Why We Love How To Replace Stolen Car Keys (And You Should Also!)
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How to Replace Stolen Car Keys
You never know when you'll lose the keys to your car. It could happen when you run an errand, and then forgetting your keys on the seat or when you accidentally throw keys in a crowded parking lot.
There are a few things you can do to make replacing the keys to your car that were stolen easier. Depending on the kind of key you have you might require an auto locksmith or contact your dealership.
Check the Vehicle Identification Number
The VIN is an identifier unique to each vehicle. No two cars have the exact VIN. The VIN is a treasure trove of information about a car, including its manufacturer, model, year assembly plant, and much more.
You will usually locate the VIN number by looking through the paperwork of your car or online with an auto decoder such as VINCheck. You can use the VIN to check for recalls and warranty claims on a vehicle. This is a great method to learn more about the background of a car.
You can contact an locksmith and ask them to make a key for you immediately in the event that you require a standard key. However, for the smart key (one that activates a proximity sensor inside the car, allowing you to start it with a button) you'll have to go to the dealership. This is due to the fact that they have the necessary technology to pair the new key with the system of your vehicle.
You can find the VIN on documents like your car's title or insurance documents. These documents should clearly show the VIN. If it's not you can look at the front of your vehicle on the driver's side, near the windshield. You can also search for it on the dashboard or driver's door pillar.
If you have roadside assistance coverage, they can sometimes offer to tow your vehicle to the dealership and create new keys with the help of the VIN number. It is more expensive to replace a key at a dealer than in an independent shop.
The majority of car dealerships have the necessary technology to pair a replacement key to your vehicle's system. It can take a few days, especially if the dealer has to request the new key and be able to have it delivered. It is best to keep a spare car key in your possession. A good tip is to make a copy and put it in your wallet, so that you don't have to purchase a replacement if the vehicle is stolen.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Car thefts triggered by unlocked cars with keys inside are on the rise and it's crucial to ensure you have a spare car key. However, with the advancement of car keys replacing and finding them isn't as easy or inexpensive as it once was. If you have comprehensive insurance on your car you may be able to make a claim under your personal property coverage for lost or stolen keys. The best way to find out whether or not your insurance covers this type of expense is to contact and speak with an insurance representative.
When you are preparing to file a claim with your insurance company, make sure that you record your vehicle's identification number (VIN). The VIN number is on the dashboard of the driver's side. It will help the locksmith or dealer figure out how to create a replacement key for your model.
It is also recommended to contact your insurance provider to inquire if roadside assistance includes key replacement. If it does, they'll send a locksmith out to help you get back on the road. They'll likely require you to pay for a deductible.
If you lose your keys, the first thing you need to do is thoroughly inspect your office and home. Clean out your pockets and check all bags you may have. You may not know if you've forgotten to put them somewhere or if someone has gotten into your bag and pulled out the keys. If you haven't done so before, you should check the glove box in your vehicle.
If you have a standard fob that's separate from the ignition key, it will be simple to replace with a locksmith or dealer. They can order an OEM key that will be connected with your vehicle. It will be more difficult if you have a "smart key". You'll have to take your vehicle to a dealership or other service shop to reprogram your key. This could cost you hundreds of dollars and that's not even including the towing cost.
Contact a Locksmith
There is no one who really thinks about how much they rely on their car keys until they lose them. It can be expensive and time-consuming to replace your car keys in the event that they are stolen. However, it's important to keep in mind that there are solutions for those who have lost their car keys and require an immediate solution.
Before you can take any decision, it's essential to remain calm and thoroughly search for your car keys. This can be accomplished by checking your pockets, bags and any other areas you might have put them. If you have searched everywhere and are still unable to locate them, then you're ready to move to the next step.
The first step is to call a locksmith. You'll need to find a mobile locksmith who will come to you and provide a reasonable option for getting your car keys replaced. This will help you avoid the expense of having to get your car towed to the dealership, and could even be covered by your insurance company.
When you call locksmiths, they'll require the make and model of your car, as well as the year it was made. This will allow them to determine the type of key your vehicle requires. They will need evidence that you are the owner of the car, such as your copyright or registration.
Many people choose to contact the dealership when they're in a hurry, but this can be expensive. You'll often have to pay for a tow as well as the dealer's labor which can add up quickly. Instead, you can call a locksmith in your area and let them make an entirely new key in a matter of minutes for half as much.
A Bluetooth key tracker can be connected to your keyring. These tiny devices emit a unique signature that is able to be recognized by your smartphone. They're a great method to keep track of your car keys and also to locate them when you're looking to get back into your car.
Visit the Dealership
It's among the most traumatic feeling to discover that your car keys are missing. It's not only a big inconvenience however, anyone who has keys could gain access to your vehicle without permission. It's important that you report the loss immediately to ensure that your vehicle won't be used by anyone else.
You may first think to call the dealership but it's worth making contact with a locksmith. A locksmith could be more affordable in the long term than dealers, who might charge you higher prices for the service because of their higher overhead. If your car has an electronic key that activates the proximity sensor to allow you to open the door or start the vehicle, only the manufacturer is able replace it.
Before you contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, look for your car keys. You may have accidentally knocked keys out of your bag or set them on fire. Take everything out of your bags and pockets and examine every surface you can reach. Most of the time, people don't examine the back of their cars as well, so be sure to check that area too.
If you are still unable to locate the car keys, call an auto locksmith or the dealership to request an alternative. They'll likely require 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 car is equipped with a standard turn-key or electronic key fob, a dealership can modify your locks and ignition, but this can cost you hundreds of dollars.
Contact your insurance company if you have an extra key to determine whether the cost of a replacement is covered under your policy. The majority of policies cover the cost of replacing a stolen vehicle key, however the conditions and terms vary. Make sure you go over the policy thoroughly. Contacting your insurance company is a good idea so that they will keep an eye out for keys that have been lost and notify you website when they are located.