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 check whether they're there in places you've missed. Make sure to check your pockets as well as all bags that you carry.

The procedure for replacing the car key that was lost will differ based on the model and year of your car. Reina offers five steps to follow:

1. Contact the police

The loss of your car keys can be a stressful and common experience, but is also crucial. Calling the police is your first step. They will provide you with a crime reference number and keep you informed of any developments in your case. You should also inform your insurance company about the theft, as they could require a copy of your police report to determine the status of your claim.

Remaining calm is the most important thing you can do when you lose your keys. Panicking will only make things worse and you could lose the chance of getting a new key. Take a deep breath, and try to recall the last time you held them. Once you have the exact date, begin retracing your footsteps.

If you are at home, take a look in the pockets of the clothes you were wearing as well as any bags you might have carried. Also, look for places you wouldn't normally think of, such as under the couch, or in a piles of mail. If you were in a public place such as a restaurant or library Ask an employee whether they've discovered something.

The more thorough your search is the more likely you are to find your keys. If you're still struggling to find your keys, you'll have to contact both your insurer and a locksmith for assistance. They can provide advice on how to increase security for your keys and suggest a new one. It will depend on whether your vehicle has an old-fashioned or smart ignition and key.

2. Get a spare key

The number of car thefts is on the rise and it's now more important than ever that you have a spare. There are cheaper ways to create your own spare key fob stolen what to do if don't already have one.

If you have spare cash, it's best to keep it somewhere else than your vehicle. A lot of thieves steal a wallet or purse and then copy keys making it easier for them to gain entry into vehicles later. It's an excellent idea to keep a keychain that has a Bluetooth tracker. This will let you keep an eye on your keys and locate them when they are lost.

You can ask for an extra key at the dealership or call an independent locksmith to create one for you. The dealership will likely have a copy of your car's key code in their database and can program it into the new key. The locksmith independent will require the VIN from your registration and other documents to get this information.

When a locksmith provides you with a replacement, they will typically erase the original key's "memory" and it will not work in your vehicle anymore. This extra step may not be worth the effort in the event of a high deductible or comprehensive insurance.

It is also recommended to file an official police report, so that your friends and family are aware of the situation and aren't attempting to steal your vehicle. This can deter future crime or make it harder for thieves to impersonate your identity. It is a good idea to do this as soon as you can, if possible, so that your car keys stolen are reported as stolen rather than lost.

3. Find a new set keys

There are several options to get new keys if you've been stolen keys. It's contingent on the type of key you have and how it was stolen. If you have a traditional car key, you can reach locksmiths who can make a new key minus the original right there on the spot. This is a much cheaper and more convenient alternative than contacting a dealership to purchase one.

The process is a little more difficult if you have a smart key or electronic fob. The dealer will need the key code to replace it. It is usually part of your documentation when you buy or lease a car stolen lost spare key. You can also take it to the dealership if you require a new ignition key.

Contacting roadside assistance is another option to obtain a replacement set of keys for your car if they have been stolen. They'll transport your car to a dealer and will have a replacement key programmed at the dealership. It's important to keep in mind that your car key is the only method of starting and unlock the vehicle, so it's essential to report a stolen car keys car key as soon as you can.

It's quite easy to lose car keys, especially when you're distracted or busy. To prevent this, place your keys in the exact same spot every when you leave home. This will help you to keep track of where your keys are and make it easier to find them in the future. You can also keep a spare set of keys in your glovebox or in another place that is convenient. If you own a modern vehicle with an electronic starter button it is possible to keep your key fob in a metal tin or Faraday bag to block the signal when you're not driving.

5. Visit the Dealership

If you lose your keys to your car, it's crucial to act quickly and remain calm. The police can provide you with the number of a crime reference and offer advice around protecting your vehicle and ensuring that it's not stolen car keys change locks in the future. They can also conduct a search on CCTV and ANPR to determine if the vehicle has been used after you lost the key.

If you have an extra key, keep it in a safe place. It is very easy for thieves to steal the spare key and then use it to gain access your vehicle. If you don't have a spare key, you can contact the dealer of your car to obtain a new one. You might need to provide proof of ownership papers and wait for a while because the dealer will need to purchase an updated computer chip and then pair it with your car. This can be costly and you should verify if your insurance covers the cost.

Before making a call to the dealer, it's important to take a thorough look around. Take a look in all your bags and pockets, even places you would not expect to find them, such as the floor of your car or a table. Follow your steps and try to remember the last location you spotted the keys. If you're lucky, this could aid in determining the exact location of your key. If you're not able to locate them, get in touch with your local locksmith, as they will be able to make you a new key and change the locks.