20 Fun Informational Facts About How To Replace Stolen Car Keys
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How to Replace Stolen Car Keys
You never know when you'll lose your car keys. It could be after running a quick errand and forgetting them on the seat, or if you accidentally throw them in a busy parking lot.
Thankfully, there are some ways to make replacing the keys to your car that were stolen easier. Based on the kind of key you have you may need an auto locksmith or contact your dealership.
Check the Vehicle Identification Number
The VIN is an identifier unique to each vehicle. Each car has the same VIN. The VIN can provide a wealth of information about the vehicle, including the manufacturer model, year, assembly plant and more.
You can usually find the VIN number by checking the papers of your car or on the internet using an auto decoder, such as VINCheck. You can utilize the VIN to find recalls and warranty claims on a vehicle. This is a great method to learn more about the background of a vehicle.
For traditional keys, you'll usually call a locksmith and get an original key for your vehicle right there and then. But, if you're looking for the smart key (one that activates a proximity sensor inside the car so you can start it with a push) you'll have go to a dealership. This is because they've got the technology needed to connect the new key to your vehicle's system.
You can locate the VIN on documents like your vehicle's title or insurance papers. These documents should clearly show the VIN. If it's not then you can check on the front of your vehicle on the driver's side near the windshield. You can also search for it on the dashboard or the driver's door pillar.
If you have roadside assistance insurance and you have roadside assistance, they may pay to tow your vehicle to the dealership and create new keys with the help of the VIN number. However, it's usually more expensive to replace a stolen key at a dealer than at an independent shop.
Most car dealerships have the necessary technology to pair a replacement key to your vehicle's system. This may take a couple of days, especially if the dealer has to order an entirely new key and get it delivered to them. This is why it's always ideal to have a spare key, which you should make sure to have on hand at all times. A good tip is to make a copy and keep it in your wallet to ensure that you don't need to purchase a new key if the vehicle is stolen.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The number of car thefts resulting from unlocked cars with keys inside is increasing. It's therefore important to always have a spare. However, with more sophisticated car keys getting replaced isn't as simple or inexpensive as it once was. If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you may be in a position to make a claim for lost or stolen keys to your car under your personal property coverage. Calling an agent to ask if your policy covers such expenses is the best way to determine if it does.
If you're planning to make a claim with your insurance company, make sure that you record your vehicle's identification number (VIN). The VIN number is on the driver's side of the dashboard. It will help the locksmith or dealer determine how to create a replacement key for your specific model.
It is also advisable to contact your insurance company to find out whether roadside assistance covers key replacement. If so it, they'll send locksmiths to get you back on the road as quickly as possible. They'll probably expect you to pay for a minimum deductible.
If you have lost your keys, the first thing you need to do is thoroughly check your office and home. Make sure to empty your pockets and look inside any bags you carry on you. You more info never know if you've left them in a place or if someone has gotten into your bag and smashed out keys. If you haven't before, you should check the glove compartment of your car.
If you have a standard fob separate from the ignition key, it will be simple to replace with an auto locksmith or dealer. They can order a key from the manufacturer that will be connected with your vehicle. It will be more difficult if you own a "smart key". You will need to tow the vehicle to a dealership or other service shop to reprogram your key. This will cost you hundreds of dollars and that's not including the cost of towing.
Contact a locksmith
The moment you lose your car keys is the first time you realize how important they are. It can be costly and time-consuming to replace your car keys in the event that they are stolen. But, it's important to keep in mind that there are alternatives for those who have lost their car keys and need an immediate solution.
Before you take any further decision, it's essential to stay calm and search thoroughly for your car keys. This can be accomplished by checking your bags, pockets and any other places you may have placed the keys. If you've tried everything and still can't find them you're ready to move on to the next step.
The first step is to call a locksmith. You'll want to find a local mobile locksmith who will come to you and offer an affordable solution to get your car keys replaced. This will help you avoid the expense of having take your vehicle to the dealership and may even be covered by your insurance company.
If you contact locksmiths, they'll need to know the model and make of your vehicle, as well as the year it was made. This will allow them to determine which type of key you're looking for. They will need proof that you are the owner of the car, such as your driver's licence or registration.
If you're in a hurry there are many who will contact the dealership. However it can be extremely expensive. You'll often have to pay for a tow and the dealership's labor, which can add up quickly. Instead, you can contact a locksmith in your area and let them make keys in a matter of minutes for half the price.
A Bluetooth key tracker can be affixed to your keyring. These tiny devices emit a distinct signature that is able to be recognized by your smartphone. They're a great way to keep the track of your car keys and can be used to locate them if you need to get back into your vehicle.
Visit the Dealership
It's one of the worst feeling to discover that your car keys are missing. It's not just a huge inconvenience however, anyone who has the key could get into your vehicle without your permission. It's important that you report the loss immediately so that your vehicle can't be used by anyone else.
The first thing you think of is to contact your dealer, but you might think about calling a locksmith prior to deciding to make that call. The dealer may have higher overhead and charge you more for the service, so a locksmith might be cheaper in the long run. If, however, your car is equipped with a smart key that activates a proximity sensor and allows you to open the door or start it only the manufacturer can replace the key.
Look for your keys in depth before calling a locksmith or an auto dealer. They could have been set down somewhere or accidentally knocked them out of your bag. Take everything out of your pockets and bags and examine every surface you can reach. Many people do not look behind their cars and so make sure you do.
If you are still unable to locate your car keys, contact a locksmith or the dealership for an alternative. They will likely need proof that you are the owner of the vehicle and you should be ready to provide your registration, title or purchase paperwork. If your car is equipped with the standard key or electronic key, the dealer can reprogram your ignition and locks. However, this can cost you hundreds of dollars.
If you have an extra key, call your insurance provider to find out whether the replacement will be covered by your insurance policy. Many policies do cover the cost of replacing stolen car keys, but the terms and conditions differ and you should go over your policy carefully. Calling your insurance company is recommended so that they can keep an eye out for keys missing from your car and notify you when they are found.