Lost Car Keys - What to Do

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

Based on the model of your car and year, the procedure of replacing a lost key will vary. Reina offers five steps you need to take:

1. Contact the police

The loss of car keys is a common and stressful situation, but it is also an important one. The first step to do is call the police. You can obtain an arrest reference and they will keep you updated about the progress of your investigation. You should also inform your auto insurance agent about the theft, as they may require a copy of your police report to determine the status of your claim.

Staying calm is the most important thing you can do when you lose your keys. Stressing about it will only make the situation worse and you could lose the chance of getting a new key. So take a deep breath, and try to remember when you last held keys in your hands. Once you have a clear time frame, you can begin walking backwards.

If you're at home, look in the pockets of the clothing you were wearing as well as bags you may have carried. Also, look in places you aren't used about, like under the couch or under the pile of mail. Ask an employee in a public area, such as a library or restaurant to tell you if they've found anything.

The more thorough your search is the more likely to locate your keys. If you're still unable to find them, you'll need to contact your insurer and locksmith for assistance. They can give you tips on how to improve security for your keys and can suggest a new key. It's dependent on whether your car has an original or smart key and ignition system.

2. Find a spare key

keyless car stolen thefts are on the rise and it's more important than ever to have an extra key. If you don't have a spare, there are ways to get one made and it might be less expensive than visiting your dealer.

If you have a spare, it's wise to keep it somewhere else than your vehicle. Many thieves will steal a wallet or purse and copy keys which makes it easier to gain entry into vehicles later on. It's recommended to keep a keychain with a Bluetooth tracker. This will allow you to keep track of your keys, and also help you locate them if they disappear.

You can ask for a spare at the dealership or call an independent locksmith to make one for you. The dealership is likely to have the key code in their database, and will be able to have it programmed into your new key. This information will be obtained by the independent locksmith using your VIN and other documents.

When a locksmith replaces your key, they usually erase the "memory" in order that it won't work in your car. This is an extra step that might not be worth it in the event of a high deductible or you have comprehensive insurance.

You should also submit a police report so that your friends and family are aware of the situation and don't steal your car. This could help deter further crimes or make it more difficult for thieves to use your identity in the future. This should be done as soon as possible to ensure your keys to your car are reported stolen and not lost.

3. Get a New Key Set

There are several options to get new keys if yours have been stolen. It will depend on the type of key you have and the way it was stolen car keys what to do. If you have a traditional car key, you can call locksmiths to make a new key minus the original on the spot. This is a much cheaper and more convenient option than asking a dealership to purchase one.

If you have an electronic key fob or smart key it is a little more complex. The dealer will need the key code in order to create a replacement. This will usually be included in your paperwork when you purchase or lease a car. You can also bring it in to the dealership when you need a key made.

Contacting roadside assistance is another option to obtain a new set of keys if your car keys have been replace stolen car keys. They'll transport your car to a dealer and can get a new key programmed at the dealership. Keep in mind that your keys to your car are the only means to open and start your vehicle. Notifying a lost or stolen car keys what To do key as quickly as you can is vital.

You could easily lose your car keys when you are busy or distracted. To avoid this from happening, make sure you put your keys in the same place every time you leave the house. This will give you a clearer picture of the location of your keys and make them easier to locate in the future. You can also store a spare set of keys in the glovebox or some other convenient location. If you drive a modern vehicle with the push button starter it is possible to keep your key fob inside a metal tin or Faraday bag to block the signal when you're not driving.

5. Visit the Dealership

It is important to remain calm and swift when you lose your keys to your car. The police can provide you with a the number of a crime reference and provide advice on protecting your car and ensuring it isn't stolen in the future. They can check CCTV and ANPR systems to determine whether your vehicle was used following the loss of keys.

If you have a spare key, make sure that it's in a secure location. It's very easy for thieves to steal a spare and use it to gain access to your vehicle. If you don't have a spare, you can always contact the dealer for the car you own to have a new one made. You may need to wait and provide proof of ownership as the dealer will need to purchase an electronic chip to be paired with your car. This is a cost-intensive process, so check to see whether your insurance will cover the cost.

It's crucial to take a look around before contacting the dealer. Examine all bags and pockets, even places where you might not think of them being like the floor of your vehicle or on a table. Also, retrace your steps to make sure you remember where you last saw your keys. This can help you to identify the exact location of the key and find it if you're lucky. If you are unable to locate them, contact your local locksmith as they will be able to make you new keys and rekey your locks.