Lost Car Keys - What to Do

It's easy to lose car keys if you are not vigilant. Before you panic, make sure to go back and check your day to see where you might have lost them. Make sure to check your pockets and all bags that you carry.

Depending on the car model and year, the procedure of replacing a lost key will vary. Reina offers five steps to follow:

1. Contact the police

Losing your car keys can be a stressful and frequent event, but it's also an extremely important one. The first step to do is call the police. You can get a crime reference, and they will keep you informed about the progress of your investigation. It is also recommended to notify your auto insurance agent as they are likely to require a copy of the police report to make your claim.

Being calm is the most important thing you can do when you lose your keys. Panicking will only make things worse and you may be unable to obtain an alternative key. So take a deep breath, and take a moment to think about when you last held keys in your possession. Once you have the exact time frame, you can begin going back in your steps.

Take a look in the pockets of your clothes and any bags you may have carried. Also, look in places you wouldn't normally think of, such as under the couch, or within the mail pile. Ask someone in an open area, such as the library or a restaurant, if they've found anything.

The more thorough your search, the more likely you are to find your keys. If you still cannot find them, you'll need to contact your insurer and locksmith for assistance. They can provide you with tips on how to improve security for your keys and can suggest a new key. It depends on whether your car has an original or smart key and ignition system.

2. Find an extra key

Car thefts are increasing and it is more important than ever to have an extra key. There are less expensive ways to make an extra key if you don't have one already.

If you have an extra, it's advisable to keep it somewhere else than your vehicle. Many thieves will take your wallet or purse, and then copy the keys. This makes it easier for them later to get into your car. A keychain with a Bluetooth tracking device is also a great idea. This will allow you to keep track of your keys, and even find them if they go missing.

You can ask for an extra key at the dealership or call an independent locksmith to make one for you. The dealership may have an image 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 an independent locksmith utilizing your VIN and other documents.

When a locksmith replaces your key and they erase the "memory" in order that it is no longer working in your vehicle. This is an additional step that may not be worth it in the event of a high deductible or you have insurance that is comprehensive.

You should also make a police report to ensure that the people around you know about the situation and don't steal your vehicle. This could deter further crime, or make it harder for thieves to impersonate you in the future. It is recommended to act as quickly as possible, so that your car keys stolen keys what to do are reported as stolen car key fob rather than misplaced.

3. Find a new set keys

There are a variety of ways to get new keys if you've been stolen. It's contingent on the type of key you have and how it was stolen. If you have an old-fashioned car key, a locksmith can make you an entirely new key without the original. This is much simpler and cheaper than having to go to a dealership to request the replacement.

The process can be a bit more complicated if you have an electronic or smart key key fob. The dealership will need have the key code to create a new key. This is usually included with the paperwork when you purchase or lease a vehicle. You can also take it to the dealership if you require a new key.

The other option for getting a new set of keys if keys to your car got stolen with keys in it have been stolen is to contact roadside assistance. They'll take your vehicle to a dealer, and they will have a replacement key programmed on-site. Remember that your keys to your car are the only method to unlock and start your car. Notifying a lost or stolen car keys What to do key as soon as you can is vital.

You can easily lose your car keys if you are busy or distracted. To avoid this, put your keys in the same spot every when you leave home. This will help you remember where your keys are and make it easier for you to locate them in the future. It's also a good idea to keep an extra set in the glove box or someplace else that is practical. If you have a modern car with a push-button starter, you might want to keep your key fob in a Faraday bag or metal tin to keep the signal off when you're not in the car.

5. Visit the Dealership

It is important to be calm and act quickly when you lose your keys to your car. The police will provide you with the crime reference number and offer suggestions on how to safeguard your vehicle in the future and stop it from being taken away. 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, put it in a secure place. It is very easy for thieves to steal the spare key and use it to gain access to your vehicle. If you don't own an extra key, you can call the dealership of your car to get a new one. You may need to show proof of ownership papers and wait a few days because the dealer will need to order a new computer chip and connect it with your car keys stolen from unlocked house. This is a costly process and you should verify if your insurance covers the cost.

It is important to look around before contacting the dealer. Take a look in every purse and pocket you have, even in places you wouldn't expect to find them on the floor of your car or on a table they might have been dropped. Follow your steps and try to remember the last spot you saw your keys. If you are lucky, this can assist you in locating the exact location of your key. If you're not able to locate them, contact your locksmith in the area as they will be able to create an additional key and rekey your locks.