Lost Car Keys - What to Do

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

Depending on the car model and year, the procedure of replacing a lost key will vary. Reina provides five steps you should take:

1. Call the Police

Losing your car keys is a normal and stressful experience however it's an important one. The police should be your first step. They can provide you with a reference number and keep you updated about any developments with your case. It is also important to inform your auto insurance agent about the theft, as they might require a copy of your police report to determine the status of your claim.

Staying calm is the most important thing you can keyless car be stolen do when you lose your keys. Stressing about it will only make the situation worse and you may lose the chance of getting an alternative key. So take a deep breath, and try to think clearly about when you last held keys in your hands. Once you know the exact timeframe, start going back in your steps.

Check the pockets of your clothes and any bags you may have carried. Also, look for places you wouldn't normally think of, like under the couch, or within the piles of mail. If you were in a public place, such as a restaurant or library Ask an employee if they have discovered anything.

The more thorough your search is more thorough, the more likely you are to locate your keys. If you still cannot find them, you'll have to contact your insurance and locksmith for assistance. They can offer advice on how to improve security of your keys, and suggest a new one. It is contingent on whether your car is equipped with a smart or traditional key and ignition system.

2. Get a Spare Key

The number of car thefts is rising and it's now more important than ever to have an extra. If you don't have a spare, there are ways to make one and it may be cheaper than visiting your dealer.

It is best to keep your spare keys somewhere else than in your car. Many thieves will take your purse or wallet, and then copy your key. This makes it easier for them later to break into your vehicle. A keychain that has a Bluetooth tracking device is a great idea. This will allow you to keep track of your keys and Stolen car Keys what To do locate them if they get lost.

You can either request an additional key or call an independent locksmith who will make one for you. The dealership has a copy the key code for your car in their database, and can program it into the new key. The locksmith you choose to use will need to use the VIN from your registration and other documents to get the information.

When a locksmith makes you an exchange, they typically erase the original key's "memory" so it won't function in your vehicle any longer. This extra step might not be worth the effort in the event of an expensive deductible or comprehensive insurance.

You should also submit a police report so that people around you are aware of the situation and do not take your car. This could deter future crimes or make it difficult for thieves to steal your identity. It is best to take this action as soon as possible, so that the keys to your car stolen are reported as stolen instead of lost.

3. Get a New Keyset

There are several ways to go about getting new keys after they've been stolen car key what to do. The answer will depend on the kind of key as well as the manner in which it was stolen car key. If you have a standard car key, you can call a locksmith who will make a new key without the original on the spot. This is much easier and less expensive than having to find a dealer to order a replacement.

If you own an electronic key fob or smart key it is a little more complex. The dealer will need the key's code to create a replacement. It's usually on your paperwork when you purchase or lease a car. You can also take it to the dealership if you require a new key.

Another option to obtain a new set of keys in the event that your car keys are Stolen car keys what to do is to contact roadside assistance. They'll tow your car to a dealer and can get a new key programmed on-site. It's important to remember that your car key is the only way to start and unlock the vehicle, so it's essential to report the theft of your car key as quickly as you can.

It's quite easy to lose car keys, especially if you're distracted or busy. To avoid this, place your keys in the same spot each time you leave home. This will help you to remember where your keys are and will 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 in a place that is convenient. If you own a contemporary car with a push-button starter, consider keeping your key fob in a Faraday bag or metal tins 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 can provide you with a crime reference number and provide guidance on how to replace stolen car keys to protect your vehicle and ensuring that it isn't stolen in the future. They can also check CCTV and ANPR systems to see whether your car has been used since you lost the keys.

If you have a spare car key stolen key, make sure that it's stored in a secure location. It's very easy for thieves to get a spare key from a safe and use it to gain access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare, you can always contact the dealership for the make of your car to get a new one created. You may be required to show the proof of ownership documents and wait a few days because the dealer will need to purchase an updated computer chip and connect it with your car. This process isn't cheap, so it is worth checking whether the cost is covered by your vehicle insurance.

It's important to take a look around before calling the dealer. Take a look in every purse and pocket you have, even in places you wouldn't expect to find them, like the floor of your car or on a table they might have been thrown. Take a step back and try to recall the last place you saw the keys. This will allow you to determine the exact location of the key and locate it if you're lucky enough. If you're unable to locate them, call your local locksmith who can create you a key and then rekey the locks.