a person with an ill motive. Spoiled locks and keys can generally be repaired also.Â
Motorcar Failure Service
You can also contact a person who provides breakdown services. However, in the end, you may encounter a long wait or realize they do not have the right car key-cutting tool.Â
This alternative has the chance of being fast instead of contacting an auto locksmith at first.
Garage
The garage you know might be the right people to call first, but it is by luck they possess the suitable tool. You can also face charges for using any diagnostic program.
What are the Charges of Replacing Car Keys?
Generally, the charges of getting another car key go from $130 to $230 for one piece; this is not a small amount.Â
The total charges and the duration it takes to get another car key are determined by the model of the car you own and the kind of key you require.Â
If you possess an Audi or a Mercedes, be ready to dig deep into your pocket because replacing the keys to these two types is more expensive. Therefore, having car insurance that can cover the car key partly or which is included as an extra cover can assist in catering for the prices.
Requirements to Get a Car Key Replaced
These are the required basics;
- ID/ driving license.
- Know the make of your car and the model.
- The vehicle’s identification number (VIN).
- V5C logbook to show evidence that the car belongs to you.
What to Do If I Locked The Car Keys Inside the Car?
If you do not find the idea of breaking into the car the best, contact your local breakdown service provider if you have taken breakdown insurance.Â
If you are not in a hurry, you can wait for them till they come. They should try to access the inside of the car and get your car keys. If it is impossible for them, they can contact a locksmith, and you will be forced to pay for their services.
Is It Possible for Car Insurance to Cater for Car Key Replacement?
Various vehicle insurance firms may include a cover for replacing keys as an addition to their terms. Others might include a car key cover as a choice for you to decide.
Look at your policy papers to understand what is included and what is out. If you cannot remember where your documents are, do not get stressed, it is something that can be replaced very fast.Â
There may be available limitations on what the insurance firm covers. For instance, an excess to be catered for can appear, or the insurance cover may only be accorded on specific kinds of policies.Â
Contact your insurance firm to understand the alternatives you have.
How to Stay Safe After Losing Your Car Keys?
A key finder would be a good option. You are not interested in losing your keys; you can get a key finder fob to avoid it happening again. When you cannot get your keys, put the connect application into use to switch on the fob. It is supposed to show a signal to you where you left your car keys.
Get a Spare Key
Even if you have the original key, getting a spare car key is still a good idea. Get a trusted car key cutter to cut the spare key for you.
The price you pay for the spare car key depends on how composed you would want the key to appear.Â
You should not be asked to pay much if you want a standard car key that lacks remote operations. But if you want a look-alike car key with programs like the original one, you ought to pay more. Â
You should decide which kind of spare key you want for your car!
