How to Replace Lost Car Keys

The loss of car keys is a major headache. This wasn't an issue until recent times but as cars get more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.

Sometimes, keys are lost due to the fact that you've reached into your pocket to find something else and have accidentally dropped them off somewhere. You can prevent this from happening by keeping a spare key at home.

1. Contact a locksmith

Losing your car keys is a major inconvenience. There's no need to panic. If you know who to call and what you should do, it should only take just a few steps to have your keys to your car replaced.

You should try to retrace the steps you did. It may seem simple however it can be difficult to accomplish if you are stressed or concerned about losing your car keys. Make sure to check all your bags and pockets in which you've put them down, and also the space around your car.

If you haven't been able to locate your car keys, you need to contact an locksmith. Locksmiths can usually create keys for your vehicle quicker than a dealership. Additionally, they are able to complete the task for much cheaper than the dealership will charge you.

Some dealers are able to create replacement keys, but might not be able to do it immediately or at any point. They usually have a large number of customers so they may not be able to assist your request right away. In addition, they might not be able to make an exact copy of your current key.

You can also purchase a replacement key online. You can find them on Amazon and other sites at a much lower cost than what the price you pay at a dealer, but they may not be able to cut them and program them to the specific model of car you have.

Certain insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. It's worthwhile to check whether you have insurance that will cover the cost of purchasing a new key for your vehicle. Be aware that you'll need show proof of ownership to the person or business who makes the replacement key. This is required by the law. It can be very expensive if you are not able to provide proof of ownership.

2. Contact the Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing keys to your car was not a big deal. It wasn't too expensive to buy a new key from a dealer. However, with cars getting more technologically advanced and keys becoming more expensive to replace - this isn't as easy as it used to be. If you have lost your keys today, it's not unusual to spend hundreds of dollars to get them replaced.

If you'i ve lost my car keys lost your car keys the first thing you should do is act calmly. This will help you think clearly and make an informed decision. 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 that you're not in a financial bind. Check to see whether your warranty or insurance covers the cost of replacing a key. This can help you save money in the event of an emergency.

The next step is to do thorough searches of your home, car and your purse or wallet to find the missing keys. You can also go back through the steps you took, recollecting when you last held your keys and where you were when you lost them. This may be able to help you figure out the location they went to and could be an immense relief.

If you've completed an exhaustive search but are unable to locate your car keys, the next step is to contact your dealer. Dealerships are knowledgeable about your specific vehicle, so they're the best option to get a replacement key. However, they're often busy and can't accommodate people on short notice, which could make the process frustrating.

If you are able to contact your dealership they'll be able to create an entirely new key for you in accordance with the VIN number that is on file. They can also modify your immobilizer system which is required to start your car. But if you're looking for an efficient, quick solution that doesn't involve waiting in the dealership, a locksmith could be a better option.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

Not too long ago the time when you lost your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could contact an locksmith to come to your place of residence and duplicate your keys for a reasonable price. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so have keys, and they're more expensive to replace than ever before.

Depending on your vehicle type and year the replacement of a lost key can be a long process and cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a good idea to have an additional set of keys for your car in your pocket. This is especially important in the case of a dangerous area or in a place with a high rate of theft.

While it might seem like an unnecessary effort to call your insurance company, it could save you money in the long run. Talk to your agent to determine if you can get an alternative car key that is that is covered by your policy.

If your policy covers roadside assistance, you should also take into consideration this. If it does, the service might send a person out to assist you with your situation and it could be less stressful than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.

Before calling your insurance company, make sure to search thoroughly for your keys. If you think they're in the car, check the trunk and under the seat. If you're at home, look in the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places you may have a habit of placing them. Double-check any places you may have left them. For instance, in your purse or a cluttered office.

Contact your dealer to replace the keys once you've attempted to locate them. Usually, this won't be a problem and it will cost less than hiring a locksmith, or going through the insurance company.

While you're at the dealership you may want to inquire about having a spare key made, especially when you don't have an actual key fob. In most cases 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 you keep the spare key in a safe and secure location so that you can find it when you lose it.

4. Call the police

Not only does the act of reporting your lost car keys to police help you locate keys, but it also helps protect you from thieves. If someone steals your vehicle without permission, they may be fined for driving it on city streets or private property. If you report your keys lost prior to the person making off with your car, you'll know that there's an official paper trail of when the car went missing and who reported it.

It's not uncommon to lose your car keys, however it doesn't have to be a catastrophe. You can obtain a replacement car key quickly and easily if contact the right people. You can even prevent any future key loss by following the guidelines provided in this article.

Follow your steps. This will give you an idea of where your key could have been lost, and it can also aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work, then stopped at a restaurant to purchase food, you may remember that your keys were in your pockets as you left the vehicle. If you are unable to locate your keys, you may have put it in the bag that you carried around with things or at the table that you ate at.

Posting your key online is another good idea. This will be seen by a large audience and increase your chances of finding it. You can also check with local businesses and other community bulletin boards.

It's important that you note down the VIN of your car before you begin looking for your keys. You'll need this information to replace your key, so it's important to keep it safe. It's common to find the VIN on your driver's license, but it may also appear on your insurance card or in the owner's manual for your car.

Call the police once you've exhausted other options. You can request a temporary replacement car from the police department, and they'll also submit a report which is useful in the event that your keys are found.