The Happy Scrapper

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

Losing car keys is a major headache. It wasn’t that long ago, this wasn’t a huge deal but it’s getting more complicated as cars get technologically advanced.

Most of the time, you lose your keys because you’ve reached into your pocket to find something else and accidentally knocked them off somewhere. You can prevent this from happening by keeping a spare key in your home.

1. Call for a locksmith

There’s no denying that losing your car keys could be a major hassle. But, there’s also no need to be in a panic. As long as you know who to call and what to do it will only take a few steps to get your keys replaced in your car.

Try to go back the steps you took. It may seem obvious, but it can be difficult to accomplish if you are stressed or worried about losing your car keys. Examine all pockets, bags and the space around your vehicle.

If you’ve been unable to find your car keys, you need to call locksmith. Typically, locksmiths will be in a position to make a new key for your car much faster than a dealership. They can also do it for less than the dealership would charge.

Some dealerships are able to create replacement keys, however they may not be able do so in the immediate future or at any time. There are many dealerships that receive an abundance of customers which means they may not be able accommodate you right away. Additionally, they might not be able create an exact copy of your current key.

You can also purchase an online replacement key. You can find these on Amazon and other sites at a much lower cost than what you would buy from a dealer, however, they might not be able to cut or program them to your specific model of car.

Certain insurance policies also cover the cost of replacing a lost or stolen car key. It’s a good idea to check your insurance policy to determine if it will cover the cost of replacing a car key. Remember that you’ll need to provide proof of ownership to the person or company who creates your replacement key. This is required by the law. If you’re not able to prove ownership, it can be quite costly.

2. Call the Dealership

It wasn’t that long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. It was easy to get keys replacements at the dealership and it didn’t cost too much to get it done. However, this is no longer the case as cars are more advanced and keys are more expensive. If you lose your keys today it’s not uncommon to pay several hundred dollars to have them replaced.

If you’ve lost your car keys first thing you should do is be calm. This will help you think clearly and make a good decision. Also, make sure that you have a backup set keys somewhere else, such as in your pocket or the trunk of your car so that if you do lose the originals, you won’t be out any money at all. You should also check to find out if the replacement key is covered under your warranty or insurance for your car, which can help you save some cash in the event of a need.

Then, look in your car, your home, your purse, or your wallet for keys missing. You can also try to retrace your steps, remembering the last place you had keys and where you were when you lost them. This could help you determine the location they went to, which can be an immense relief.

Call your dealership if you haven’t been able to find your keys after a thorough search. Dealerships are familiar with the vehicle they are servicing and can give you keys to replace. However, they’re often full and cannot accommodate people with short notice, which could make the process difficult.

If you are able to contact your dealer they’ll be able create a new key for you based on the VIN number on file. They can also modify your immobilizer system that is needed to start your car. If you’re looking for an efficient, quick 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 keys to your car was not a problem. You could get a locksmith to drive to your location and duplicate your key at a reasonable cost. As automobiles have become more technologically advanced, the keys are also becoming more expensive.

Depending on your vehicle type and year replacing a lost or damaged key can be a lengthy process and cost hundreds of dollars. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have an extra set of keys in hand, especially if you reside in a neighborhood that is dangerous or in a location where theft is common.

It might seem like a waste to call your insurance provider, but it can save you money in the long run. Contact your agent to see if you can get an alternative car key that is that is covered by your policy.

Another thing to consider is whether your insurance policy provides roadside assistance. If it does, the service might send someone out to assist you with your situation and it could be less stressful than dealing with a locksmith or a dealership.

Before calling your insurance company, be sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you believe they’re in the car, try looking in the trunk and under the seat. If you’re at home, look in the pockets of the clothes you were wearing and in other places where you may have a habit of placing them. You should also double-check the areas where you might have left them, such as your purse or a desk that is cluttered.

Call your dealer to replace the keys once you’ve tried to find them. This isn’t an issue and is cheaper than calling an locksmith or calling the insurance company.

When you visit the dealership it is possible to ask about having a spare key made, especially if you don’t have a key fob. In most cases, your dealership can clone an extra key for you, without altering anything else in your car. If you do this, make sure you keep the key in a secure and safe location so that you can locate it the when you lose it.

4. Call the Police

Reporting your lost car keys will help you locate the keys and keep you safe. If someone steals your car without permission, they may be subject to fines if they drive it on public roads or private property. If you report the keys missing before the person makes off with your car, you’ll know that you have an official paper trail of when it was missing and who reported it.

Losing car keys is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to be a major issue. You can get a replacement car key quickly and easily if you call the right people. You can also prevent the possibility of losing keys in the future by following the guidelines provided in this article.

First, try to retrace your steps. This will give you a good idea of where the key might have been lost and will aid in remembering 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 the car. If you cannot find your key, you might have left it in the bag you carried around with things or on the table you ate at.

Posting your lost key online is a good idea. This will increase the likelihood of finding the key by reaching a larger audience. You can also check local businesses and bulletin boards for community groups.

Before you start looking for your keys, you need to write down the VIN number of your vehicle. This information is needed to replace your keys, therefore you must keep it in a safe place. The VIN is typically found on your driver’s license, but it’s also on your insurance card and in your car’s owner’s manual.

After you’ve exhausted all other options then it’s time to call the police. They’ll be in a position to provide you with a temporary replacement for your car and also prepare a police report that could help in the event that keys are discovered.