How to Replace Lost Car Keys
In the rush of sending children to school, running errands, and working, things have a tendency to get lost. One of the most common items that disappears is the keys to our car.
In the past you could easily change this at the local locksmith or hardware store. Today, it's not as easy.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
If you've lost your car keys The first person you should call is your local car dealer. The majority of car dealers keep records of every key that they have made for their vehicles, so they should be able to find your key. The drawback is that visiting the dealership can be expensive so it's crucial to look for a different one. You may be able to locate a lower cost solution through an automotive locksmith.
In most instances, you'll need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and evidence of ownership, like a copy of the registration or title, in order to obtain an alternative key from the dealership. The dealership will request a replacement key and pair it with your vehicle. car keys lost replacement can be a lengthy process, and you will need to wait for the dealer to complete the process.
Smart keys are a kind of key that is utilized in a lot of automobiles today. These keys are designed for proximity sensors to be activated within the car, allowing keyless entry and starting. They are usually used with ignitions that have a push-to-start feature. Dealers will offer you a smart key but it's costly. A local auto locksmith can design a smart key for you for about half the cost of what you'd pay at the dealership.
You can also purchase a replacement for your key with a new one at the local hardware store. They can create an ordinary key that will fit the lock cylinder of your vehicle. They will need to know the model year of your vehicle, as well as the VIN. If you can't find the VIN on your car it will be stamped on a plaque made of metal that is located on the dashboard or the driver's doorpost. The majority of locksmiths for automotive will be able to provide you with a car key replacement even if they don't have the original. However, in some cases, they may need to take apart the door lock and ignition in order to do this. This is not a risky job for a professional, but it does require some mechanical skills and knowledge.
2. Contact a Locksmith
Misplacing your car keys is among of the most common causes for roadside assistance and callouts. Keep a spare car key in your bag and store it in a safe place. Even the most cautious of people could lose their keys. You should look for the car keys and notify your insurance company immediately if you discover it. This will lower the chances of your claim being rejected later should your key be found stolen.
car lost key replacement is the best option if you don't own an extra key. Locksmiths are usually able to offer a replacement key for less than what a dealership would cost. They may also come to your location to create the key on the spot which is much more convenient than having your car brought back to the dealer.
The kind of car key you have can affect the cost to replace it. Traditional keys are able to be replaced at most hardware stores for $10 each, are the most affordable. If your car comes with an ignition key that can be used as a remote for unlocking and start the vehicle or a smart-key that can only be replaced at a dealership, the price of these keys is usually more expensive than the standard one.
In the majority of instances, an auto locksmith can replace a key fob or smart key as long as they can get the VIN number of your vehicle, which is typically found on a metal plate on the driver's side doorpost, or etched into the windshield of the vehicle. They will need evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
Some locksmiths are not licensed or insured, so be sure to research them before hiring. You can find qualified auto-locksmiths by searching on the internet or asking family members and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using keys that are not yours to start the car can result in a violation of your vehicle's warranty. The use of a key that is not authentic could damage the lock of your car. If you do not wish to take this risk you should contact roadside assistance instead of a car locksmith and wait until the dealer sends out a replacement key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
One of the most dangerous things you can do when you lose your car key is to panic. The first thing to do is take a deep breath and try to understand the situation. It is likely that you lost your keys because you misplaced them instead of them being taken. So, the next step is to trace your steps and figure out the location where they went missing. It's a good idea to check places you don't normally check like the pockets of your pants, bag or coat that you use for running. After you've looked through all of these areas, it's a good idea call your insurance company.
Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that communicate through an electronic chip with the car. This communication process allows the vehicle to recognize and open the doors and then start the engine. If you lose your keys, it's important to report it immediately to ensure that anyone who isn't authorized aren't able to enter your vehicle and use it.
Some insurance companies offer an add-on to their policy that will cover the cost of replacing a key for your car. Check with your insurance company to find out if this type of insurance is offered or if a locksmith can cover the cost.
It is possible to replace a mechanical key in many hardware stores at a reasonable price. If your car has an electronic key that is connected with your vehicle using the chip, then you will have to visit the dealership to obtain an replacement. It's expensive, but it is much cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith.
Making an insurance claim because of a car key that was stolen can increase your insurance rates. Your insurance company may increase your premiums because they'll view you as an extremely risky driver in the event of losing your key. You can reduce these costs by purchasing an electronic device to track your lost keys or hiring a professional locksmith to create keys without copying the original key.
4. Call for a Tow Truck
Everyone would hate to lose their car keys. It's the most embarrassing scenario that could occur. But if it does it could be costly to replace the lost key and get back on the road. It's important to be prepared so that you don't have to call a tow-truck and keep your money.
If you've lost your car keys, the first step is to retrace your steps. This will help you determine where they are and help you calm your anxiety. Try to recall what you did prior to losing your keys, like buying something at the supermarket or dropping them on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you to find your starting point.
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 when you got home. If you're unable to find them, take a moment to relax and then call a locksmith or tow truck.
A key tracker with bluetooth can be utilized on your phone. These are small devices you can attach to a keyring and an app on your phone will display the location of your keys.
The cost of replacing a lost car key can be a bit expensive depending on the type of key you have. If you own a traditional key that is used for automotive, a locksmith can generally make a new key on the spot without the original one, which will save you some money. However, if you own an electronic key that relies on a proximity sensor to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll have to visit the dealer to purchase a new one.
It is important to have a plan for when you lose your keys. This will save you the expense of a tow-truck or locksmith. It's easy for you to forget your car keys when you're tired after a long day or when your mind is busy with other things. But by following these tips to ensure your keys don't disappear forever, and you have a backup plan for the event that they do.