Car keys are quite a bit more expensive than replacing the average house key. In fact, many keys for newer makes and models may be configured for your specific vehicle, which means that if you lose them, you're almost guaranteed to be off the road for a few days. If you drive an imported car, expect to add even more money to the bottom line and a longer delay as well. Regardless, there are some useful tips you should keep in mind if you're looking to prevent the unexpected expense of lost car keys from derailing your budget. Take a look at just three of them below.

Keep a Master Key Handy

Ideally, losing a set of car keys shouldn't matter at all. Most dealerships give you two sets of keys when you purchase or lease a vehicle, so don't wait to put one of them in a safe place with easy access. This way, there won't be any delay in getting back on the road in the event that you lose a set of keys.

Contact a Locksmith

Dealerships make money off more than just sales of cars and trucks. Much of their revenue comes from other services they offer, including the replacement of car keys. And while they will almost certainly deliver you a fine set of replacement keys, that doesn't mean that there aren't more affordable alternatives you should investigate. Instead of calling the dealership right away, contact a local locksmith who has experience cutting car keys. Many locksmiths can cut replacement keys for just about every make and model. Furthermore, most locksmiths are more than willing to come to you and perform their services where necessary, instead of forcing you to get your vehicle to their place of business. All of this means that having your keys replaced by a locksmith, like One Call Lock & Key, instead of a dealership is an attractive option that nearly every car owner should consider.

Review Your Insurance Policy

Many people assume that their car insurance policy won't cover the cost of replacement keys, but in many cases, this isn't true. If your keys are lost or stolen, contact your insurance company and verify that your policy has you covered. You may even be pleasantly surprised to learn that your insurance company will cover the cost of renting a car for a few days while you wait for a new set of keys to be cut.