How to Replace Lost Car Keys

It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. This wasn't an issue until recent times but as cars get more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.

Sometimes, keys are lost because you've reached inside your pocket to find something else and accidentally knocked them off somewhere. Having an extra key at home can help you avoid such situations.

1. Contact a locksmith

The loss of your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. There's no reason to be in a panic. If you know who to call and what you should do it will only take a few steps to get your keys to your car replaced.

One of the first things you have to do is try and try to retrace your steps. This might sound like a simple task however it can be difficult to do when you're in a rush or are already worried about the loss of your car keys. Check all your pockets, bags, and the area around your vehicle.

Contact a locksmith in case you can't find your car keys. Locksmiths are typically capable of creating an entirely new key for your vehicle quicker than the dealership. Plus, they can usually do it for a lot less than the dealership would charge you.

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

Another option is to buy an online replacement for your car key. You can find these on Amazon and other sites at a much lower cost than what you'd pay at a dealer, but they may not be able to cut them and program them for your specific model of car.

Certain insurance policies also provide coverage for the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. It is worth examining your insurance policy to determine whether it will cover the cost of a replacement car key. Remember to show proof of ownership to the person or business who is responsible for creating your replacement key. This is legally required. If you're unable to provide proof of ownership, it can be a very expensive experience.

2. Contact the Dealership

A few years ago losing - or losing - your car keys wasn't an issue. It wasn't too expensive to buy a new key from a dealer. However, as cars become more advanced in technology - and the keys getting more expensive to replace - this isn't as easy as it was in the past. It's not unusual to pay several hundred dollars for a brand new set of keys when you lose them.

If you've lost your car keys the first thing you must do is to act in a calm manner. This will allow you to think clearly and make a good decision. It is also important to ensure that you have a backup set keys in your pocket or the trunk of your car, so that if you do lose the original keys and you lose them, you won't lose 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 the event of a financial crisis.

The next step is to do an exhaustive search of your home, car and your wallet or purse for the missing keys. You could also retrace the steps you followed, and remember when you last held 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 huge relief.

Call your dealership if you haven't been able to find your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships are aware of the vehicle they are servicing and can supply you with keys to replace. They're usually busy and cannot accommodate people who require a quick response. This can cause the process to be difficult.

If you contact your dealer, they will be able create keys for you using the VIN number that is saved on their system. They can also modify your immobilizer which is required to start your car. However, if you're looking to find a fast, reliable solution that doesn't require waiting in the dealership, a locksmith might be a better choice.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not a problem. You could contact an locksmith to come to your location and duplicate your key for a reasonable fee. As cars have become more technologically advanced, so have keys, and they're more expensive to replace than ever before.

Depending on your vehicle type and year replacing a i lost my keys or damaged key can be a long process and cost hundreds of dollars. This is why it's an excellent idea to keep an extra set of keys on your side, especially if you live in a dangerous neighborhood or an area where theft is common.

It may seem like a waste to call your insurance provider but it can actually save you money over time. Check with your agent to see whether you can obtain an alternative car key that is covered by your policy.

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

Before calling your insurance company, be sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you believe they're in the car, search in the trunk and underneath the seat. Check the pockets of your clothes and other places you might have been accustomed to putting them. Make sure you check any places you might have left them. For instance, your purse or an unorganized office.

Contact your dealer for replacement of the keys once you've attempted to locate them. This isn't an issue, and it's cheaper than calling an locksmith or calling the insurance company.

When you visit the dealership it is possible to ask whether you can have a spare key made, especially in the event that you don't have an actual key fob. In most cases the dealership will be able to make a spare for you without altering anything else in your vehicle. If you choose to do this, be sure to keep the key in a secure and safe place to find it next time you lose yours.

4. Contact the police

Not only can reporting your lost car keys to the police help you find keys, but it also helps protect you from thieves. If a person drives your car on public roads or private property without permission, the driver could be penalized. You can protect yourself by registering your keys stolen before someone steals your car. This leaves a trace on paper that reveals when and who reported the theft.

It's a common problem to lose your car keys, but it does not need to be a disaster. As long as you call the right people, you'll capable of obtaining the replacement key fast and easily. If you follow the guidelines in this article, you'll even be able to avoid future key misplacements!

Follow your steps. This will give you an idea of where your key could be and can help you remember what you were doing at the time. For damaged example, if you were driving home from work and then went to get food at the restaurant, you may be able to recall that keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you can't find your key, it might be in the bag you used to carry things around or on the table where you sat down to eat.

Posting your key online is a good idea. This will increase your chances of finding the key by reaching a wider audience. You can also check with local businesses and other bulletin boards.

It is essential to write down the VIN of your vehicle before you begin searching for your keys. This information is required to replace your keys, so you must keep it secure. The VIN is usually found on your driver's license however, it can also be found on your insurance card and in the owner's manual of your vehicle.

Contact the police after you've exhausted all other options. You can obtain an emergency replacement car from the police, and damaged they'll also submit an investigation report that can be helpful if your keys are ever found.