How to Replace Lost Car Keys

Losing car keys is a nightmare. It was not a problem until recently, but as cars become more technologically advanced, it's becoming more difficult.

Most of the time, you lose your keys because you've reached into your pocket for something else, and then accidentally knocked them off somewhere. You can avoid this by keeping a spare key in your home.

1. Call a Locksmith

Losing your car keys is an extremely frustrating experience. But, there's no need to panic. As long as you know who to contact and what to do it will only take just a few steps to have your car keys replaced.

One of the first things you need to do is try and retrace your steps. It may appear obvious but it's hard to do if you are stressed or worried about losing your car keys. Examine all pockets, bags and the surrounding area around your vehicle.

Contact a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your car keys. Locksmiths can usually make keys for your vehicle quicker than an auto dealer. In addition, they will usually accomplish this for much less than the dealership would charge you.

Some dealerships are able to make replacement keys, but they might not be able to do this in the immediate future or at any time. They often have a very high volume of customers, therefore they might not be able to accommodate immediately. They might not be able to make an exact copy of the existing key.

Another option is to purchase a replacement car key online. You can find them on Amazon and other websites for a lot less than what the price you pay at a dealer, however, they might not be able to cut them and program them for your specific car model.

Some insurance policies cover the cost to replace the vehicle's lost car keys with no spare or stolen key. So, it's always worth checking to see if you have coverage that will cover the cost of purchasing a new key for your vehicle. Just remember that you will be required to provide proof of ownership and identification to the company or individual who creates the replacement key. This is legally required. If you're not able provide proof of ownership, it can be quite costly.

2. Contact the Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could easily get keys replacements at the dealership and it didn't cost too much to get it done. However, with cars becoming more technologically advanced - and the keys getting more expensive to replace it's not as simple as it was in the past. If you lose your keys today it's not uncommon to spend hundreds of dollars to get them replaced.

If you've lost your car keys the first thing you must do is be calm. This will allow you to think clearly and make the right choice about how to resolve the issue. You should also make sure that you have a backup set keys somewhere, like in your pocket or the trunk of your car, replace lost car keys so that if you do lose the original keys and you lose them, you won't lose any money. Find out whether your warranty or insurance covers the cost of replacing a key. This could save you money in the event of a crisis.

The next step is to conduct an exhaustive search of your home, car and purse or wallet for keys that have gone missing. You can try to trace your steps, recollecting the last place you had them and the location you were in when you lost them. This might assist you in determining the location they went to, which can be an immense relief.

Contact your dealer if you haven't been able to find your keys after a thorough search. Dealerships are familiar with the vehicle they are servicing and can give you an alternative key. However, they're usually busy and aren't able to accommodate customers with short notice, which can cause the process to be frustrating.

If you are able to contact your dealer, they will be able to make keys for you based on the VIN number that is recorded on their system. They can also modify the immobilizer system which is needed to start your car. However, if you're looking to find a fast, reliable solution that doesn't require waiting at the dealership, replace lost car keys a locksmith might be the best option.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

In the past, misplacing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could call a locksmith to drive to your location and duplicate your key at a reasonable cost. As cars have become technologically advanced, the keys are also becoming more expensive.

Depending on your vehicle type and year replacing a lost or damaged key could be a lengthy process that can cost hundreds of dollars. This is why it's recommended to keep an additional set of keys on your side, especially if you reside in a dangerous area or in a location where theft is common.

While it might seem like an unnecessary effort to contact your insurance company, calling them will save you money in the end. Check with your agent to see whether you are able to get a replacement car key that is covered by your policy.

Another thing to think about is whether your policy includes roadside assistance. If you have roadside assistance, a person may come to your aid. This is less stressful than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.

Before you call your insurance company, be sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you think they're in the car, check under the trunk and under the seat. Examine the pockets of your clothing and other places you might have been used to putting them. Also, double-check the areas where you might have left them, like your purse or a cluttered desk.

If you've managed to locate your car keys It's a good idea to call your dealership to have them replaced. Most of the time this shouldn't be a problem and will cost less than hiring a locksmith or going through the insurance company.

Ask the dealer to create a spare key for you, especially if your car doesn't have a remote. The dealership will usually be able to duplicate an additional key for you without having to alter any other part of your car. If you do this, make sure that you keep the key in an area that is safe and secure so that you can retrieve it in the event that you lose it.

4. Call the Police

Not only does the act of reporting your lost car keys to police help you locate them, but it also helps protect you from thieves. If someone takes your vehicle without permission, they may be fined if they drive it on public roads or on private property. If you report your keys lost prior to the person making off with your vehicle, you'll be aware that there's a legal paper trail of when it was missing and who reported it.

Car keys are lost is a common occurrence but it doesn't need to be a major issue. You can get a replacement car key quickly and easily if make contact with the right people. You can even prevent any future key loss by following the guidelines given in this article.

Try to trace your steps. This will give you a clear 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, then stopped at a restaurant in order to take a bite and drinks, you might remember that your keys were in your pockets when you left your vehicle. If you cannot find your keys, you may have left it in the bag you used to carry around things or on the table you dined at.

Posting your lost key online is a good idea. This increases the chances of finding the key by reaching a wider audience. You can also look up local businesses and bulletin boards in the community.

It's important that you write down the VIN of your vehicle before you start searching for your keys. This information is required to replace your keys, therefore you should keep it in a safe place. The VIN is typically found on your driver's licence, but can also be found on your insurance card and in the owner's manual of your vehicle.

Contact the police after you've exhausted your other options. You can request a temporary replacement car from the police department, and they will also file a report which is useful in the event that your keys are recovered.