How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things are often lost in the hustle of getting children to and from school, running errands, and working. One of the most frequent items that disappears is the car keys.
In the past, you could easily replace this at your local locksmith or hardware store. However, this isn't the case anymore.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
If you have lost your car key, the first place you should contact is your car dealer. The majority of dealers have a record for every key made for their vehicles, so they will be able to locate yours. It can be costly to visit a dealer and you should shop around. You may be able to find a cheaper solution through an auto locksmith.
In the majority of cases, you will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and evidence of ownership, like a copy of your registration or title, in order to get a replacement key from the dealer. The dealership will then request an additional key and connect it with your vehicle. The dealer must complete this lengthy procedure.
Many cars today have a special type of key known as a smart key. These keys are designed to use a proximity sensor to be activated inside the car, allowing keyless entry and start. These keys are typically used with ignitions that require a push-to-start. Dealers will offer you a smart key, however, it's expensive. Local auto locksmiths can give you a smart lock at less than the cost.
You can also replace your key with a new one at the local hardware store. They can make you a standard lock cylinder key. They will need the VIN and the model year. If you are unable to locate the VIN on your vehicle, it will be stamped on a metal plaque that is placed on the dashboard or driver's doorpost. Most automotive locksmiths can 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 remove the ignition and door locks in order to do this. It is not a dangerous job, but it does require some technical knowledge.
2. Contact a Locksmith
The most common reason for seeking roadside assistance is that you have lost your car keys. It is essential to keep a spare key handy with you and ensure it's somewhere safe. However, even the most careful people can lose their car keys. It is important to look for the car key and inform your insurance company immediately if you discover it. This will decrease the likelihood of your claim being rejected later should your key be found stolen.
A locksmith's call is the next best option when you don't have an extra. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a replacement key at less than what the dealership will charge. They may also come to your location to make the key on the spot which is much more convenient than having your vehicle brought back to the dealer.
The type of car key you have could affect the cost to replace it. Traditional keys that can be exchanged at most hardware stores for about $10 each and are the cheapest. If your car is equipped with keys that can be used as a remote to unlock and start the car, or a smart-key, which can only be replaced at a dealership, the cost of these keys is typically more expensive than traditional keys.
A locksmith can replace a smart key or key fob in the majority of cases as long as they have the VIN number of your car. This is usually found on the metal plaque on the driver's doorpost, or on the windshield. They will need evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
You should always conduct your research prior to hiring locksmith. You can locate reputable auto locksmiths on the internet or asking friends and family for recommendations. Be aware that using an unlicensed key to start your car could lead to a breach of warranty. A key that is not authorized could cause damage to the lock on your car. If you do not want to risk it, it is best to call 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 key is to panic. Take a deep breath, and then try to reason your situation. lost car keys replacement is more likely you lost your keys than they were stolen. The next step is retrace the steps you followed and try to find out where your keys were. It may help to look in places you would not normally check, such as pockets on your pants or coat or in the bag you use for running. Once you've checked all these places it's a good idea to contact your insurance company.
Most modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which communicate with your car through a chip. This communication allows the vehicle recognize the key fob and unlock the doors, and 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.
Some car insurance providers offer a policy add-on that covers the cost of replacing a lost car key. Check with your insurance company to determine if this kind of insurance is offered or if a locksmith can cover the cost.
If your car is equipped with an ordinary mechanical key, you can have it replaced at a variety of hardware stores for a nominal cost. If your car is equipped with an electronic key that is connected to your car via the chip, then you'll have to visit the dealership to purchase a replacement. This can be expensive but it's also cheaper than hiring locksmith.
Making an insurance claim due to the theft of your car key could increase your insurance rates. This is because your insurance provider will consider you to be high-risk driver for loosing your car key and could increase your premiums to cover the cost of settling a claims claim. Fortunately, you can often reduce the costs by buying a tracking device that can track your lost car keys or letting a locksmith design an entirely new key without copying the original.
4. Contact towing truck
It's one of the most difficult things to lose your car keys, and nobody wants it to happen. If it happens it could be costly to replace the key and get back on the road. It's important to be prepared in order that you don't have call a tow-truck and save your money.
Find your way back in case you've lost your keys. This can help you determine where they are and aid in calming your panic. Try to recall what you did prior to losing your keys, for example, grabbing something at the supermarket or dropping them on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you find the place to start.
If you can't find your keys, look around 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're still not able to locate them, take some time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.
A key tracker with bluetooth can be used 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 lost car key can be a bit expensive dependent on the type of key you have. If you have a conventional key, an automotive locksmith can usually make a new one on the spot without the original, which will save you some money. If you are using a smart-key that utilizes proximity sensors to open doors or start the engine of your car it is necessary to visit the dealership to get a replacement.
It's important to have a plan in case you lose your car keys, so that you can save yourself the headache of having to pay for the tow truck or locksmith. It's easy for you to forget your car keys when you're exhausted after a long work day or when your thoughts are focused busy with other things. By following these tips you can make sure that your keys don't disappear forever, and you'll have an alternative plan in the event that they happen to disappear.