How to Replace Lost Car Keys

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

Often you lose your keys due to the fact that you've reached into your pocket to find something else, and then accidentally thrown them away somewhere. A spare key in the house will help you avoid these situations.

1. Call a Locksmith

It's a fact that losing your car keys could be a huge inconvenience. There's no reason to be in a panic. If you know who to call and how to act, it should only take just a few steps to have your car keys replaced.

Try to go back the steps you did. It might seem simple but it's hard to do if you are stressed or worried about losing your car keys. Examine all pockets, bags, and the space around your vehicle.

Call a locksmith if you are unable to locate your car keys. Typically, locksmiths will be capable of creating an entirely new key for your car much faster than the dealership. They can even do it for less than a dealership will charge.

Some dealerships can create replacement keys, but may not be able to do this in the immediate future or at any time. They usually have a high volume of customers, therefore they might not be able to accommodate immediately. They may also not be able to create a exact copy of your current key.

Another option is to purchase an online replacement for your car key. You can find them on Amazon and other websites for much cheaper than you'd pay at a dealer, but they may not be able to cut and program them to the specific model of car you have.

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

2. Call the Dealership

Not too long ago, misplacing - or even losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could easily get an alternative key from a dealership and it wasn't too much to get it done. However, as cars become more technologically advanced - and the keys getting more expensive to replace - this isn't as easy as it used to be. If you lose your keys today it's not uncommon to pay hundreds of dollars to get them replaced.

If you've i lost my keys 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 the best decision on how to fix the problem. If you lose your original keys, you should keep an extra set of keys in your purse or in your car trunk. This will ensure you're not in financial trouble. Also, find out if the replacement key is covered under your warranty or car insurance, which can help you save money in a crisis.

The next step is to conduct thorough searches of your home, car and your wallet or purse for keys that are missing. You may also try to retrace your steps, remembering where you last had them and where you were when you lost them. This can help you find out where they are, which is a relief.

After you've conducted a thorough search and can't find your car keys, the next option is to contact your dealer. Dealerships are familiar with your specific vehicle, so they're the best place to go for a new key. They are often busy and can't accommodate people who have a short notice. This could make the process difficult.

If you can get a hold of your dealer they'll be able create a new key for you in accordance with the VIN number that is on file. They can also reprogram the immobilizer device which is needed to start your vehicle. Locksmiths are an excellent choice for those who want a fast, reliable solution without having to wait at the dealership.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

It wasn't long ago that misplacing keys to cars was not a big issue. You could contact a locksmith to travel to your location and duplicate your key for a reasonable fee. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so have the keys, and now they're more expensive to replace than they were before.

Based on the type of vehicle and the year the process of replacing a lost car key can take a few steps and cost hundreds of dollars. That's why it's always an excellent idea to keep an extra set of keys on hand, especially if you reside in a neighborhood that is dangerous or a place where theft is common.

It might seem like a waste to call your insurer, but it can save you money over time. Check with your agent to determine whether you are able to get an alternative car key that is that is covered by your policy.

If your policy provides roadside assistance, you should also think about this. If it does, the service might send a person out to assist you out of your situation which could be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or a dealership.

Before calling your insurance company, make sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you believe they are in the car, search in the trunk and underneath the seat. If you're at home check the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places you may be prone to putting them. You should also double-check the places where you may have left them, like your purse or a cluttered desk.

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

When you visit the dealership, you might want to ask about having a spare key made, particularly in the event that you don't have an actual key fob. Most of the time you can have your dealership make a spare for you without changing anything else inside your vehicle. If you do this, make sure you keep the key in an area that is safe and secure to ensure you can locate it again if you lose it.

4. Call the police

Notifying your car keys that you lost will help you locate the keys and keep you safe. If someone drives your vehicle on public roads or private property without permission, the driver could be charged with a fine. You can protect yourself by reporting keys stolen prior to someone stealing your vehicle. This will leave a trail of paper that shows the time and date of the theft.

It's a common problem to lose your car keys, but it does not have to be a catastrophe. If you contact the right people, you'll in a position to obtain an alternative key quickly and easily. You can also avoid the possibility of losing keys in the future by following the suggestions that are provided in this article.

Follow your steps. This will give you a good idea of where your keys might have gone missing, and it can also help you remember what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work, then went to a restaurant to take a bite, you may remember that keys were in your pocket when you left your vehicle. If you're unable to locate the key, it may be in the bag you used to carry things around or on the table where you sat down to eat.

Another option is to share your primary loss online. This will reach a wide audience and increase your chances of finding it. You can also look up local businesses and bulletin boards in the community.

It's important that you write down the VIN of your car before you begin searching for your keys. This information is needed to replace your keys, so it's important to keep it in a safe place. The VIN is usually found on your driver's licence, but it's also on your insurance card as well as in the owner's manual of your vehicle.

Once you've exhausted all other options and have exhausted all other options, it's time to contact the police. They'll be able to provide you with an interim replacement for your vehicle and also file a report that will help if the keys are ever found.