How to Replace Lost Car Keys
In the rush of getting kids to school, running errands and working, things have a tendency to get lost. Car keys are among of the most commonly lost items.
In the past you could easily replace this at your local locksmith or hardware store. However, nowadays, it isn't as easy.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person you should call should you lose your keys. The majority of car dealers keep a record of every key that is designed for their vehicles, making it easy for them to locate your key. It can be costly to visit a dealer and you should research. You may be able find a cheaper option through a locksmith for cars.
In most cases, you will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership, such as a copy of your registration or title, in order to get a replacement key from the dealership. The dealership will request an alternative key and connect it with your vehicle. The dealer will need to complete this lengthy procedure.
Smart keys are a form of key that is utilized in a variety of cars in the present. They are designed to work with a proximity sensor that can be activated within the car, allowing keyless entry and starting. They are usually used with push-to-start ignitions. You can buy a new smart key at the dealership, but the price is quite expensive. Local auto locksmiths can create you a smart lock at less than the cost.
You can also get a replacement for your key with a new one at the local hardware store. They will be able to create an ordinary key that will fit the lock cylinder of your vehicle. They'll need to know the model year 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 the driver's doorpost. Most locksmiths in the automotive industry can provide you with the replacement for your car key, even if you don't have the original. However, in some cases they might need to disassemble the door and ignition in order to do this. This is not a risky job for a professional, but it will require some mechanical knowledge and skill.
2. Contact for a locksmith
Misplacing your car keys is among of the most frequent reasons for roadside assistance and callouts. It's essential to keep a spare key with you and ensure you keep it in a safe place. However, even the most careful people can lose their car keys. It's important to check thoroughly for the key and to inform your insurance company as soon as you can to minimize the chances of getting denied a claim in the event that it happens to be stolen later.
If lost keys in car don't have a spare key, your next best option is to contact the locksmith. Locksmiths can usually provide a key replacement for less than what a dealership would charge. They can also come to your location to create the key on the spot which is easier than having your car brought back to the dealer.
The cost of replacing your car key can vary depending on the type you have. Keys with traditional designs are able to be replaced at most hardware stores for about $10 each, are the most affordable. If your car is equipped with a key fob, which acts as a remote that can unlock and start the engine or a smart key, that can only be replaced by a dealership, these keys will usually cost more than the traditional key.
In most cases, an automotive locksmith will be able to replace the key fob or smart key as long as they can get the VIN number of your vehicle it is usually located on a metal plaque on the driver's side doorpost, or in the windshield of your vehicle. They will need proof of ownership, like your registration or title.
Some locksmiths are not licensed or insured, so be sure to investigate them prior to hiring. You can find qualified auto-locksmiths through online search engines or asking family and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using unauthorized keys to start the car can cause a breach of your vehicle's warranty. A key that is not authorized could cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you do not wish to risk it you should call roadside help instead of a car locksmith and wait until your 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. The first thing you should do is to take your breath and try to rationalize the situation. It is more likely that you lost your keys rather than they were stolen. The next step is to trace your steps and try to determine the location where they were lost. It could be helpful to look in places you wouldn't usually check for items, like pockets on your pants or coat or in a bag you carry for running. After you've inspected these areas it is time to call your insurance provider.
Modern cars come with electronic keys that communicate via a chip with the car. This allows the car to recognize the key fob and unlock the doors, and start the engine. It's important that you inform the authorities of the loss of your key immediately to stop unauthorized persons from accessing your vehicle.
Certain car insurance companies provide an insurance add-on that will cover the cost of replacing a lost car key. It is worth contacting your insurance provider to determine whether they provide this kind of protection or if they can locate an individual locksmith who will pay for the cost.
You can usually get a replacement for a mechanical key in many hardware stores for a reasonable price. If, however, your car has an electronic key fob that's paired with your car through the chip, you'll need to go to your dealership to request the replacement. It can be costly however it's cheaper than hiring locksmith.
In addition to the cost of replacing your car key and submitting an insurance claim for a stolen key can cause your insurance rates to increase. Your insurance company may increase your premiums as they will consider you a high-risk driver in the event of losing your key. Fortunately, you can often save yourself the cost of purchasing a tracking device to locate your car key that has been lost or having a locksmith create a new key without cloning the original.
4. Call a Tow Truck
It's the most gruelling thing to lose your car keys, and no one wants to experience this. But if it does it could be costly to replace the lost key and get you back on the road again. This is 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.
If you've lost your car keys, the first thing to do is trace your steps. This will help you figure out exactly where they are, and aid in calming your panic. Try to recall what you did prior to losing your keys, like picking up something from the supermarket or dropping them on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you determine where you should start.
If you cannot find your keys, search in places you might have placed them, such as the pockets of the clothes you were wearing, or the bag you used to transport them to home. If you're still not able to locate the keys, give yourself time to relax before calling a locksmith tow truck.
Another alternative is to utilize the bluetooth key tracker app on your phone. These are small devices that can be connected to your keyring and use an app installed on your phone that will let you know where your keys are, so you don't need to search every drawer or pocket in your house.
The cost to replace the car key that has been lost can differ depending on the type of key you own. If you have a traditional 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 start the engine, you'll need go to the dealer to get a replacement.
It is important to have a plan in case you lose your keys. This will save you the expense of the tow-truck or locksmith. When you're tired or distracted, it's easy to lose your keys to your car. However, by following these steps you can ensure your keys don't disappear forever, and you have a backup plan for when they do.