Lost Car Keys - What to Do

If you're not careful enough, it is easy to lose your car keys. Before you panic, go back through your day to check whether they're in a place you missed. Check all your pockets and bags.

Depending on the car model and year, the process of replacing the lost key will differ. Reina gives you five steps to follow:

1. Contact the police

Losing your car keys can be a stressful and frequent experience, but is also a very important one. The police should be your first step. They can provide you with a reference number and help to keep you updated about any developments with your case. You should also notify your insurance agent for autos, as they are likely to want a copy of the police report to complete your claim.

Being calm is the most important thing to do when you lose your keys. Stressing about the situation will only make the situation more difficult and could cause you to miss the chance to get a replacement key. Take a deep breath, and try to recall the last time you held the keys. Once you have a clear time frame, you can begin retracing your footsteps.

Examine the pockets of your clothes and any bags that you might have carried. Also, look in places you would never think of, such as under the couch, or in the mail pile. If you were in a public area like a restaurant or library ask a staff member to tell you if they've discovered something.

If you are still unable to locate them, contact your insurance company and locksmith for assistance. If you are still unable to locate them, you'll have to contact your insurance company and locksmith for assistance. They can give you advice about improving key security and recommend a replacement key. It will depend on whether your vehicle is equipped with an old-fashioned or smart ignition and key.

2. Find an extra key

The number of car thefts is on the rise and it's more crucial than ever to have an extra. If you do not have a spare, there are ways to make one and it may be cheaper than visiting your dealer.

It is best to store your spare key elsewhere, not in your car. A lot of thieves take a purse or wallet and copy keys which makes it easier to break into a vehicle later. A keychain with a Bluetooth tracking device is also an excellent idea. This will help you keep the track of your keys and also help you locate them if they go missing.

You can either ask the dealer for an additional key or contact an independent locksmith who can make one for your. The dealership is likely to have a copy of your car's key code in their database and will be able to have it programmed into your new key. This information can be accessed by the independent locksmith using your VIN and other documents.

When locksmiths replace your key and they erase the "memory" and it is no longer working in your vehicle. This extra step might not be worth it when you have an expensive deductible or comprehensive insurance.

You must also file a police report so that people around you know about the situation and don't steal your vehicle. This could deter further crimes or make it more difficult for thieves to impersonate you in the future. It is best to act as quickly as you can, to ensure that your stolen car keys are reported as stolen instead of misplaced.

3. Get a new set of keys

There are a few ways to go about getting new keys when they're stolen car keys what to Do. It will depend on the type of my key fob was stolen you own and how it was stolen. If you have an old-fashioned car keys, a locksmith can make you one that is identical to the original. This is a much cheaper and quicker alternative than contacting a dealership to make one.

The process is a little more complex if you own an electronic or smart key key fob. The dealership must have the key code to create a new one. This will usually be included in your documentation when you buy or lease a car. You can also bring it to the dealership if you need a key made.

Another option to obtain a new set of keys if keys to your car are stolen is to contact roadside assistance. They'll transport your car to the dealer and they will have a replacement key programmed on site. It's important to keep in mind that the car key is your only method of starting and unlock the vehicle, so it's essential to report a stolen car key as soon as you can.

It's easy to lose car keys, especially if you're distracted or in a hurry. To avoid this from happening, place your keys in the same spot every when you leave your home. This will help you remember where your keys are and will make it easier for you to find them in the future. It's an excellent idea to keep an extra set in the glove box or in a place that is convenient. If you own a contemporary vehicle with a push-button starter, think about keeping your key fob in a bag like a Faraday or metal tin to keep the signal off when you're not in the car.

5. Visit the Dealership

If you lose your car keys, it's important to act swiftly and remain calm. The police will provide you with a a crime reference number, and will provide advice on how you can safeguard your vehicle in the future and stop it from being stolen car key reprogramming. They can check CCTV and ANPR systems to see whether your vehicle was used after you lost the keys.

If you have an extra key, store it in a secure location. It's easy for thieves steal a spare and use it to access your vehicle. If you don't have a spare, you can always contact the dealer for your car stolen with keys inside make to get a new one created. It is possible that you will have to wait and show proof of ownership because the dealer will need to purchase an electronic chip to be paired with your vehicle. The process isn't cost-effective, so it's worth determining if the cost is covered by your car insurance.

Before making a call to the dealer, it's important to have a good look around. Check every pocket and bag you own even in places you might not think of such as the car's floor or on a table they could have been thrown. Take a step back and try to remember the last place you saw your keys. This will allow you to determine the exact location of the key, and then locate it if you're lucky. If you're not able to locate them, contact your local locksmith as they'll be able to create new keys and replace your locks.