The 3 Important Steps To Take When You’ve Lost Your Car Keys

Losing a car key is something that many of us dread. It can be frustrating and expensive to fix. It’s always inconvenient to lose your car keys, but certain times make the situation even more stressful. For example, if you lose your key during a road trip, it can be pretty disastrous.

Even if you’re not on a road trip when you notice your keys are missing, the challenge of not having your keys can escalate quickly. The urgency to find a solution gets more intense, and the need for a quick fix becomes all the more important so you can continue with your busy day. In this article, we will go over several steps to take then you lose your car keys.

1 – Immediate steps 

When you first realize that your car key is missing, it’s important to stay calm and start by confirming that they are lost and not temporarily displaced. Sometimes, keys turn up in unexpected spots, so it’s worth taking the time to thoroughly search.

At this point, before you reach out to a professional like American Best Locksmith, it’s important to gather any information they might need. You’ll likely need information such as your car’s make, model, and year, and your identification to prove ownership. 

This will help streamline the process when you do call them to start the process of replacing your key. Having all necessary information ready can speed up the service and get you back on the road quicker.

2 – Short term solutions

If you don’t have a spare key available, there are still a few options to consider that can help you in the short term. One option is to contact roadside assistance. Many car insurance policies include roadside assistance services, which can be helpful in situations like this. 

These services often have the tools to help unlock your car if it turns out that you locked your keys inside the car. Or, they can tow your car home. At home you’ll have the possibility to use your spare key or have a key made if you don’t have a spare. 

Another option is to call a mobile locksmith. Locksmiths can offer a variety of services on the spot, including creating a new key or even rekeying your vehicle’s locks entirely. 

3 – Long term solution

Once you’ve solved the immediate problem of losing your car key, it’s time to focus on long-term solutions. Ordering a replacement key from a dealer is your likely next step, especially for modern keys that include specific technologies like key fobs with transponder chips or wireless remote functions. 

To order a new key from your car’s dealership, you’ll need to provide proof of ownership, such as your vehicle registration or title, along with a valid photo ID. Dealerships have to make sure that the new key is properly programmed to work with your vehicle, but this option can be quite expensive and may take several days to handle.

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