How to Replace Lost Car Keys

It's an absolute nightmare to lose car keys. In the past, this wasn't a huge deal but it's getting more complicated as cars become technologically advanced.

Most of the time, you lose your keys due to the fact that you've reached into your pocket to find something else and accidentally thrown them away somewhere. Having an extra key in the house can save you from such situations.

1. Contact a locksmith

Losing your car keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. But, there's no need to panic. As long as you know who to contact and what you should do you should only need to take just a few steps to have your car keys replaced.

You should try to retrace the steps you took. This might sound like an obvious step however it isn't easy to do when you're in a hurry or are already panicking over the loss of keys to your car. Be sure to inspect all your bags and pockets in which you may have put them down, as well as the surrounding area around your vehicle.

Call a locksmith if you are unable to locate your car keys. Locksmiths are able to create keys for your car much faster than a dealership. They can even do it for cheaper than a dealership would cost.

Some dealerships are able to create keys for cars that are replacements but they might not be able to do it immediately or even at all. There are many dealerships with a high volume of clients which means they may not be able to accommodate you immediately. Additionally, they might not be able create an exact replica of your current key.

Another option is to buy an online replacement for your car key. The keys are available on Amazon and elsewhere for a price that is lower than you would pay a dealer. However, they might not be able to cut and program these keys for your specific car model.

Some insurance policies cover the cost to replace the vehicle's lost or stolen key. It's worth checking your insurance policy to determine whether it will cover the cost of replacing a car key. Be aware that you'll need to provide proof of ownership and identification to the individual or company who is responsible for the creation of the replacement key. This is legally required. If you're not able provide proof of ownership, it can be very costly.

2. Contact the Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily get keys replacements at the dealership and it didn't cost much to do so. However, this is not the case anymore, because cars are more modern and keys are more expensive. It's not uncommon to pay several hundred dollars for a brand new set of keys in the event that you lose them today.

If you've lost car key how to replace your car keys, the first thing you must do is be calm. This will allow you to think clearly and make the right decision on how to fix the issue. If you lose your original keys, you should keep an extra set of keys in your wallet or car trunk. This will ensure you're not in financial trouble. Also, find out if the replacement key is covered by your warranty or car lost key insurance, which can assist you in saving money in a crisis.

Next, search your car, your home or your purse your wallet for missing keys. You can also retrace the steps you took, remembering the last time you had your keys and where you were when you lost them. This can help you figure out where they are which is a relief.

Contact your dealer if you haven't found your keys after a thorough search. Dealerships are familiar with the specific car you have, so they're the best option for a new key. However, they're often busy and can't accommodate people at short notice, which could cause the process to be frustrating.

If you get in touch with the dealership, they'll be able create keys for you using the VIN number that is saved on their system. They can also reprogram your immobilizer system which is required to start your car. However, if you're looking to find an immediate, reliable solution that doesn't require waiting at the dealership, a locksmith could be a better option.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing keys to cars was not a problem. A locksmith could come to your home and duplicate your keys at a reasonable price. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so have the keys, and they're now more expensive to replace than they were before.

Depending on the type of vehicle and year replacing a lost or damaged key can be a long process and cost hundreds of dollars. That's why it's always a good idea to have an extra set of keys in the go, especially if reside in a dangerous area or a place where theft is common.

While it might seem like a waste of time to call your insurance company, calling them can save you money in the end. Talk to your agent to determine whether you are able to get a replacement car key covered by your policy.

If your policy covers roadside assistance, you should also take into consideration this. If you have roadside assistance, someone may come to your aid. This is a less stressful option than dealing with a dealership or locksmith.

Be sure to thoroughly search your car before you call your insurance company. If you believe they are in the car, search inside the trunk and beneath the seat. If you're at home check the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places where you may be prone to putting them. Also, double-check the areas you may have left them, like your purse or a desk that is cluttered.

If you've managed to locate your keys to your car, it's recommended to contact your dealer to have them replaced. This isn't a problem, and it's cheaper than calling a locksmith or visiting the insurance company.

When you visit the dealership, you might want to inquire whether you can have a spare key made, particularly if you don't have an actual key fob. In most cases you can have your dealership make a spare for you without altering anything else in your vehicle. If you do this, make sure to keep the key in a safe and secure place to find it when you lose it.

4. Contact the police

Reporting lost car keys can help you locate them and ensure your safety. If someone steals your vehicle without permission, they may be subject to fines for driving it on streets in the city or on private property. If you report your keys lost before the person gets away with your car, you'll know that you have an official paper trace of when it went missing and who reported it.

Car keys are lost is a common occurrence however it doesn't have to be to be a disaster. You can get a replacement car key quickly and easily if make contact with the right people. If you follow the guidelines in this article, you'll even be able to prevent future key misplacements!

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

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 for community groups.

It's important that you write down the VIN of your car before you start searching for your keys. You'll need this information to replace your key therefore it's essential to keep it in a safe place. You'll usually find the VIN on your driver's licence, but it may also appear on your insurance card or in the owner's manual for your car.

If you've exhausted all other options, it's time to call the police. They'll be able to provide you with temporary replacements for your car and also file a report that will help if the keys are ever found.