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How to Replace Lost Car Keys

It's an absolute nightmare to lose car keys. It wasn't that long ago, it wasn't a big deal but it's getting more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.

You could lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pockets to grab something else. You can avoid such situations by keeping an extra key at home.

1. Contact a locksmith

There's no doubt that losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience. However, there's no need to be in a panic. As long as you know who to call and what you should do it will only take a few steps to get your car keys replaced.

One of the first things you have to do is try and retrace your steps. It may seem simple, but it can be difficult to do if are in a hurry or already worried about losing your car keys. Be sure to inspect all your pockets and bags in which you may have put them down, and also the area around your car.

Call a locksmith if you can't find your car keys. Locksmiths are usually able to create an entirely new key for your vehicle much more quickly than a dealership. Plus, they can usually complete the task for much less than what a dealership would charge you.

Some dealerships can make replacement car keys as well however they might not be able do it for you in a hurry or even at all. There are many dealerships with a high volume of clients and therefore may not be able to help you right away. They may also not be able to make an exact copy of your current key.

You can also buy an online replacement key. The keys are available on Amazon and other websites at a lower cost than you'd buy from the dealer. However, they may not have the ability to cut and program the keys to your specific car model.

Some insurance policies will cover the cost to replace the vehicle's lost or stolen key. Therefore, it's worth checking whether you have insurance that will cover the cost of getting an additional key for your car. Be aware that you'll need prove ownership to the person or company who makes the replacement key. This is required by law. It could be costly if you are unable to provide proof of ownership.

2. Call the Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing your car keys wasn't an issue. It wasn't too expensive to buy new keys from the dealer. However, as cars become more advanced in technology and keys becoming more expensive to replace it's not as simple as it was in the past. If you lose your keys today it's not uncommon to pay hundreds of dollars to have them replaced.

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. It is also important to ensure that you have a backup set of keys in your pocket or the trunk of your car in case you lose the originals they won't cost you any money at all. Also, determine if the replacement is covered by your warranty or car insurance and can assist you in saving money in the event of a financial crisis.

Then, look in your car, your home or your purse your wallet for keys missing. You can also go back through the steps you took, remembering when you last held your keys and where you were at the time you lost them. This could help you determine where they ended up, which can be an immense relief.

If you've completed an exhaustive search but can't locate your car keys, the next option is to call your dealership. Dealerships know the vehicle they are servicing and can provide you with an alternative key. However, they're often full and cannot accommodate people on short notice, which could make the process frustrating.

If you contact your dealer, they will be able create a key for you using the VIN number that is saved on their system. They can also reprogram your immobilizer system that is needed to start your car. If you're looking for a fast, reliable solution that doesn't involve waiting at the dealership, a locksmith might be the best option.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not a big issue. You could contact an locksmith to come to your place of residence and duplicate your keys at a reasonable cost. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so have the keys, and now they're more expensive to replace than they were before.

Depending on the type of vehicle and the year the process of replacing the car key that was lost could take a few steps and can cost you hundreds of dollars. It's always a smart idea to keep an extra set of car keys on hand. This is particularly true in the case of an area of danger or an area with a high rate of theft.

It might seem like a waste to call your insurer but it can actually save you money in the long run. Check with your agent to determine whether you are able to get a replacement car key that is covered by your policy.

If your policy covers roadside assistance, it is advisable to consider this. If you have roadside assistance, someone may come to your aid. This is less stressful than dealing with a dealer or locksmith.

Before calling your insurance company, make sure to search thoroughly for your keys. If  lost keys in car  think they're in the car, look in the trunk and under the seat. If you're at home, look in the pockets of the clothes you were wearing as well as in other places where you may be prone to putting them. Double-check any places you may have left them. For example, your purse or in a messy office.

Once you've done your best to locate the car keys, it's an excellent idea to call your dealer to have them replaced. Most of the time this shouldn't be a problem and it is much less expensive than hiring a locksmith or working through the insurance company.

While you're at the dealership you may want to inquire whether you can have a spare key made, especially in the event that you don't have a key fob. In most cases you can have your dealership make the spare key for you without altering anything else in your car. If you choose to do this, be sure you keep the spare key in a safe and secure location so that you can find it next time you lose yours.

4. Contact the police

Reporting lost car keys will help you locate them and ensure your safety. If someone drives your car on public streets or on private property without permission, the person may be fined. If you report your keys missing before the person makes off with your vehicle, you'll know that there's a legal paper trail of when the car went missing and who reported it.

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

Then, try retracing your steps. This will allow you to recall where you might have lost your key. For instance, if you were driving home from work and then went to get food at the restaurant, you may be able to remember that the keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you are unable to locate your keys, it could be in the bag you used to carry things around or on the table where you sat down to eat.

Another good idea is to post your key loss online. This will be seen by a large audience and increase your chances of finding it. You can also check local businesses and community bulletin boards.

Before you begin searching for your keys, be sure to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. You'll require this information to replace your keys It's crucial to keep it safe. You'll usually find the VIN on your driver's license, but it may also appear on your insurance card or in the owner's manual of your car.

After you've exhausted all other options and have exhausted all other options, it's time to contact the police. You can get an interim replacement vehicle from the police, and they'll also file reports that are useful if your keys are ever recovered.