How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things can get lost in the rush of bringing children to and from school, completing errands and working. Car keys are one of the most commonly lost items.
In the past, you could easily replace this at the local locksmith or hardware store. This is not the situation any more.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
If you've lost your car key The first place you should contact is your car dealer. Most dealers keep a record of each key made for their vehicles therefore it should be simple for them to find your keys. It is expensive to visit a dealer and therefore, you should look around. You may be able to find a cheaper solution through an auto locksmith.
You will most likely need to give the dealership your vehicle identification number or VIN, as well as proof of ownership (such as a copy registration or title) to obtain a replacement key. The dealership will request the replacement key and attach it to your vehicle. This could be a long process, and you will need to wait for the dealer to finish the job.
Many cars today are equipped with a special type of key known as a smart keys. They are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, allowing for keyless entry and start. They are typically used in conjunction with push-to-start ignitions. The dealer can sell you a smart key but it is expensive. A local auto locksmith can create a smart key for you at a fraction of what you'd pay at the dealership.
You can also get a traditional key replacement from your local hardware store. They can design the standard lock cylinder keys. They'll need to know the model year of your vehicle, as well as the VIN. If you can't locate the VIN it's usually stamped on a metal plaque found on the driver's doorpost or the dashboard. Most automotive locksmiths can offer a car key replacement, even if you don't have the original. However, in some cases they may have to take apart the door lock and ignition in order to do this. It's not a risky job, but it does require some knowledge of mechanics.
2. Contact a Locksmith
Misplacing your car keys is among of the most common causes for roadside assistance and callouts. It's essential to keep a spare key with your person and ensure that you keep it in a safe place. Even the most careful people may lose their keys. You should look for the car key and notify your insurance company immediately if you spot it. This will decrease the chances of your claim being denied later should your key be found stolen.
If you don't have a spare key, the next best option is to contact the locksmith. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a key replacement for less than what a dealership would charge. They can also usually visit your location and make the key on the spot and is more efficient than having to take your vehicle back to the dealership.
The cost of replacing your car key can vary depending on the kind of key you own. Keys that are traditional, which can be replaced at the majority of hardware stores for around $10 each they are the least expensive. If your vehicle is equipped with keys that can be used as a remote for unlocking and start the vehicle, or a smart-key that is only able to be replaced at an auto dealer, the cost of these keys will be more expensive than traditional keys.
In the majority of instances, an auto locksmith can replace a key fob or smart key as long as they have the VIN number for your vehicle that is usually found on a metal plate that is placed on your driver's side doorpost or etched into the windshield of the vehicle. They will also need evidence that you own the car and have the registration or title.
Always do your homework prior to hiring a locksmith. You can find qualified auto locksmiths by searching online or asking family and friends for recommendations. Be lost car key replacement that using an unlicensed key to start your vehicle could result in a breach of warranty. The use of a key that is not authentic could cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you do not wish to risk it then contact roadside assistance instead of a car locksmith and wait until the dealer delivers a new key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Panic is among the most negative reactions you can be experiencing when you lose your keys. The first step is to take an inhale and try to understand the situation. Most likely, you lost your keys because you misplaced them instead of them being stolen. The next step is to retrace the steps you took and attempt to find out the place where your keys went missing. You may want to look in places that you wouldn't normally look at such as the pockets of your pants, bags or coats that you use to run in. After you've inspected all these places, it's a good idea to contact your insurance company.
Modern cars come with electronic keys that communicate through chips with the car. This allows the car to recognize the key fob, and then open the doors, and also start the engine. If you lose your keys It is crucial to notify the police immediately to ensure that anyone who isn't authorized can't enter your car and use it.
Certain insurance companies provide an additional benefit to their policies that will cover the cost of replacing a car key. It is worth contacting your insurance provider to see whether they provide this kind of protection or if you can find an individual locksmith that will pay for the cost.
If your car uses an ordinary mechanical key, you can typically get it replaced at any hardware store for a nominal cost. If, however, your car is equipped with an electronic key fob, which is connected to your car via the chip, you'll have to visit your dealer to get a replacement. It can be costly, but it's much cheaper than hiring locksmith.
In addition to the cost of replacing your car key, filing an insurance claim for the loss of a key can cause your car insurance rates to rise. This is because your insurance company will consider you to be an extremely risky driver for the loss of your car keys and could increase your premiums to cover the cost of making the claim. You can reduce these costs by purchasing a tracking device that will locate your lost key or having a professional locksmith create keys without copying the original key.
4. Call a tow truck
It's one of the most difficult things to lose your car keys and nobody would want to experience this. If it happens it could cost a lot to replace keys and get back on the road. It is important to be prepared so that you don't have to call a tow-truck and save your money.
When you've lost your car keys, the very first thing to do is retrace your steps. This will help you find the keys and calm your panic. You might recall doing something at the grocery store or dropping your keys on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you find your place of origin.
If you are unable to locate your keys, check places where they might be like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing or the bag you put them in after you returned home. If you can't locate them, take some time to relax and then call a locksmith or a tow truck.
Another option is to make use of a bluetooth key tracker on your phone. These are tiny devices that you can attach to a keyring, and an app on your phone will provide you with the location of your keys.
The cost of replacing lost car key can be a bit expensive depending on the type of key you have. You could save money when you use a traditional car key. A locksmith for automotive will typically be able to make a replacement immediately, and without the original. But if you have a smart key that uses proximity sensors to open the door or start the engine, you'll have to go to the dealership to get a replacement.
It is important to have a plan for when you lose your keys. This will help you avoid the hassle of paying for the tow-truck or locksmith. When you're stressed or distracted, it's not difficult to lose your keys to your car. By following these tips you can make sure that your keys don't disappear forever, and you'll have an alternative plan in case they happen to disappear.