How to Replace Lost Car Keys
In the shuffle of getting children to school, running errands, and working things tend to be lost. One of the most common things that get lost is the car keys.
In the past, this wasn't an issue because you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. However, this isn't the situation anymore.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
If you have lost your car key The first person to contact is your local car dealer. The majority of dealers keep a record of each key they make for their vehicles, which means they should be able to find your key. The drawback is that going to the dealership can be costly so it's crucial to look around. You may be able to locate a lower cost option through a locksmith for cars.
website link will most likely need to provide the dealership with your vehicle identification number, or VIN, along with proof of ownership (such as a copy of your registration or title) to receive the replacement key. The dealership will request a replacement key and pair it with your vehicle. The dealer will have to complete this lengthy procedure.
Many vehicles today have a special type of key called a smart key. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, allowing for keyless entry and starting. They are usually used with ignitions that have a push-to-start feature. The dealer will sell you a smart key, however, it's expensive. A local auto locksmith can design an intelligent key for you for about half the cost of what you'd purchase from a dealership.
You can also purchase a replacement for your classic key at your local hardware store. They can make you the standard lock cylinder keys. They'll need to know the model year of your car, as well as the VIN. If you are unable to locate the VIN on your car it will be engraved on a plaque made of metal that is located on the dashboard or driver's doorpost. Even if you don't have the original, most locksmiths for automotive can offer a replacement car key. In certain instances, the locksmith may have to take apart the door lock and ignition in order to complete the task. It's not a risky job, but it does require some mechanical knowledge.
2. Contact for a locksmith
Misplacing keys to your car is one of the most common reasons for roadside assistance or callouts. Keep a spare car key in your bag and store it in a safe place. However, even the most careful people can lose their car keys. It is important to thoroughly search for the key and to inform your insurance company as quickly as possible in order to decrease the chance of being denied a claim if the key happens to be stolen later.
A locksmith's call is the next best option if you don't own a spare. Locksmiths usually can offer a replacement key for less than what a dealership would charge. They may also come to your location to create the key on the spot, which is 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. The most affordable keys are the traditional keys that can be bought at most hardware stores. They cost about $10 per key. If your car is equipped with a key fob that can be used as a remote to unlock and start the vehicle, or a smart-key that is only able to be replaced at a dealership, the cost of these keys is usually more expensive than traditional keys.
A locksmith can replace keys that are smart or fob in most cases as long as they have the VIN number for your vehicle. It is usually located on the metal plate that is on the driver's doorpost or stamped on the windshield. They will need proof of ownership, such as your registration or title.
Always do your homework prior to hiring a locksmith. You can locate reputable auto locksmiths on the internet or asking your family and friends for suggestions. Also, be aware that using keys that are not yours to start your car could lead to the violation of your vehicle's warranty. The use of a key that is not authentic could damage the lock of your vehicle. If you don't want to risk it then call roadside help instead of a locksmith for your car and wait until your dealer delivers a new key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
One of the most dangerous things you can do when you lose your car keys is to panic. Take a deep breath and then try to rationalize your situation. Chances are that you lost your keys because you lost them, instead of having them taken. So, the next step is to go back your steps and try to find out where they went missing. It's a good idea to check areas you're not usually checking, like the pockets of your pants or bags or coats you carry to run in. After you've checked these places it is time to call your insurance company.
Modern cars come with electronic keys that communicate via an electronic chip with the car. This communication process allows the car to recognize and unlock the doors and start the engine. It is essential to inform the authorities of the loss of your keys immediately to stop unauthorized persons from accessing your vehicle.
Certain insurance companies provide an extra benefit to their policy that covers 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 pay for the costs.
It is possible to replace a mechanical key in most hardware stores for a fair cost. If your car has an electronic key that is paired with your vehicle using the chip, then you will have to visit your dealer to purchase a replacement. It can be costly, but it is much cheaper than hiring a professional locksmith.
In addition to the cost of replacing your car keys, filing an insurance claim for a stolen key can cause your car insurance rates to rise. This is because your insurance company will consider you to be a high-risk driver for losing your car keys, and may raise your premiums in order to offset the cost of paying out an insurance claim. Fortunately, you can often reduce the costs by purchasing a tracking device to track your lost car keys or having a locksmith create a new key without cloning the original.
4. Call a Tow Truck
No one wants to lose their car keys. It is the worst scenario that could happen. If it happens it could be costly to replace the key and get back on the road. This is why it's important to be prepared for when it does, so you won't need to call a tow truck and keep your money in your wallet.
When you've lost your car keys, the first thing to do is retrace your steps. This will help you find them and calm your panic. You might remember doing something at the grocery store or dropping your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you to determine where you should 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 after you returned home. If you're still unable to locate the keys, give yourself time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.
Another option is to utilize the bluetooth key tracker app on your phone. These are tiny devices that you can connect to a keyring and an app on your phone will show you the whereabouts of your keys.
The cost of replacing lost car key may vary depending on the type of key that you own. You could save money when you use an old-fashioned car key. A locksmith for automotive will usually be able to make a replacement on the spot, without the original. If you are using a smart-key that utilizes proximity sensors to open the doors or start the engine of your car, you will need to visit a dealership to get a replacement.
It is essential to have a plan for when you lose your car keys, so you can save yourself the headache of having to pay for an tow truck or locksmith. When you're stressed or distracted, it's not difficult to lose your car keys. If you follow these steps, you can make sure that yo
