How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things are often lost in the rush of getting kids to and from school, running errands and working. get more info of the most frequently lost items that go missing is the keys to our cars.
In the past, this wasn't an issue since you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. Nowadays, that is not as simple.
1. Call Your Car Dealership
If you lose your car keys, the first place you should call is your dealer. Most car dealers keep a log of each key made for their vehicles, therefore it should be simple for them to find your keys. The drawback is that going to the dealership can be costly and it's essential to shop for a different one. You may be able to locate a lower cost solution through an automotive locksmith.
In the majority of instances, you'll need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership, such as a copy of the registration or title, to obtain a replacement key from the dealership. The dealership will request an alternative key and connect it to your vehicle. The dealer will have to complete this lengthy process.
Many vehicles today are equipped with the special kind of key known as a smart keys. These keys are designed to use a proximity sensor that can be activated inside the car, allowing 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 price is quite high. Local auto locksmiths can create you a smart key at a fraction of the cost.
You can also purchase a traditional key replacement at your local hardware store. They can make you a standard key that fits your vehicle's lock cylinder. They'll need the year of manufacture of your car and also the VIN. If you can't find the VIN on your vehicle it will be stamped on a metal plaque that is placed on the dashboard or driver's doorpost. Most locksmiths in the automotive industry can provide you with a car key replacement even if they don't have the original. In some instances, the locksmith may have to take apart the ignition and door locks in order to complete the task. This is not a risky job for a professional, however it requires some mechanical expertise and skills.
2. Call 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 on your person and ensure that it's somewhere safe. Even the most cautious of people could lose their keys. It's important to check thoroughly for the key and inform your insurance company as soon as possible to reduce the chance of being denied a claim in the event that it turns up stolen later.
Calling a locksmith is the next best thing when you don't have an extra. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a replacement key at less than the dealership will charge. They can also usually visit your location and make the key on the spot which is more efficient than having to take your vehicle back to the dealership.
The kind of car key you have could affect the cost to replace it. The most affordable keys are the traditional keys that are available at many hardware stores. They cost about $10 per key. If your car comes with a key fob that can be used as a remote to unlock and start the vehicle or a smart-key, which can only be replaced at a dealership, the price of these keys is typically more expensive than the standard one.
A locksmith can replace the smart key or key fob in most cases so long they have the VIN number for your vehicle. This number is typically found on the metal plate that is on the driver's doorpost or on the windshield. They will also require proof that you have ownership of the vehicle by providing an original registration or title.
You should always conduct your research prior to hiring a locksmith. You can find reputable auto locksmiths through online search engines or asking family members and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using an unauthorized key to start your car could lead to a breach of warranty. Using unauthorized key may also cause damage to the lock on your car. If you do not wish to risk it then call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith for your car and wait until the dealer provides a replacement key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
One of the worst things you could do when you lose your car keys is to panic. Take a deep breath, and then try to rationalize your situation. It is more likely you lost your keys than they were stolen. So, the next step is to retrace your steps and attempt to determine the place they were lost. It could be helpful to look around in places that you don't normally look, such as the pockets of your pants or coat or in a bag you carry around when you run. After you've looked through all of these areas it's a good idea to call your insurance company.
Modern cars come with electronic keys that communicate via an electronic chip with the car. This communication allows the vehicle recognize the key fob and open the doors, and also start the engine. It is essential to inform the authorities of the loss of your keys immediately to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing your vehicle.
Certain car insurance companies provide an insurance add-on that will cover the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. Contact your insurance provider to see if this type of insurance is offered or if a locksmith will cover the costs.
If your car has an ordinary mechanical key, you can typically get it replaced at a variety of hardware stores at a cost of a small amount. If, however, your car has an electronic key fob, which is paired with your car through the chip, you'll need go to the dealership to get the replacement. This can be expensive but it's also cheaper than hiring a locksmith.
In addition to the cost of replacing your car key, filing an insurance claim to replace a lost key could cause your car insurance rates to rise. This is because the insurance company will consider you to be an extremely risky driver for the loss of your car key, and may raise your premiums to cover the cost of making the claim. Fortunately, you can often avoid the extra expenses by purchasing a tracking device to locate your car key that has been lost or having a locksmith make the new key without cloning the original.
4. Contact a Tow truck
It's the most gruelling thing to lose your car keys, and nobody would want to see it happen. If it does happen it could cost a lot to replace keys and get back on the road. It's why it's important to be prepared in case it happens, so that you don't have to call a tow truck and keep your cash in your wallet.
When you've lost your car keys, the very first thing to do is retrace your steps. This will help you figure out exactly where they are and help you calm your anxiety. You might recall 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, check places you might have placed them, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing, or in the bag that you used to carry them home. If you can't find them, take a moment to relax and then call a locksmith or a tow truck.
A bluetooth key tracker can also be utilized on your phone. These are small devices that you can attach to your keyring and use an app for your phone that will let you know where your keys are, so you don't have to look through every pocket or drawer in your house.
The cost of replacing lost car key can be a bit expensive according to the type of key you own. If you have a conventional key an automotive locksmith will typically make a new one immediately without the original, which can save you money. But if you have an electronic key that utilizes the proximity sensor to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll need go to the dealer to purchase a new one.
It's important to have a plan in place in case you lose your car keys so that you can avoid the hassle of having to pay for an tow truck or locksmith. It's easy to forget your car keys when you're tired after a long day, or when your attention is focused distracted by other things. If you follow these suggestions, you can make sure your keys don't disappear forever and have a backup plan for when they do.