How to Replace Lost Car Keys

It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. This was not an issue until recently however, as cars become more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.

You can lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pocket to get something else. Having an extra key in your house can help you avoid such situations.

1. Contact a locksmith

Losing your car keys is a major inconvenience. It's not a reason to be in a panic. If you know what to do and who to call, getting your car keys changed should only take a couple of steps.

One of the first things you need to do is try and try to retrace your steps. This may sound like a straightforward step however it isn't easy to do when you're in a rush or you're already worried about the loss of keys to your car. Check all your pockets, bags and the space around your vehicle.

Contact a locksmith if are unable to locate your car keys. Locksmiths can usually create keys for your vehicle faster than the dealership. Plus, they can usually complete the task for much cheaper than the dealership will charge you.

Some dealerships can create keys for replacement to cars, but they may not be able to do it for you immediately or even at all. There are many dealerships that have many customers and therefore may not be able accommodate your request immediately. In addition, they may not be able create an exact copy of your key.

You can also buy an online replacement key. They are available on Amazon and other sites at a much lower cost than what you would purchase from a dealer however, they might not be able to cut them and program them to your specific car model.

Some insurance policies also provide coverage for the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key. It's worth checking to see whether you have coverage which will help pay for the cost of getting a new key for your car. Be aware that you'll need provide proof of ownership to the person or business who creates the replacement key. This is required by law. It can be extremely expensive if you are not able to provide proof of ownership.

2. Call the Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing keys to your car was not an issue. It wasn't expensive to get an alternative key from the dealer. This is not the case anymore, since cars are more sophisticated and keys are more expensive. If you lose your keys today it's not unusual to spend hundreds of dollars to get them replaced.

If you've lost your car keys first thing you should do is to act in a calm manner. This will help you think clearly and make a good decision. If you have lost your original keys you should keep a spare set of keys in your wallet or car trunk. This will ensure that you are not in financial trouble. It is also important to find out if the replacement key is covered under your warranty or car insurance and can assist you in saving money in a crisis.

The next step is to search your vehicle, your home, your purse, or your wallet for keys that are missing. You can also go back through the steps you followed, and remember the last time you had your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This could help you determine where they went, which can be an immense relief.

Call your dealership if you aren't able to locate your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are familiar with the vehicle they are servicing and can supply you with a replacement key. They are often busy and cannot accommodate people who require a quick response. This can cause the process to be difficult.

If you can contact your dealership, they will be able to create keys lost for car for you based on the VIN number that is saved on their system. They can also reprogram the immobilizer system that is required to start your car. If you're looking for an efficient, quick solution that doesn't require waiting at the dealership, a locksmith may be a better choice.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

Not so long ago losing your car keys was not a big deal. Locksmiths could come to your home and duplicate your keys for a reasonable price. As cars have become technologically advanced, keys are also becoming more expensive.

Depending on the type of vehicle and the year, the process for replacing keys for a car that have been lost can take a few steps and cost hundreds of dollars. It's a good idea to have an extra set of keys on hand, especially if you reside in a dangerous area or in a location where theft is common.

While it may feel like it's a waste of time to contact your insurance company, calling them can save you money in the end. Some policies will cover the cost of a brand new car key, so be sure to check with your insurance provider before you lose one and you find yourself in need.

If your policy covers roadside assistance, it is advisable to consider this. If you have roadside assistance, a person might be able to help you. This is less stressful than dealing with a dealer or locksmith.

Before you call your insurance company, make sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you think they're in your car, check the trunk and under the seat. If you're at home check the pockets of the clothes you were wearing as well as in other places you may have a habit of placing them. Also, double-check the places where you may have left them, like your purse or a desk that is cluttered.

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

While you're at the dealer you may want to ask whether you can have a spare key made, especially when you don't have a key fob. The dealership is usually able to create an additional key for you without having to alter anything else in your vehicle. If you do this make sure you keep the key in an area that is secure and safe to ensure you can locate it again if you lose it.

4. Call the police

Not only will reporting your lost car keys to police help you locate them It also helps protect you from thieves. If a person drives your car on public streets or on private property without permission, the driver may be fined. If you report the keys missing before the person gets away with your vehicle, you'll know that there's a legal paper trail of when it was missing and who reported it.

Losing car keys is a common occurrence, but it doesn't have to be a major issue. You can obtain a replacement car key quickly and easily if make contact with the right people. You can even prevent any future key loss if you follow the tips provided in this article.

Take a step back. This will help you recall where you might have lost your keys. If you were driving to work and Replace Lost Car Keys then stopped at a restaurant to purchase food, you may remember that your keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you cannot find your keys, you may have left it in the bag that you used to carry around things or at the table that you ate at.

Posting your key online is a good idea. This will increase the likelihood of locating the key by bringing it to a wider audience. You can also search local businesses and community bulletin boards.

Before you start looking for your keys, it's important to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is needed to replace your keys, which is why you must keep it in a safe place. The VIN is typically located on your driver's license, but can also be found on your insurance card or in your car's owner's manual.

Contact the police after you've exhausted other options. They'll be in a position to provide you with a temporary replacement for your car, and they can also prepare a police report that could be useful in the event that keys are discovered.