How to Replace Lost Car Keys

Car keys are lost is a major headache. Not long ago this wasn't a huge deal but it's getting more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.

Often you lose your keys due to the fact that you've reached into your pockets for something else, and then accidentally thrown them away somewhere. You can prevent this from happening by keeping a spare key in your home.

1. Call an expert locksmith

There's no denying that losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience. However, there's no need to be in a panic. As long as you know who to contact and what you should do, it should only take only a few steps to get your car keys replaced.

Try to go back the steps you made. This may sound like a straightforward step, but sometimes it can be difficult to do when you're in a hurry or you're already worried about the loss of your car keys. Make sure you check all your pockets, bags and the space around your vehicle.

Contact a locksmith in case you cannot locate your car keys. Locksmiths can usually create keys for your car quicker than a dealership. Additionally, they are able to complete the task for much less than what a dealership would charge you.

Some dealerships are able to create keys for replacement to cars but they might not be able to do it for you immediately or even at all. They usually have a large number of customers, therefore they might not be able to accommodate you right away. In addition, they might not be able create an exact copy of your current key.

You can also buy a replacement key online. The keys are available on Amazon and elsewhere for a price that is lower than what you would pay an auto dealer. However, they might not have the ability to cut and program keys that are specific to your car model.

Some insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing a stolen or lost vehicle key. It's worthwhile to check whether you have insurance which will help pay for the cost of getting a new key for your car. Just remember that you will have to prove ownership and proof of identity to the company or individual who makes the replacement key. This is required by law. It could be costly if you are unable to provide proof of ownership.

2. Contact the Dealership

It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not an issue. It wasn't too expensive to buy a new key from a dealer. However, with cars becoming more technologically advanced and keys becoming more expensive to replace It's not as easy as it was in the past. If you have lost your keys today, it's not uncommon to spend hundreds of dollars to get them replaced.

You need to act calmly when you've lost your car keys. This will help you think clearly and make the right decision about how to solve the problem. If you lose your original keys, you should keep a spare set of keys in your wallet or in your car trunk. This will ensure you're not in financial trouble. Check to see whether your insurance or warranty covers the cost of replacing a key. This could help you save money in the event of an emergency.

Then, look in your car keys lost, your home, your purse, or your wallet for keys missing. You can also go back through the steps you followed, and remember when you last had your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This will help you figure the location of your lost items, which is a relief.

Contact your dealer if you haven't found your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships know your vehicle and can supply you with a replacement key. However, they're usually full and cannot accommodate people with short notice, which can make the process frustrating.

If you can contact your dealership, they will be able to create a key for you using the VIN number that is stored on their system. They can also reprogram the immobilizer system that is required to start your vehicle. Locksmiths are an excellent choice when you need a quick, reliable solution without having to wait at the dealership.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

It wasn't that long ago that losing car keys was not a big issue. You could call a locksmith to travel to your place of residence and duplicate your keys for a reasonable fee. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so have the keys, and they're now more expensive to replace than they were before.

Based on the type of vehicle and the year, the process for replacing the car key that was lost could require several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars. It's always a smart idea to keep an additional set of keys for your car on hand. This is particularly true in the case of a dangerous area or in an area with a high rate of theft.

It might seem like a waste of time to contact your insurance company but it can actually save you money over the course of time. Talk to your agent to see if you can get an alternative car key that is insured by your policy.

Another thing to consider is whether your insurance policy provides roadside assistance. If you have roadside assistance, someone might be able to help you. This is a much less stressful option than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.

Be sure to thoroughly search your car before you contact your insurance company. If you think they're in the car, check in the trunk and underneath the seat. Examine the pockets of your clothes and other places you might have been used to putting them. Make sure you check any places you might have left them. For example, your purse or a cluttered office.

Call your dealer to replace the keys once you've tried to locate them. This is usually not an issue, and it's cheaper than calling an locksmith or calling the insurance company.

Ask the dealer to make a spare key for you, especially in the event that your car doesn't have an remote. In most cases, your dealership can clone a spare for you without changing anything else inside your car. If you do this, make sure to keep the key in a secure and safe place to locate it the next time you lose yours.

4. Call the police

Not only does reporting your lost car keys to police help you find keys however, it can also help keep you safe from thieves. If someone drives your vehicle on public streets or private property without permission, the driver could be charged with a fine. You can protect yourself by reporting keys stolen before someone else steals your vehicle. This will leave a trail of paper that shows the time and date of the theft.

Losing car keys is a common problem but it doesn't need to be a catastrophe. You can obtain a replacement car key quickly and easily if you call the right people. You can also prevent the possibility of losing keys in the future if you follow the tips provided in this article.

Take a step back. This will give you an idea of where the key might have been lost and can aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work and then stopped at a restaurant in order to take a bite, you may remember that your keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you are unable to locate your key, you might have put it in the bag you used to carry around things or on the table you ate at.

Posting your lost key online is another good idea. This will reach a wide audience and increase the likelihood of finding it. You can also search local businesses and bulletin boards in the community.

Before you begin looking for your keys, it's important to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. You'll need this information to replace your keys therefore it's essential to keep it somewhere safe. It's common to find the VIN on your driver's license, however it can also be found on your insurance card or in the owner's manual for your car.

After you've exhausted all other options, it's time to call the police. They'll be able to provide you with a temporary replacement for your vehicle and can make a report that could be useful if the keys are ever discovered.