How to Replace Lost Car Keys

It's an absolute nightmare to lose car keys. Not long ago this wasn't a huge deal but it's getting more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.

Sometimes, keys are lost because you've reached inside your pockets for something else and accidentally thrown them away somewhere. You can prevent this from happening by keeping an extra key at home.

1. Call for a locksmith

Losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. But, there's also no need to be in a panic. If you know what to do and who to call, getting your car keys replaced should only take a couple of steps.

One of the first things to do is retrace your steps. This may sound like a simple task, but sometimes it can be difficult when you're in a hurry or are already panicking over the loss of your car keys. Be sure to look in all bags and pockets to see in which you may have put them down, and also the surrounding area around your vehicle.

Call a locksmith if you can't find your car keys. Locksmiths can usually make a key for your car quicker than a dealership. They can also do it for less than a dealership would charge.

Some dealerships can make keys for replacement to cars but they might not be able to do it immediately or at all. They usually have a high volume of customers, so they may not be able accommodate immediately. In addition, they might not be able create an exact replica of your key.

Another option is to purchase a replacement car key online. You can find them on Amazon and other sites for a lot less than what to do if lost car keys you'd buy from a dealer, although they may not be able to cut or program them to the specific model of car you have.

Some insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key. It is worth examining your insurance policy to determine whether it will cover the cost of a new car key. Remember to prove ownership to the person or business who creates your replacement key. This is required by the law. It could be costly if you are unable to provide proof of ownership.

2. Contact the Dealership

In the past losing - or losing - your car keys wasn't an issue. It was easy to get a replacement key at the dealership, and it didn't cost too much to do it. This is not the case anymore, as cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive. If you have lost your keys today, it's not uncommon to spend hundreds of dollars to have them replaced.

You must be calm when you've lost your car keys. This will help you think clearly and make the best choice about how to resolve the problem. It is also important to ensure that you have a backup set of keys somewhere, like in your pocket or the trunk of your car, so that if you do lose the originals, you won't be out any money at all. You should also check to determine if the replacement is covered by your warranty or insurance for your car, which can help you save some money in a crisis.

Then, look in your car, your home or your purse your wallet for missing keys. You could also retrace the steps you took, recollecting when you last had your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This can help you figure the location of your lost items, which is a great relief.

After you've conducted a thorough search and can't locate your car keys, the next step is to call your dealership. Dealerships are knowledgeable about the specific car you have, so they're the best option for a replacement key. However, they're usually busy and aren't able to accommodate customers on short notice, which can make the process difficult.

If you contact your dealership, they will be able to make keys for you using the VIN number that is recorded on their system. They can also reprogram the immobilizer system which is needed to start your vehicle. If you're looking for an immediate, reliable solution that doesn't involve waiting in the dealership, a locksmith might be the best option.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to cars 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 ever.

Depending on the type of vehicle and year the replacement of a lost key can be a lengthy process and cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a smart idea to have an additional set of keys for your car on hand. This is especially true when you live in an area that is prone to danger or an area that has an abundance of theft.

Although it might seem like it's a waste of time to contact your insurance company, i lost my only Car key calling them will save you money in the long run. Certain policies will cover the cost of replacing a car key replacement online key, so make sure to speak with your insurance company prior to losing a key and you find yourself in need.

If your insurance policy provides roadside assistance, you should think about this. If it does, the insurance company might send someone out to assist you with your situation and it could be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or a dealership.

Before you call your insurance company, be sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you believe they're in the car, look in the trunk and under the seat. If you're at home, check the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places where you may have a habit of putting them. Check any places where you might have left them. For example, your purse or a cluttered office.

Contact your dealer to replace the keys once you've attempted to find them. In most cases it won't be a problem and will be much cheaper than hiring a locksmith, or going through the insurance company.

Ask the dealer to create a spare key for you, specifically if your car doesn't have a remote. Most of the time the dealership will be able to make the spare key for you without altering anything else in your car. If you do this, make sure to keep the key in a place that is safe and secure to ensure you can locate it if you lose it.

4. Contact the police

Not only will the act of reporting lost car keys to police help you find keys however, it can also help keep you safe from thieves. If someone steals your vehicle without permission, they may be subject to fines when they drive it on streets in the city or on private property. If you report the keys missing before the person makes off with your vehicle, you'll know that there's a legal paper trace of when it went missing and who reported it.

The loss of car keys is a common occurrence however it doesn't have to be to be a disaster. As long as you call the appropriate people, you'll be able to get a replacement key quickly and easily. You can even prevent any future key loss if you follow the tips that are provided in this article.

Take a step back. This will help you recall where you might have lost your keys. For example, if you were driving home from work, and then went to eat at a restaurant, you might be able to recall keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you are unable to locate your key, you could have left it in the bag you carried around with things or at the table that you ate at.

Posting your lost key online is a good idea. This will reach a wide audience and increase your chances of finding it. You can also contact local businesses as well as other community bulletin boards.

It's important that you note down the VIN of your vehicle before you begin looking for your keys. This information is needed to replace your keys, which is why it's important to keep it in a safe place. The VIN is typically found on your driver's license but can also be found on your insurance card and in your car's owner's guide.

Contact the police when you've exhausted your other options. You can request an interim replacement vehicle from the police department, and they will also file an investigation report that can be helpful if your keys are ever recovered.