We’ve all had it, that dreaded feeling when you reach into your pocket or look inside your bag and realise you're missing something important, be that your phone, wallet or car keys. The panic quickly sets in as you furiously retrace your steps in the hopes of finding what you’ve lost. But it’s no use - they're gone.
Losing anything can be upsetting, but losing your car keys can be extremely inconvenient, especially if you're already out and about when it happens. Having given up the search, you now need to find the quickest and most convenient way to get a replacement key. And one which isn't going to cost you a fortune in the process.
The good news is, we can all be a bit clumsy and careless at times. As such, there are a range of systems in place to help get you back on the road as quickly as possible. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the options available to you if you lose your car keys, even if it’s a remote key fob that can’t be cut.
1. Find an auto locksmith
Often the cheapest solution to getting your keys replaced is to find an auto locksmith like ourselves in your local area. We offer a range of services that extend beyond just providing you with a new key. If you are locked out the car and you’ve trapped the keys inside, or if you need to get something important out of the vehicle, an auto locksmith can get the car door open for you. Other services that auto locksmiths can provide include:
Replacing lost keys
Cutting and copying existing keys so you have a spare
Programming remote car key fobs
Deleting old key fobs so they no longer work
Opening locked vehicles
Changing or repairing damaged locks
Repairing damaged or broken keys
This is not only the cheapest option (most of the time), but it is also the quickest. This is because many auto locksmiths offer mobile services and are experts in their field, so they’re able to get the job done as quick as possible. They are perhaps the most effective solution for those with remote key fobs.
This is because other providers might not be able to give you a replacement key on the same day. Auto locksmiths tend to carry key programming equipment with them and can generally solve the problem in just one visit. Better still, their key programming equipment can replace fobs for most vehicle makes and models. They can also drive to your location and help you get back into your vehicle much quicker than the other solutions.
2. Check with your insurance provider
Going through your car insurance provider could have mixed results depending on your policy. Some insurance companies will offer replacements keys as part of the policy, but generally this doesn't come as standard. Each company has different terms and conditions so it might be worth calling up your provider to find out whether or not your car keys are covered.
Note: If your keys aren't covered, think carefully before requesting a new one as this can affect your no claims bonus, making your insurance more costly in the long run.
For those that do offer car key cover, this is usually at an extra cost on top of your monthly policy, but it does mean that you’ll be provided with a new key for ‘free’ if you lose yours. However, they might take a little longer to get the new key to you depending on the circumstances and where your vehicle is at that current moment. It’s also worth noting that some insurance companies employ auto locksmiths to replace the key anyway, so it could be easier to cut out the middleman and just go direct to the locksmith yourself.
3. Consider a vehicle breakdown services
If you require roadside assistance, perhaps you’ve lost your keys when you’ve been out and about, vehicle breakdown services might be able to help. That said, this depends on the type of vehicle you have and the key that needs replacing. If you’ve got a remote key fob, it will depend on what equipment the roadside assistance vehicles have on board as to whether or not they can help.
Going through a vehicle breakdown service can be beneficial if you have a good policy and it won’t cost you anything on the day. That said, you could be in for a long wait, so it’s not always the best solution if you’ve got somewhere you need to be.
4. Find your nearest car dealership
If you know of a nearby franchised dealership for your specific manufacturer, you can go in and speak to the team there. They will be able to get you a replacement key, the only issue is that they may have to order it in depending on the model of your car. This means it could take a few days before you're able to collect the key, so it depends on how much you rely on your vehicle and if you're going to need it during that time.
What’s more, it can be more expensive to go directly through a dealership as they don’t necessarily have the programming equipment on site for those with key fobs. Again, many will actually use auto locksmith services to get replacement keys, so it could be worth going direct instead.
5. Go to a local garage
The final option is to go to your local garage. If you know someone that works there or you know that there’s a garage nearby, you might prefer this method. It’s important to remember that not all garages are specialists in this area, so not all will be able to replace or program new car keys. It can also be more expensive as many charge to use the programming equipment.
So, there you have it. Although losing your car keys is a pain it’s not the end of the world and it’s a relatively easy problem to rectify when you know where to look.