How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things can get lost in the chaos of getting children to and from school, running errands and working. One of the most frequent items that disappears is our keys to our cars.
In the past, this wasn't an issue because you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. However, this isn't the situation anymore.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person you should contact if you lose your key. The majority of car dealers have a record for every key made for their vehicles, which means they will be able to locate your key. It is expensive to visit a dealer, so you should research. You may be able get a lower price through an automotive locksmith.
In most cases, you will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and evidence of ownership, like a copy of your title or registration, to obtain a replacement key from the dealership. The dealership will then order the new key and then pair it with your vehicle. The dealer must complete this lengthy process.
A lot of cars today have the special kind of key called a smart key. These keys are designed to use a proximity sensor that can be activated inside the car, allowing keyless entry and starting. These keys are often paired with ignitions that require a push-to-start. You can purchase a brand new smart key at the dealership, but the price is quite high. Local auto locksmiths can make you a smart key for a fraction of the cost.
You can also get a traditional key replacement from your local hardware store. They will be able to make a standard key that is compatible with the lock cylinder in your car. They will need to know the model year of your car and the VIN. If you are unable to locate the VIN on your vehicle it will be engraved on a plaque made of metal that is located on the dashboard or doorpost. Even if you don't have the original, most locksmiths for automotive can provide you with an alternative car key. In certain instances the locksmith might need to take apart the door lock and ignition in order to complete the task. It's not a risky job, but it does require some mechanical knowledge.
2. Contact a locksmith
The most common reason for requesting roadside assistance is because you've lost your car keys. It's essential to keep a spare key with your person and ensure that you keep it in a safe place. However even the most vigilant people may lose their car keys. You should check for the car keys and notify your insurance company immediately if you find it. This will decrease the likelihood of your claim being denied if your key is found stolen.
If you don't have an extra key, the next best option is to call an locksmith. Locksmiths are usually able to offer a replacement key for less than the dealership would cost. They can also visit your home to make keys right there, which is more convenient than having your vehicle brought back to the dealer.
The type of car key you have can affect the cost to replace it. The most affordable keys are the standard keys that are available at the majority of hardware stores. They are priced at around $10 per key. If your car comes with an ignition key that can be used as a remote to unlock and start the vehicle, or a smart-key that can only by replaced at an auto dealer, the cost of these keys is typically more expensive than the standard one.
In the majority of cases, an automotive locksmith will be able to replace a key fob or smart key if they have the VIN number for your car it is usually located on a metal plate that is placed on the driver's side doorpost, or stamped into the windshield of your vehicle. They will also need proof that you own the car and have the registration or title.
Always do your research before hiring locksmith. You can locate reputable auto locksmiths by searching online or asking family and friends for suggestions. Also, be aware that using unauthorized keys to start your car could cause a violation of your vehicle's warranty. Using unauthorized key may also cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you do not wish to take this risk you should contact roadside assistance instead of a locksmith for your car and wait until your dealer delivers a new key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
One of the worst things you could do when you lose your car key is to panic. Take a deep breath and then try to think about your situation. It is more likely you lost your keys than they were stolen. The next step is to go back through the steps you followed and try to determine the location where your keys went missing. It might help to look in places you don't normally look, such as pockets in your coat or pants or in a bag you use when you run. After you've inspected these areas you must contact your insurance company.
The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic keys which communicate with your vehicle via a chip. This allows the vehicle to recognize and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. It's important that you immediately report the loss of your keys immediately to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing your vehicle.
Some insurance companies offer an extra benefit to their policy that will cover the cost of replacing a key for your car. It's worth checking with your insurance provider to see whether they have this type of coverage or if you can find an individual locksmith that can cover the cost.
If your car uses a standard mechanical key, you'll be able to have it replaced at any hardware store for a small fee. If your car uses an electronic key that is paired to your vehicle via the chip, then you will have to visit the dealership to get a replacement. It can be costly however it's much cheaper than hiring a professional locksmith.
In addition to the expense of replacing your car keys and filing an insurance claim to replace a lost key can cause your car insurance rates to rise. This is because your insurance provider will consider you an extremely risky driver for the loss of your car keys and could increase your premiums in order to offset the cost of settling a claims claim. You can reduce these cost by buying a device that tracks your lost key to locate your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to design an original key without copying the previous one.
4. Contact a Tow truck
It's the most frustrating thing to lose your car keys, and no one wants it to happen. If it happens, it can be expensive to replace keys and get back on the road. This is why it's important to be prepared for when it happens, so you don't have to call an tow truck and keep your money in your wallet.
Find your way back in case you've lost your keys. This can help you determine where they are and can help you calm your anxiety. You may remember doing something in the grocery store or dropping your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you find your starting point.
If you cannot find your keys, search in places where you could have placed them, like the pockets of the clothing you were wearing, or in the bag you used to transport them to home. If you're unable to locate them, take a few minutes to relax, and then call a locksmith or tow truck.
Another alternative is to utilize the bluetooth key tracker app on your phone. These are tiny devices you can attach to your keyring and use an app installed on your phone that can reveal where your keys are so you don't have to go through every drawer or pocket in your house.
The cost to replace a lost car key can vary depending on what kind of key you own. lost car keys is cheaper if you have an old-fashioned car key. An automotive locksmith is usually able to make a replacement on the spot, without the original. If you have a smart-key that uses proximity sensors to open the doors or start the engine of your vehicle then you'll need to visit the dealership to get a replacement.
It is important to have a plan in place for the event that you lose your keys. This will spare you the hassle of having to pay for a tow-truck or locksmith. When you're stressed or distracted, it's easy to lose your car keys. If you follow these steps, you can ensure that your keys won't disappear forever, and you'll have backup plans in case they do.