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5 Lost Car Keys Lessons From The Professionals
How to Replace Lost Car Keys

It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. This was not an issue until the last few years, but as cars become more technologically advanced, it is becoming more difficult.


Keys can be lost when you accidentally knock them off the table when you reach into your pocket to grab something else. A spare key in the house can save you from such situations.

1. Contact a locksmith

It's a fact that losing your car keys could be a huge hassle. There's no need to panic. If you know what to do and who to call to get your car keys changed should only take a couple of steps.

Try to go back the steps you made. This may seem like an obvious step, but sometimes it can be difficult when you're in a hurry or are already panicking over the loss of keys to your car. Make sure you check all your pockets, bags, and the area around your vehicle.

Contact a locksmith in case you cannot locate your car keys. Locksmiths can usually make keys for your car faster than an auto dealer. Plus, they can usually do it for a lot less than what a dealership would charge you.

Some dealerships can make keys for replacement to cars but 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 accommodate you right away. They may also not be able create an exact copy of your existing key.

Another option is to purchase an online replacement for your car key. They are available on Amazon and other websites for a lot less than what you'd buy from a dealer, however, they might not be able to cut or program them to your specific car model.

Some insurance policies cover the cost to replace the vehicle's lost or stolen key. Therefore, it's worth checking to see if you have coverage that would help cover the cost of purchasing an additional key for your vehicle. Just remember that you will be required to provide proof of ownership and identification to the person or company who makes the replacement key. This is legally required. It could be expensive if you're not able to provide proof of ownership.

2. Call the Dealership

A few years ago, misplacing - or even losing - your car keys wasn't an issue. It wasn't too expensive to buy new keys from a dealer. However, as cars become more advanced in technology and keys becoming more expensive to replace - this isn't as easy as it was in the past. If you lose your keys today, it's not unusual to spend hundreds of dollars to have them replaced.

If you've lost your car keys, the first thing you need to do is be calm. This will enable you to think clearly and make an informed decision. If you lose your original keys, you should keep a spare set of keys in your pocket or in your car trunk. This will ensure that you're not in a financial bind. You should also check to 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.

The next step is to do thorough searches of your home, car and wallet or purse for keys that have gone missing. You may also try to retrace your steps, recollecting where you last saw keys and where you were when you lost them. This might assist you in determining where they went and could be an immense relief.

After you've conducted a thorough search and can't locate your car keys, the next step is to call your dealership. Dealerships know your vehicle and can supply you with keys to replace. However, they're usually full and cannot accommodate people at short notice, which could make the process frustrating.

If you can contact your dealership they'll be able create an original key for you using the VIN number on the file. They can also reprogram the immobilizer device that's required to start your car. Locksmiths are a good option for those who want a fast and reliable solution that doesn't require you to wait at the dealership.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

It wasn't that long ago that losing car keys was not a big issue. You could call a locksmith to travel to your place of residence and duplicate your keys for a reasonable fee. But as cars have gotten more technologically advanced, so have keys, and they're more expensive to replace than ever before.

Based on the type of vehicle and the year The process for replacing keys for a car that have been lost can require several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars. It's always a smart idea to keep an extra set of car keys in your possession. This is especially true in the case of a dangerous area or in a place with an abundance of theft.

While it might seem like it's a waste of time to call your insurance company, calling them can save you money in the long run. Some policies will cover the cost of a brand new car key, so be sure to speak with your insurance agent prior to losing a key and you find yourself in need.

Another thing to think about is whether your insurance policy offers roadside assistance. If it does, the insurance company could 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 search thoroughly for your keys. If you believe they're in the car, try looking in the trunk and under the seat. Check the pockets of your clothing and other places where you may have gotten used to placing them. You should also check the areas where you might have left them, like your purse or desk.

If you've managed to locate the keys to your car it's a good idea to call your dealer to have them replaced. This is usually not a problem, and it's cheaper than calling a locksmith or going to the insurance company.

Ask the dealer to make an extra key for you, particularly if your car doesn't have an remote. The dealership will usually be able to duplicate an extra key for you without having to change anything else in your vehicle. If you choose to do this, be sure you keep the spare key in a secure and safe place so that you can locate it the next time you lose it.

4. Call the Police

Not only does the act of reporting your lost car keys to police help you find the keys however, it can also help protect you from thieves. If a person drives your car on public streets or on private property without permission, the driver could be penalized. You can protect yourself by reporting your keys stolen before someone else steals your vehicle. This will leave a paper trail that shows when and who reported the theft.

It's not uncommon to lose keys to your car, but it does not need to be a disaster. You can obtain a replacement car key quickly and easily if you make contact with the right people. You can also prevent any future key loss by following the suggestions given in this article.

Retrace your steps. This will give you a clear idea of where your keys might have been lost and will help you remember what you were doing at the time. If you were driving to work, then stopped at a restaurant in order to take a bite and drinks, you might remember that keys were in your pocket as you left the vehicle. If you cannot find your key, you could have left it in the bag that you used to carry around things or at the table that you ate at.

Another option is to publish your most important loss online. This will reach a large audience and increase your chances of finding it. You can also contact local businesses as well as other community bulletin boards.

Before you begin searching for your keys, you need to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is needed to replace your keys, which is why you should keep it secure. You can usually find the VIN on your driver's license, but it may also appear on your insurance card or in the owner's manual for your vehicle.

Contact the police after you've exhausted your other options. They'll be capable of providing you with temporary replacements for your vehicle, and they can also prepare a police report that could be useful if the keys are ever found.

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