What to Do When Your Car Keys Go Missing
You are about to get in your car and be on your way. But you cannot find your keys. After many minutes of a fruitless search, you realize that you have lost it. Do not panic. Stay calm. Here are the steps to take in the event of a lost car key.
1. Declare the loss of your car keys
The first thing to do if you have lost your car keys : report it. For that:
- Go immediately to a police station,
- make a loss declaration,
- collect your loss certificate before leaving the police station
This is simple and important. The attestation can be of great help to you to prove your innocence if your car is stolen without a break-in.
If you think there’s a possible theft of your keys, report the theft. This is essential for your insurer in the event of an accident.
2. Call your insurance if you need assistance
Are you stuck in the parking lot of a shopping center without your car key? Depending on your auto insurance contract and your insurer, you can benefit from breakdown assistance. You benefit from assistance even if you are very close to your home in the event of the loss of your vehicle keys .
In any case and whatever your insurer, do not hesitate to contact them for the terms and conditions of coverage in the event of the need for towing, for example.
You can also call a locksmith to come get you out of that sticky situation quickly. An emergency locksmith close to your location will come to you and get you back into your car. Then, you’ll attend to the key later when your car is parked at a safer location.
3. Have your car keys redone
The easiest way to get a new key if you don’t have a duplicate is to go to a dealership. You must provide your vehicle registration certificate on-site. The amount requested varies depending on the type of your key. For example, a standard key without electronics will cost you less than a new-generation transponder key.
Do you have a duplicate key? Note that it is possible to obtain a reproduction from a locksmith specializing in the automobile. The presentation of the registration card is compulsory in this situation.
Did you know?
Depending on your contract, your car insurance may intervene to tow you to your home or your dealer in the event of the loss of your car keys. However, the production of new keys is generally not covered by the insurer.
In Summary
When you notice the loss of car keys, you should:
- declare the loss by going to a police station,
- contact your local locksmith if you are stranded outside your home,
- get a new car key.
Being left without a car key is a constraint and a source of concern. To avoid any worry: prepare in advance. Entrust your duplicate to someone trustworthy. And if you do not have a duplicate, have your key reproduced and entrust it to a loved one.
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