How to Return a Lost Key to Car
Car keys have an uncanny way of disappearing. They are often lost in the shuffle between bags and pockets or disappear into the black hole underneath the driver's seat.
It could cause a lot of trouble and even cancel your plans when you lose the keys to your vehicle. The first thing to do is check thoroughly.
1. Retract Your Steps
Losing keys to your car can be a scary and frustrating experience. It doesn't matter if you left them on the counter after you grabbed a piece of pizza, then forgot to put them back on the key holder or simply lost them while walking around your home It's a scenario that occurs to everyone. But there are ways to recover your keys and minimize the stress of losing your car keys.
Remember to remain calm. Frenzied searching and panicking will only make the situation more difficult. Instead take a moment to think about the last time you looked for your keys. This will allow you to retrace the steps and find your keys more quickly.
Begin with the areas that you are most likely to use, like your kitchen or office. Check your pockets, purse and other bags for keys. If you're still struggling to find them, consider searching in areas where you normally store things that can be easily misplaced, such as the bottom of your bag or under an unorganized pile of mail. It's also recommended to search your home for the keys - especially in areas where clutter is likely to build up.
It is also beneficial to ask for assistance when you're looking for your keys. It's usually beneficial to have a fresh pair of eyes looking for your keys. They might discover them where you've missed. Ask other customers or employees if they have found your keys if you lost them at a grocery store or other public location. They may have thrown them in the lost and found area, or they could be picked up by another person. You can place a smart tag on your keys, like Apple AirTag, or Tile.
2. Take a Look Around
Losing your car keys can be a nightmare especially if you don't have a spare. You may think that it's a no-go but there are ways to resolve this problem without any hassle. Begin by retracing your steps completed and examining the places where you were recently. You can also look through your pockets, bags and other items.
You could also ask your friends and family members to check for your key. They might have information about where you lost your keys. This is the best option before calling locksmith. You'll save money in the end.
Sometimes we forget keys to our cars at the most difficult moments. You're on your way home after working for a long time when you realize you have no idea where the keys are. Or, you're loading groceries into your trunk and accidentally leave your keys inside when you shut the lid.
If you're lucky enough, you could find them in a random spot such as under the couch or in a pile of mail. If you're not so lucky, you'll have to make a copy and pay for locksmith services. Fortunately, the majority of newer cars come with an immobilizer so it is impossible to start your car with the original key. You can use the spare key to open the car's trunk and doors.
3. Make copies
It wasn't long ago that misplacing the car key wasn't a big deal. You could get an exact duplicate for less than $10 at your local hardware store. The situation is now a bit more complicated. Most modern cars come with keys that lock and turns on the car as well as controls a variety of vehicle functions.
These are more expensive to replace if you do not have an extra. If you have roadside protection the insurance company will provide locksmiths to create new keys. However, you'll have to pay for the replacement key itself.
Another option is to visit the dealer where you purchased your vehicle, and ask whether they are able to create an exact replica for you. It will cost more than getting a locksmith make copies, but it could be the only option. Depending on the model of your car it might be difficult to find an expert locksmith to work with your particular type of key. It is recommended to keep an extra car key home. Think about getting a smart tag that tracks your keys (such as Apple AirTag or the Tile).
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
At at least once, each car owner has misplaced their keys. This usually happens because of inattention or when keys are misplaced in a bag, or coat pocket. Losing your car keys could be a nightmare regardless of the reason. It can cause a lot of stress and lead to an abundance of anxiety. There are a variety of ways you can find them quickly and quickly.
Follow your steps. This step may sound obvious but it's essential to do. Check all of your pockets and bags and search for them, including the zippered areas. Check under your car and at home to see whether there are any hidden drawers or compartments.
After you've carefully examined the area and then retraced your steps, it's time to call your insurance company. This is especially important if the car you own has a transponder. The keys can only be connected at an authorized dealer.
As long as you notify your loss in time your auto insurance policy will be able to protect you from any damages caused by someone else using your key that you lost to drive your car around. This includes things like scratches on the door and ignition.
If you do not file an insurance claim, the cost for car insurance could increase. It's generally cheaper to make an insurance claim than pay hundreds of dollars for a single lost key. In the end, it's up you to determine what makes sense for your specific situation.
5. Call a Locksmith
If you reach for your keys in your pocket or purse and they're not there, it's an unpleasant experience. The loss of your car keys is a huge inconvenience that can cause stress, anxiety, and even panic. Instead of trying to find them on your own or calling roadside assistance, it's better to speak with an expert locksmith. This way, you'll return to the road quickly and efficiently without wasting any time.
When you call a locksmith, make sure to have a few key pieces of information to speed the process. You will require the key identification number of the vehicle (VIN) typically found on the driver's side door jamb or in the owner manual, as well as a copy your drivers license, which is proof of ownership. lost my car key and have no spare will allow the locksmith to determine which type of key you have in your vehicle and which one to create.
If you have a spare key, this is also helpful to keep it in your bag. Many people store spare keys in accessible places, like under the couch cushions or in an unopened pile of mail. Check with the local police department to determine if keys have been returned. Also, it is important to inform your insurance company about the lost key to avoid losing your claim later in the event that it is discovered later. You may be required to make a payment for a replacement if you do not. A professional NYC auto locksmith can help you if you need to replace your keys. They will be able to make a new key on-site and reprogram the system to match your existing key. This is a quicker and less expensive option than going to a dealership.