How to Replace Stolen Car Keys

There's no telling when you will lose your car keys. It's possible to lose your keys when you run an errand, putting them in the car seat, or accidentally dropping them in a busy parking area.

There are, however, some ways to make replacing your stolen car keys easier. Depending on the type of key you have you may need an auto locksmith or contact your dealership.

Verify the vehicle identification number

The VIN is a unique identifier to every vehicle. There are no two cars with the exact VIN. It gives you a wealth of information about the car, such as its manufacturer, year and model, engine size, assembly plant, and more.

You can usually locate the VIN number by looking over the papers of your car or on the internet using an auto decoder, such as VINCheck. You can use the VIN to determine if there are recalls and warranty claims on a vehicle. This is a great method to find out more about the background of a car.

For traditional keys, it's possible to call a locksmith and get an entirely new key for your vehicle right there and then. However, for a smart key (one that activates a proximity sensor within the car to allow you to start it by pressing a button), you'll need go to a dealership. They have the technology to pair your new key with your vehicle's system.

To determine your vehicle's type, you can look for the VIN on your vehicle's documents like the title or liability insurance papers. These documents should clearly show the VIN. If not, you can check on the front of your car on the driver's side close to your windshield. You can also search for it on the dashboard or the driver's door pillar.

If you have roadside coverage and they will pay to bring your vehicle to the dealer and then create keys using the VIN number. It's typically more expensive to replace a lost key at the dealership than an independent shop.

Most car dealerships have necessary technology to pair a new key to your vehicle's system. It could take a few days especially if the dealer has to request an entirely new key and get it delivered to them. This is why it's always best to have a spare key which you should make sure to carry with you at all times. A good tip is to create a duplicate and put it in your wallet, to ensure that you don't need to purchase a new key in the event of a vehicle being stolen.

Contact Your Insurance Company

The number of car thefts that result from vehicles that aren't locked with keys in them is increasing. Therefore, it is essential to always keep an extra. Finding and replacing keys to your car isn't as easy or as cost-effective as it used be. If you have comprehensive car insurance, you might be able make a claim under your personal property coverage for lost or stolen keys. Contacting your agent to inquire if your policy covers such expenses is the best method to determine whether it does.

If you are planning to make a claim with your insurance company, be sure to record the vehicle identification number (VIN). It's located on the driver's dashboard, and it will help the locksmith or dealership determine the best way to make an appropriate replacement key for your specific model.

Contact your insurance provider and inquire if they provide roadside assistance, which includes key replacement. If it does, they'll send a locksmith to assist you in getting back on the road. However, they'll likely ask you what to do if car keys are stolen pay the minimum amount.

If you've lost your keys, the first thing you must do is thoroughly inspect your house and office. Clean out your pockets and check every bag you have. You may not know if you've forgotten to put them somewhere or if someone has reached inside your bag and pulled out the keys. It's important to check your car's glove box, if you haven't yet.

It should be possible to replace a standard fob that is distinct from the ignition keys, by contacting a locksmith dealer. They'll be able to purchase an additional key from the manufacturer, that will then be connected with your car stolen without key. If you own a smart key however it's more complicated. You'll need to tow your vehicle to a dealer or other service shop to reprogram the key. This could cost you hundreds of dollars and that's not even counting the cost of towing.

Contact an expert locksmith

There is no one who thinks about how much they rely on their car keys until they lose them. If your car keys get stolen, it's an extremely stressful and expensive experience to replace them. It's crucial to remember that there are options available for those who have lost their car keys and require urgent help.

Before taking any further step, you must stay calm and search thoroughly for your car keys. You can do this by checking your bags, pockets and any other places you might have left them. If you've looked for hours and can't find them, it's time to go to the next step.

The first thing you should do is contact locksmith. You'll need to locate a mobile locksmith within your local area who can offer you an affordable solution to replace your car keys. This will save you the expense of having to take your vehicle to the dealership, and could even be covered by your insurance company.

You will need to tell the locksmith the model, make and year of your vehicle when you make a phone call. This will allow them to determine which type of key you're looking for. They will need proof that you are the owner of the vehicle like your driver's licence or registration.

If you're in a rush, many people will call the dealership. However, this can be very expensive. It's common to pay for towing and the cost of labor at the dealership, which can add up quickly. Instead, you can call a locksmith in your area and have them make a new car key right on the spot.

Another option is to purchase a Bluetooth key tracker to attach to your key ring. These small devices emit an unique signature that can be recognized by a smartphone. These devices are a great tool to keep track of your car keys. They can also be used to find keys when you need to enter your vehicle.

Visit the Dealership

It's among the most traumatic emotions to find out that your car keys are missing. It's not only a big inconvenience however, anyone who has the key may gain access to your vehicle without your consent. It is essential to notify the loss as soon as possible to ensure that your vehicle won't be used by anyone else.

You might initially think to call the dealership but it's worth calling an locksmith. A locksmith may be more cost-effective in long run than dealers, who could charge you higher prices for the service because of their higher costs of overhead. If, however, your car was stolen with keys inside has a smart lock that triggers a proximity sensor that allows you to open the door or even start it, only the manufacturer can replace the key.

Before you contact the locksmith or the dealership, make sure you search for your car keys. You may have accidentally knocked your keys out of your bag or put them down. Examine every surface you can reach. Take everything out of your pockets, bags and purses. Many times, people do not check the back of their vehicles too, so make sure to look there too.

If you can't locate your car keys, you can contact a locksmith or a dealer to get new keys. They will likely need proof that you are the owner of the car and will require you to provide your registration or title documents, or purchase documentation. If your vehicle is equipped with an ordinary key or electronic key the dealer can reprogramme your ignition and locks. However, this could cost hundreds of dollars.

If you have a spare key, contact your insurance company to determine whether the replacement will be covered under your insurance policy. A lot of policies cover the cost of replacing stolen vehicle keys, but the terms and conditions are different, so be sure to read your policy carefully. Contacting your insurance company a good idea so that they can keep an eye out for keys that have been lost and notify you if they are found.