As we know better than most (due to the number of people we’ve helped out over the years) losing your car keys can be a frustrating and stressful experience. You may feel panicked, helpless and stranded. But panicking won’t help the situation. What’s needed is some methodical thinking to solve the problem and get back on the road.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Retrace Your Steps
The first thing you should do is to stay calm and try to think where and when you last saw your keys. Retrace your steps and check the places where you might plausibly have left them, such as your pockets, bags, drawers, desks, etc. Then check some implausible places, too - especially if you have young children!
Also worthwhile to ask anyone who was with you or who might have seen your keys if they know where they are. If this approach yields no results move to step two.
Step 2: Check If You Have a Spare Key
If retracing your steps hasn’t helped, the next thing you should do is to check for your spare key. This might live in a drawer somewhere or be left with a close friend or neighbour for precisely this kind of emergency.
Some modern vehicles have a keyless entry system or a smart key that allows you to unlock and start your car with a code or a smartphone app. If you have any of these options, you can use them to regain access your car - but if your original key is still missing you might want to get some new keys programmed anyway in case a copy has fallen into nefarious hands.
Step 3: Call Your Insurance Company or Roadside Assistance
If you don’t have a spare key or any other way to access your car, the next thing you should do is to call your insurance company or roadside assistance such as the AA or RAC. Some policies include a clause to send a locksmith to your location to make a new key for your car.
Make sure you understand the terms and conditions before agreeing to anything. You don’t want to have to pay to have your car towed to a dealership.
Step 4: Contact Your Car Manufacturer or a Trusted Locksmith
If none of the above options works, you have two options. You can contact your car manufacturer or dealer. They may be able to provide you with a new key based on your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership. However, this may take some time and cost you more money. Alternatively, give us a call - for over 90% of cars we can cut and programme a new key and have you back on the road the same day.
Don't let a lost car key ruin your day! Contact Norwich Auto Locksmith and we'll help. Call 01603 396121 and describe your issue to one of our experts.
