How to Return a Lost Key to Car
Car keys have a way of disappearing. They can disappear in the shuffle between jacket pockets and bags or slip into the black hole underneath the driver's seat.
It could cause a lot of trouble and even cancel your plans in the event that you lose the key to your vehicle. The first thing to do is check thoroughly.
1. Retract your Steps
Losing keys to your car can be an extremely stressful and scary experience. It is a common occurrence, no matter if you dropped keys on the counter in order to buy pizza, or forgot to hang them up on the key hook or tripped over them as you went about your home. There are ways to retrieve your keys and reduce the stress of losing your car key.
Be calm. Frenzied searching and panicking will only make the situation worse. Instead take a step back and think about where you last looked for your keys. This will allow you to go back to the steps and locate your keys quicker.
Start with the places you frequent such as your kitchen or office. Check your purse, pockets, and other bags for keys. If you are still unable to locate them, try looking in places you store items that are easy to lose, such as in a pile of mail, at the bottom of your bag, or the bottom of your bag. It's also an excellent idea to look around your home for the keys - especially in areas where clutter tends to accumulate.
Asking for help is also an excellent idea when searching for your keys. It's usually beneficial to have a fresh pair of eyes look for your keys. They may find them where you missed. Ask other employees or customers if they have found your keys if you've lost them at a grocery store or other public location. You can inquire if they've discovered them. They may have placed them in the lost and found or were picked up by another person. If you have a security tag, like Apple AirTag or Tile, it's a great idea to place it on your keys.
2. Take an in-depth look
It's difficult to lose your car keys, particularly when there's no spare. There are solutions to this problem that don't require any hassle. Begin by retracing the steps you took and checking out the places you went to recently. You can also check your bags, pockets, and other items.
You may also ask your family members and friends members to search for your key. They might be able to pinpoint where you lost your keys. It is best to find out before you call a locksmith. It will save you money in the long run.
Sometimes we forget keys to our cars at the most awkward times. You're heading home after an exhausting day at work when you realize you don't know where the keys are. Or, you're loading groceries into your trunk, only to accidentally leave 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 stack of mail. However, if you're not so lucky you'll need to make an exact copy and pay a locksmith service. Most newer cars are equipped with an immobilizer, which means you cannot use the original key to start your car. However, you can use a spare to unlock the trunk and doors of your car.
3. Make an exact copy
It wasn't too long ago that losing keys to your car was not a big deal. You could find a duplicate for less than $10 from your local hardware store. Now, however, things are a bit more complicated. Most modern cars come with keys that lock and turns on the car and controlling many of the vehicle's functions.
They are more expensive to replace if you do not have a spare. The good part is that if you have roadside assistance insurance the insurer will pay to dispatch locksmiths to make the new key for you. You will be accountable for the cost of a replacement key.
You could also ask the dealer who bought your car to make copies. This is more expensive than simply getting locksmiths to create an entirely new key, but it may be your only option. It may be difficult to find an expert locksmith to work on your specific type of car key according to the model. This is why having an extra key at home is always an excellent idea. You might want to consider purchasing a smart tag to track your keys (such as Apple AirTag or the Tile).
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Every car owner has lost their keys at least once. It is usually due to inattention or when keys are misplaced in a bag, or inside a coat pocket. Losing your car keys can be a nightmare, no matter the reason. It can ruin your day and cause a lot stress. Fortunately, there are several ways you can find them quickly and easily.
Follow your steps. It might seem obvious, but this step is crucial. Examine your bags and pockets particularly the zippered areas. Also, don't forget check under the car and inside your home for any drawers or compartments that are hidden.
After you've retraced your steps and had a closer look around, it's time to call your insurance company. This is especially crucial if you have a newer car that uses transponder keys. lost key of car of keys need to be paired with the vehicle's computer, which can only happen at an auto dealer.
The positive side is that, provided you report the loss at an an early stage the insurance policy on your car should cover any damage caused by somebody else using your lost keys to gain entry into your vehicle and drive it around. This includes things like scratches on your doors and ignition.
If you don't file an insurance claim, your rates for car insurance will likely increase. It's usually cheaper to make an insurance claim than pay hundreds of dollars for a single lost key. It's up to you to decide what is appropriate in your particular situation.
5. Call a locksmith
When you reach for your keys in your pocket or purse and they're not there it's an unpleasant experience. Losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience that can lead to anxiety, stress, and even panic. Rather than trying to find them yourself or call roadside assistance, it's recommended to speak with an professional locksmith. This way, you'll return to the road quickly and efficiently without wasting any time.
If you call a locksmith, be sure to have a few key pieces of information handy to speed up the process. You will require the key identification number of the vehicle (VIN) which is usually located on the driver's side door jamb or in the owner manual, and an original driver's license that is evidence of ownership. This will enable the locksmith to determine the type of key you own and which is required.
If you have a spare key, this is also helpful to have it on hand. Many people keep spare keys in easily accessible places like under the couch cushions or in an unopened pile of mail. Check with your local police department to find out if keys have been returned. In addition, you must inform your insurance company of the lost key to ensure that you don't lose your claim later if it's found later on. Otherwise, you could have to pay for a replacement. If you need to replace your key, a professional NYC auto locksmith will be able to help. They will be able to create a new key at the site and reprogram the system to match your existing key. This is a faster and less expensive alternative to visiting the dealership.