How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things are often lost in the hustle of getting children to and from school, completing errands and working. One of the most common items that go missing is our keys to our car.
In the past, this wasn't a big deal because you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. This isn't the situation anymore.
1. Call Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person you should contact in case you lose your key. The majority of car dealers keep a log of each key made for their vehicles so it should be easy for them to find your key. The disadvantage is that visiting the dealership can be costly so it's crucial to shop around. You may be able to get a cheaper option through an auto locksmith.
You'll likely have to give the dealership 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 order the new key and then pair it with your vehicle. The dealer will have to complete this lengthy procedure.
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 inside the vehicle, allowing for keyless entry and start. These keys are typically used with ignitions that require a push to start. You can purchase a new smart key at the dealership, but the price is quite expensive. A local auto locksmith can design an intelligent key for you for about half the cost of what you'd pay at the dealership.
You can also get a replacement for your key with a new one at the local hardware store. They can create a standard key that is compatible with your vehicle's lock cylinder. They will require the VIN and the year of manufacture. If you cannot locate the VIN on your vehicle it will be stamped on a metal plaque that is placed on the dashboard or the driver's doorpost. Even if you don't have the original, many automotive locksmiths can provide you with a replacement car key. In some instances, the locksmith may have to take apart the ignition and door locks to accomplish this. It is not a dangerous task, but it requires some technical knowledge.
2. Contact a locksmith
The most common reason for seeking roadside assistance is that you have lost your car keys. Keep a spare car key with you and keep it safe. Even the most careful of people can lose their keys. You should look for the car key and notify your insurance company immediately if you discover it. This will decrease the likelihood of your claim being rejected later if your key is found stolen.
If you don't have an extra key, the next best option is to contact the locksmith. Locksmiths usually can offer a replacement key for less than what a dealership would cost. They are also able to visit your location and create the key on the spot which is more convenient than having to bring your vehicle back to the dealership.
The cost of replacing your car key will vary based on the kind of key you own. Keys that are traditional are able to be replaced at the majority of hardware stores for around $10 each they are the least expensive. If your car is equipped with a key fob, which functions as a remote and allows you to open and start the engine, or a smart key that can only be replaced by a dealership, these keys will usually cost more than a traditional key.
In most instances, an automotive locksmith will be able to replace a key fob or smart key as long as 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 the vehicle. They will also require evidence that you own the car and have the registration or title.
It is essential to do your research before hiring locksmith. You can find reputable auto locksmiths by searching online or asking your family and friends for recommendations. Also, be aware that using unauthorized keys to start the car can cause a breach of the warranty on your vehicle. The use of keys that are not authorized could cause damage to your car's lock. If you do not want to take this risk, it is best to call roadside help instead of a locksmith for cars 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. The first thing you should do is to take an inhale and try to understand the situation. It is likely that you lost your keys because you misplaced them, instead of having them taken. So, the next step is to retrace your steps and attempt to determine where they disappeared. You might want to check areas you're not usually checking, like the pockets of your pants, bags or coats that you use for running. Once you've checked all of these areas it's a good idea to contact your insurance company.
The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that communicate with your car through a chip. This process of communication allows the car to recognize the key fob, unlock the doors and then start the engine. It is crucial to immediately report the loss of your keys immediately to stop unauthorized persons from using your vehicle.
Certain insurance companies provide an add-on to their policy that will cover the cost of a replacement key for your car. It is worth contacting your insurance company to find out whether they have this type of insurance or if you can locate an individual locksmith that will cover the cost.
If your car is equipped with the standard mechanical key, you can replace it at a variety of hardware stores for a small fee. However, if your vehicle has an electronic key fob that is linked to your vehicle via the chip, you'll need go to the dealership for an upgrade. It's expensive, but it is much cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith.
In addition to the expense of replacing your car key and filing an insurance claim to replace a lost key can cause your insurance rates to rise. The insurance company could increase your premiums as they'll consider you to be an extremely risky driver in the event of losing your key. You can cut down on these additional costs by purchasing a device that tracks your lost key to track your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to create a key without cloning the old one.
4. Call a Tow Truck
It's the most gruelling thing to lose your car keys and nobody would want to see it happen. If it happens it could be costly to replace the key and get back on the road. It is important to be prepared in order that you don't need to call a tow-truck and can keep your money.
If you've lost your car keys, the first thing to do is trace your steps. This will aid in determining where they are and can help calm your panic. You might remember doing something in the grocery store, or dropping your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you pinpoint your place of origin.
If you're unable to locate your keys, look around 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're unable to locate them, take a moment to relax and then call an locksmith or a tow truck.
view with bluetooth can be used with your phone. These are tiny devices you can attach to your keyring and have an app for your phone to let you know where your keys are, so you don't need to go through every pocket or drawer in your house.
The cost of replacing a lost car key may vary depending on the type of key that you have. If you own a traditional key, an automotive locksmith can generally make a new key on the spot without the original one, which can save you money. If you have a smart key that uses a proximity sensor to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll have to go to the dealership to get a replacement.
You should have a plan in place for the event that you lose your keys. This will save you the hassle of paying for a 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 ensure that your keys don't disappear forever, and have an alternative plan in case they happen to disappear.