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How to Replace Lost Car Keys Losing car keys is a major headache. In the past, it wasn't a big problem, but it's now becoming more complicated as cars get technologically advanced. You can lose your keys when you accidentally knock them off the table while reaching into your pocket to grab something else. You can avoid such situations by keeping a spare key in your home. 1. Call a Locksmith Losing your car keys can be an enormous inconvenience. It's not a reason to panic. If you know what to do and who to contact, getting your car keys changed should be a matter of a few steps. One of the first things you have to do is try and go back to where you started. This may sound like a straightforward step, but sometimes it can be difficult to do when you're in a rush or are already panicking over the loss of keys to your car. Be sure to inspect all pockets and bags where you might have set them down, as well as the surrounding area around your vehicle. If you haven't been able to find your car keys, you need to contact an locksmith. Locksmiths can usually make keys for your car quicker than a dealership. Plus, they can usually accomplish this for much cheaper than the dealership will charge you. Some dealerships can make replacement car keys as well but they might not be able to do it immediately or even at all. There are many dealerships that have a high volume of clients which means they may not be able to help you immediately. They may also not be able to create a exact copy of your existing key. You can also purchase an online replacement key. You can find them on Amazon and other places for a lot less than what you'd pay at a dealer, however, they might not be able to cut or program them to your specific car model. Certain insurance policies cover the cost to replace a lost or stolen vehicle key. It's worth checking whether you have insurance that will cover the cost of obtaining an additional key for your vehicle. Remember that you'll be required to provide proof of ownership and proof of identity to the individual or company who is responsible for the creation of the replacement key. This is required by the law. If you're not able to provide proof of ownership, it could be a very expensive experience. 2. Contact the Dealership In the past, misplacing – or even losing your car keys wasn't an issue. It was easy to get an alternative key at the dealership and it wasn't too much to do so. However, this is no longer the case since cars are more sophisticated and keys are more expensive. If you have lost your keys today, it's not uncommon to spend several hundred dollars to have them replaced. You need to act calmly when you've lost your car keys. This will help you think clearly and make a good decision. It is also important to ensure that you have a backup set keys somewhere else, such as in your pocket or the trunk of your car in case you lose the original keys they won't cost you any money at all. Make sure to check whether your insurance or warranty covers the cost of a replacement key. This could save you money in an emergency. The next step is to do a thorough search of your car, home and your purse or wallet to find keys that have gone missing. You may try to retrace your steps, keeping track of where you last saw them and where you were when you lost them. This can help you find out where they are, which is a huge relief. If you've completed an exhaustive search but are unable to locate your car keys, the next option is to contact your dealer. Dealerships know the vehicle they are servicing and can give you keys to replace. They're often busy and can't accommodate people who have a short notice. This can make the process frustrating. If you are able to get a hold of your dealer they'll be able create a new key for you using the VIN number that is on file. They can also reprogram the immobilizer system that is required to start your vehicle. Locksmiths are an excellent choice for those who want a fast and reliable solution that doesn't require you to wait at the dealership. 3. Call Your Insurance Company In the past losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. Locksmiths could come to your home and duplicate your keys at an affordable price. However, as cars have become more technologically advanced, so have keys, and they're more expensive to replace than ever. Based on the type of vehicle and the year, the process for replacing the car key that was lost could take a few steps and cost you hundreds of dollars. That's why it's always recommended to keep an extra set of keys in hand, especially if you reside in a dangerous area or a place where theft is common. Although it might seem like it's a waste of time to contact your insurance company, doing so can save you money in the long run. Some policies will cover the cost of a 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 consider is whether your insurance policy provides roadside assistance. If you have roadside assistance, a person might be able to help you. This is less stressful than dealing with a dealer or locksmith. Before you call your insurance company, make sure to thoroughly search for your keys. If you believe they are in the car, search under 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 you might have a habit of putting them. Check any places where you might have left them. For instance, in your purse or in a messy office. Contact your dealer to replace the keys once you've attempted to find them. In most cases this shouldn't be a problem, and it is much less expensive than hiring a locksmith, or going through the insurance company. Ask the dealer to make an extra key for you, particularly in the event that your car doesn't have an remote. The dealership will usually be able to duplicate an additional key for you without needing to change anything else in your car. If you decide to do this, make sure to keep the key in a location that is secure and safe to ensure you can locate it if you lose it. 4. Contact the police Reporting your lost car keys will help you locate the keys and keep you safe. If keys lost for car drives your car on public streets or private property without permission, the individual could be charged with a fine. You can protect yourself by reporting your keys stolen prior to someone stealing your vehicle. This leaves a trace on paper that reveals when and who reported the theft. It's not uncommon to lose your car keys, but it does not need to be a disaster. If you contact the right people, you'll be able to get the replacement key fast and easily. If you follow the tips in this article, you'll even be able to avoid any future key loss! Follow your steps. This will give you a clear idea of where your keys might have gone missing and will aid in remembering what you were doing at the time. For example, if you were returning home from work and then went to eat at an eatery, you might be able to recall that keys were in your pocket when you left the car. If you can't find your keys, it could be in the bag you carried things around or on the table at which you sat down to eat. Posting your key online is a great idea. This increases the chances of finding the culprit by reaching a larger audience. You can also look up local businesses and community bulletin boards. Before you begin searching for your keys, be sure to note down the VIN number of your vehicle. You'll require this information to replace your keys therefore it's essential to keep it in a safe place. It's common to 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. Contact the police when you've exhausted all other options. You can obtain an interim replacement vehicle from the police department, and they will also file a report which is useful if your keys are ever found.