How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things can get lost in the rush of getting kids to and from school, completing errands and working. Car keys are among of the most commonly lost items.
In the past, this was not an issue because you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. Nowadays, that is not as simple.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person to contact if you lose your key. The majority of car dealers have a record for every key made for their vehicles, so they will be able to locate your key. It can be costly to visit a dealer and you should shop around. You may be able to locate a lower cost option through a locksmith for cars.
It is likely that you will need to provide the dealership with your vehicle identification number or VIN, and proof of ownership (such as a copy of registration or title) to get an alternative key. The dealership will then purchase a new key and pair it with your vehicle. This could be a long process, and you will be waiting for the dealer to complete the task.
Smart keys are a kind of key that is used in a lot of automobiles in the present. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, allowing for keyless entry and start. They are usually used with push-to-start ignitions. You can purchase a brand new smart key from a dealership, but the cost is quite high. Local auto locksmiths can give you a smart lock at only a fraction of the cost.
You can also purchase a classic key replacement from a local hardware store. They can make you an ordinary key that will fit the lock cylinder in your car. They'll need to know the year of manufacture of your car and also the VIN. If you are unable to locate the VIN it's usually printed on a metal plate found on the driver's doorpost or dashboard. Even if you do not have the original, many locksmiths in the automotive industry can offer an alternate car key. In some instances they may have to remove the door and ignition to accomplish this. This is not a dangerous job for a professional, but it will require some mechanical skills and knowledge.
2. Contact a Locksmith
The most frequent reason for seeking roadside assistance is when you've lost your car keys. Keep an extra car key with you and store it in a safe place. However, even the most careful people can lose their car keys. You should check for the car key and inform your insurance company immediately if you spot it. This will decrease the chances of your claim being denied in the event that your key is stolen.
If you don't have an extra key, the next best option is to contact the locksmith. A locksmith can generally provide a replacement key for less than the dealership will cost. They can also usually visit your location and create the key right there, which is much more efficient than having to take your vehicle back to the dealership.
The kind of car key you are using can impact the cost to replace it. Traditional keys are able to be replaced at the majority of hardware stores for around $10 each, are the most affordable. If your car is equipped with a key fob that can be used as a remote to lock and start the vehicle or a smart-key, which can only by replaced at a dealership, the cost of these keys is typically higher than the traditional one.
In the majority of instances, an auto locksmith can replace a key fob or smart key as long as they can get the VIN number for your vehicle that is usually found on a metal plate on the driver's side doorpost, or stamped into the windshield of your vehicle. They will need evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so be sure to do your research prior to hiring them. replacing lost car keys can locate reputable auto locksmiths by looking online or asking your family and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using an unlicensed key to start your vehicle could cause a breach of warranty. Unauthorized keys can cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you don't want to take this risk you should consider to call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith and wait for your replacement key from the dealer.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
One of the most dangerous things you can do when you lose your car keys is to panic. The first thing you should do is to take your breath and try to think about the situation. It is more likely you misplaced your keys than they were stolen. The next step is to trace your steps and try to determine the location where they were lost. It may help to look around in places that you don't normally look, such as pockets in your pants or coat, or in a bag you carry around when running. After you've looked in these places you must contact your insurance company.
The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that communicate with your vehicle via chip. This allows the car to recognize the key fob, and then open the doors, and start the engine. If you lose your key, it's important to report this immediately to ensure that people who are not authorized don't get into your car and use it.
Certain insurance companies provide an extra benefit to their policy that covers the cost of a replacement car key. Check with your insurance company to determine if this kind of coverage is available or if a locksmith can cover the cost.
If your car uses a standard mechanical key, you can replace it at any hardware store for a small fee. However, if your car is equipped with an electronic key fob, which is paired with your car through the chip, you'll have to go to your dealership for a replacement. replace lost car key can be costly, but it's much cheaper than hiring a locksmith.
In the event of filing an insurance claim due to a car key that was stolen can increase your insurance premiums. This is because the insurance company will view you as high-risk driver for loosing your car key, and may raise your premiums to cover the cost of settling the claim. You can cut down on these additional cost by buying a tracking device that will locate your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to create an original key without copying the previous key.
4. Contact a Tow truck
Nobody wants to lose their car keys. It's the most embarrassing thing that can happen. But if it does it could be costly to replace the lost key and get you back on the road. It's important to be prepared so that you don't have to call a tow-truck and can keep your money.
If you've lost your car keys, the very first thing to do is retrace your steps. This will help you find them and calm your panic. You might recall doing something in the grocery store or putting your keys on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you determine where you should start.
If you can't find your keys, look around where they might be, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing or the bag you put them in when you came home. If you can't find them, take some time to relax, and then call a locksmith or a tow truck.
Another option is to make use of the bluetooth key tracker app on your phone. These are small devices that can attach to a keyring and an app on your smartphone will display the whereabouts of your keys.
The cost of replacing a lost car key may vary dependent on the type of key that you own. If you have a traditional key an automotive locksmith will generally make a new key immediately without the original one, which will save you some money. If you have an electronic key that relies on proximity sensors to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll need to go to the dealership to get a replacement.
It is essential to have a plan in place for when you lose your car keys, so that you will not have the hassle of having to pay for a tow truck or a locksmith. It's easy for you to forget your car keys when you're exhausted after a long day, or when your attention is focused distracted by other things. But by following these tips to ensure that your keys won't vanish forever, and you have a backup plan for when they do.