How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things can get lost in the rush of getting kids to and from school, completing errands and working. Our car keys are one of the most commonly lost items.
In the past, you could easily replace this at your local locksmith or hardware store. This isn't the situation any more.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
If you lose your car key The first person you should contact is your car dealer. Most dealers keep a record of each key designed for their vehicles, making it easy for them to track down your keys. It's expensive to visit a dealer and you should look around. You may be able to find a cheaper solution through an auto locksmith.
In the majority of instances, you'll have to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership, like an original title or registration, to obtain a replacement key from the dealership. The dealership will then order a new key and pair it with your vehicle. The dealer will have to complete this lengthy procedure.
Smart keys are a form of key that is used in many cars today. These keys are designed for a proximity sensor that can be activated inside the car, which allows keyless entry and start. 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 cost is quite expensive. A local auto locksmith can design a smart key for you for a fraction of what you'd buy from the dealership.
You can also purchase a replacement for your classic key at your local hardware store. They can design an ordinary lock cylinder key. They'll need the year of manufacture of your vehicle and the VIN. If you are unable to locate the VIN on your car, it will be stamped on a metal plaque that is placed on the dashboard or driver's doorpost. Most automotive locksmiths will be able to provide you with the replacement for your car key, even if you don't have the original. In certain instances the locksmith may need to disassemble the ignition and door locks in order to do this. This is not a dangerous job for a professional, however it requires some mechanical skills and knowledge.
2. Call a Locksmith
The most frequent reason for roadside assistance is that you have lost your car keys. Keep an extra car key in your bag and store it in a safe place. Even the most careful people can lose their keys. It is important to look for the car keys and notify your insurance company immediately if you find it. This will reduce the chances of your claim being rejected later if your key is found stolen.
Contacting a locksmith is the best option in the event that you don't have an extra key. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a replacement key for less than the dealership would cost. They can also come to your location to create the key right there, which is more convenient than having your car brought back to the dealer.
The type of car key you have can affect the cost of replacing it. The most affordable keys are traditional keys that can be bought at many hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your vehicle is equipped with a key fob that can be used as a remote to unlock and start the vehicle, or a smart-key, which is only able to be replaced at a dealership, the cost of these keys will be more expensive than the standard one.
In the majority of instances, an automotive locksmith will be able to replace the key fob or smart key if they have the VIN number of your vehicle it is usually located on a metal plaque on your driver's side doorpost or etched into the windshield of the vehicle. They will need evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
Always do your homework prior to hiring locksmith. You can find qualified auto locksmiths by looking online or asking your family and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using a fake key to start your vehicle could cause a breach of warranty. replacing lost car keys can cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you do not want to risk it, it is best to contact roadside assistance instead of a car locksmith and wait until the dealer delivers a new key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
One of the worst things you can do when you lose your car keys is to panic. Take a deep breath, and then try to think about your situation. It is likely that you lost your keys because you misplaced them, instead of having them stolen. So, the next step is to trace your steps and try to determine where they disappeared. You might want to check places that you wouldn't normally look at like the pockets of your pants or bag or coat you carry to run in. After you've inspected all these places it's a good idea call your insurance company.
Modern cars come with electronic keys that communicate through chips with the car. This communication lets the car recognize the key fob and open the doors, and start the engine. If you lose your key, it's important to notify the police immediately so that unauthorized people can't enter your car and use it.
Certain car insurance companies offer an insurance add-on that covers the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. It's worth talking to your insurance company to find out whether they provide this kind of coverage or if they can locate an individual locksmith that will cover the cost.
If your car uses a standard mechanical key, you can typically get it replaced at a variety of hardware stores for a nominal cost. However, if your vehicle is equipped with an electronic key fob that is connected to your car via the chip, you'll need to visit your dealer to request an upgrade. This can be costly, but it's much more cost-effective than hiring locksmith.
In addition to the cost of replacing your car keys and filing an insurance claim for the loss of a key could cause your car insurance rates to increase. Your insurance company could raise your premiums due to the fact that they'll consider you to be a high-risk motorist for losing your key. You can avoid these extra costs by purchasing a device that tracks your lost key to track your lost keys or having a professional locksmith create an original key without copying the old one.
4. Contact for a Tow Truck
It's the most frustrating thing to lose your car keys and no one wants to see it happen. However, if it does happen it can be expensive to replace the key that was lost and get back on the road. That's why it's best to be prepared for when it happens, so that you won't need to call an tow truck and keep your cash in your wallet.
Retrace your steps in case you've lost your keys. This will help you figure out exactly where they are and aid in calming your panic. Try to remember what you did prior to losing your keys, like picking up something from the grocery store or dropping them on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you find your place of origin.
If you're 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 when you came home. If you can't find them, take a few minutes to relax before calling a locksmith or a tow truck.
Another option is to use an bluetooth key tracker on your phone. These are small devices that can attach to a keyring, and an app for your smartphone will display the whereabouts of your keys.
The cost of replacing a lost car key may vary depending on the type of key you have. It is cheaper when you use a traditional car key. An automotive locksmith is usually in a position to create a new key immediately, and without the original. But if you have a smart key that uses the proximity sensor to open the door or start the engine, you'll need go to the dealer to purchase a new one.
You must have a plan in case you lose your keys. This will help you avoid the hassle of paying for a tow-truck or locksmith. It's easy to lose your car keys when you're exhausted after a long day or when your mind is distracted by other things. By following these tips you can ensure that your keys won't disappear forever, and you'll have a back-up plan in case they happen to disappear.