How to Replace Lost Car Keys

It's an absolute nightmare to lose car keys. Not long ago it wasn't a big problem, but it's now becoming more complicated as cars become technologically advanced.

You can lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pockets to grab something else. A spare key in the house will help you avoid these situations.

1. Contact an expert locksmith

The loss of your car keys can be a major inconvenience. It's not a reason to panic. As long as you know who to call and what to do, it should only take only a few steps to get your car keys replaced.

One of the first things you need to do is try to retrace your steps. It may appear obvious but it's hard to do if you are in a hurry or already concerned about losing your car keys. Be sure to look in all of your bags and pockets to see in which you may have put them down, and also the space around your car.

Call a locksmith if you are unable to locate your car keys. Typically, locksmiths will be able to create an entirely new key for your vehicle much faster than a dealership. They can also do it for much less than a dealership will charge.

Some dealerships can create replacement car keys as well however they might not be able to do it immediately or at all. There are many dealerships that have an abundance of customers and therefore may not be able to help your request immediately. Additionally, they might not be able to create an exact duplicate of your current key.

Another option is to purchase a replacement car key online. You can find them on Amazon and other places at a much lower cost than what you'd purchase from a dealer but they may not be able to cut or program them for the specific model of car you have.

Some insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a stolen or lost car key. It's worthwhile to check if you have coverage that would help cover the cost of obtaining an additional key for your car. Be aware that you'll need provide proof of ownership to the person or business who creates your replacement key. This is legally required. If you're unable to provide proof of ownership, it can be quite costly.

2. Contact the Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. It wasn't too expensive to buy an alternative key from the dealer. However, with cars becoming more advanced in technology - and the keys getting more expensive to replace - this isn't as easy as it used to be. It's not unusual to pay several hundred dollars for a brand new set of keys if you lose them today.

It is important to be calm if you have lost your car keys. This will allow you to think clearly and make a good decision. If you have lost your original keys, you should keep a spare set of keys in your purse or in your car trunk. This will ensure that you're not out of money. Also, find out if the replacement key is covered by your warranty or insurance for your car which could assist you in saving cash in the event of a need.

The next step is to do a thorough search of your car, home and your purse or wallet for keys that are missing. You could try to trace your steps, keeping track of where you last saw them and where you were when you lost them. This may be able to help you determine where they ended up, which can be an enormous relief.

Call your dealership if you haven't been able to find your keys after an exhaustive search. Dealerships know the vehicle they are servicing and can provide you with a replacement key. However, they're often busy and can't accommodate people with short notice, which can make the process difficult.

If you can contact the dealership, they'll be able to make keys for you using the VIN number that is saved on their system. They can also modify the immobilizer system that's required to start your vehicle. But if you're looking for an immediate, reliable solution that doesn't involve waiting at the dealership, a locksmith might be a better option.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

It wasn't long ago that losing car keys was not a major issue. A locksmith could visit your home and duplicate your keys for an affordable price. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so too have the keys, and they're more expensive to replace than ever before.

Depending on the type of vehicle and year the replacement of a lost key can be a long process that can cost hundreds of dollars. It's always a smart idea to keep an extra set of car keys in your pocket. This is particularly true if you live near an area that is prone to danger or an area that has an extremely high rate of theft.

Although it might seem like an unnecessary effort to contact your insurance company, calling them can save you money in the long run. Certain policies will cover the cost of a new car key, so make sure to speak with your insurance company before you lose one and you find yourself in need.

Another thing to think about is whether your insurance policy offers roadside assistance. If it does, the service might send someone out to assist you in your circumstance and it could be less stressful than dealing with a dealership or keys locksmith.

Be sure to thoroughly search your vehicle before you call your insurance provider. If you believe they're in the car, search in the trunk and underneath the seat. Check the pockets of your clothing and other places where you may have been used to putting them. Make sure you check any places you might have left them. For instance, in your purse or a cluttered office.

Call your dealer to replace the keys once you've attempted to locate them. In most cases this shouldn't be a problem and it is much less expensive than hiring a locksmith or working through the insurance company.

Ask the dealer to make an extra key for you, especially if your car doesn't have a remote. The dealership is usually able to create an extra key for you without needing to change 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 when you lose it.

4. Contact the police

Not only does the act of reporting lost car key replacement car keys to police help you locate them however, it can also help protect you from thieves. If someone drives your vehicle on public roads or on private property without permission, keys the person could be penalized. If you report your keys missing before the person gets away with your car, you'll know that you have an official paper trail of when the car went missing and who reported it.

Car keys are lost is a common occurrence but it doesn't need to be a major issue. If you contact the right people, you'll capable of obtaining an alternative key quickly and quickly. You can even prevent future key misplacements if you follow the tips provided in this article.

Then, try retracing your steps. This will give you a good idea of where your key could have been lost, and it can also help you remember what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work and then stopped at a restaurant in order to get some food and drinks, you might remember that your keys were in your pocket when you left your vehicle. If you are unable to locate your keys, it could be in the bag you carried things around or on the table at which you sat down for dinner.

Posting your lost key online is a great idea. This will reach a large audience and increase your chances of finding it. You can also search local businesses and bulletin boards in the community.

It's important that you note down the VIN of your vehicle prior to when you begin looking for your keys. You'll need this information to replace your keys It's crucial to keep it safe. The VIN is usually found on your driver's license, but can also be found on your insurance card and in your car's owner's manual.

If you've exhausted all other options and have exhausted all other options, it's time to contact the police. You can obtain an emergency replacement car from the police, and they'll also submit reports that are useful if your keys are ever recovered.