Did you ever lose a key in your life? Was it the key to your home, car, or a secret safe you used to hide your favorite toys in as a child? Depending on the importance of the items stored inside a locked room or building, and the urgency you need to gain access to them, losing or misplacing a key could attract a lot of problems. On the other hand, losing your car keys could prevent you from reaching an important businesses meeting on time. That could further jeopardize your chances of sealing an important deal.
Getting replacement keys is usually the only viable solution when losing your original set, and you have no spares to use. Brace yourself, as they can get really pricey. Depending on the make and model of the vehicle you are driving, you may have to dig deep in your pocket for a replacement set of keys. Luckily, there are some solutions that should save you some important money.
Call Your Car Insurer
In case your car key has been stolen or lost, you could be allowed to claim the cost of replacement on your insurance policy. Double check that in your policy, or give your insurer a call and find out straight from the source. Keep in mind there are companies that automatically cover replacement keys on their standard car insurance policies. On the other hand, you could come across an insurer who will only cover lost and stolen keys with an upgraded policy. You may or may not be asked to pay an excess, just make sure you ask all the right questions to know just what to expect.
You can also claim on a key cover policy; these policies exist as a stand-alone policy from certain companies. You will take advantage of extra benefits on top of the car key replacement services. For example, you may be able to use their car hire service, provided you are stranded in a remote location and are unable to drive your own car because the keys are missing.
Take a look at the small print, as you may have to wait a while until you can use this insurance cover. If you are in a real hurry you can always go to the nearest car key replacement service in town and ask them to help you out. These people usually work with the most advanced tools and software in the field, and they can help you out in no time. If you are in a real pickle, and you are locked out of your car at 11 pm, you can also contact a 24/7 emergency lockout service and have them come over and pick your car locks.
Contact Your Regular Locksmith/Breakdown Service
The majority of breakdown services should be able to help you get back into your car with no extra charges. But there is, of course, a catch: you will have to be covered with them. It is also possible for the rescue team to hire a locksmith, if they cannot handle the problem on their own.