How to Replace Lost Car Keys
In the shuffle of sending children to school, running errands, and working it is common for things to be lost. One of the most frequently lost things that get lost is the car keys.
In the past you could easily replace this at your local hardware or locksmith store. Nowadays, that is not as easy.
1. Call Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person you should contact should you lose your keys. Most dealers keep a log of each key made for their vehicles therefore it should be simple for them to find your keys. The downside is that visiting the dealership can be costly, so it's important to shop for a different one. 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, such as an original registration or title, to get a replacement key from the dealer. The dealership will then purchase a new key and pair it with your vehicle. This could be a long process, and you will need to wait for the dealer to finish the job.
Many vehicles today are equipped with the special kind of key known as a smart keys. 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 purchase a new smart key at the dealership, but the price is quite high. Local auto locksmiths can create you a smart lock at a fraction of the cost.
You can also get an old-fashioned key replacement at your local hardware store. They can design an ordinary lock cylinder key. They will need to know the year of manufacture of your vehicle and also the VIN. If you're unable to find the VIN it's usually printed on a metal plate found on the driver's doorpost or the dashboard. The majority of locksmiths for automotive will be able to offer the replacement for your car key even if you don't have the original. In some cases the locksmith might need to take apart the ignition and door locks to accomplish this. This is not a risky job for a professional, but it requires some mechanical knowledge and skill.
2. Call for a locksmith
The most frequent reason for requesting roadside assistance is because you've lost your car keys. Keep an extra car key with you and store it in a safe place. However even the most vigilant people can lose their car keys. You should check for the car keys and inform your insurance company immediately if you discover it. This will decrease the likelihood of your claim being denied later if your key is found stolen.
A locksmith's call is the next best thing when you don't have a spare. Locksmiths are usually able to offer a replacement key for less than what a dealership would charge. They will usually come out to your location and make the key on the spot which is more convenient than having to bring your vehicle back to the dealership.
The cost of replacing your car key will differ based on the type you own. The most affordable keys are traditional keys that can be bought at many hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your car is equipped with a key fob that can be used as a remote to lock and start the car, or a smart-key that is only able to be replaced at a dealership, the price of these keys is typically higher than the traditional one.
A locksmith can replace keys that are smart or fob in the majority of cases as long they have the VIN number of your vehicle. This number is typically found on the metal plate that is on the driver's doorpost or on the windshield. They will need proof of ownership, such as your registration or title.
It is essential to do your homework prior to hiring a locksmith. You can locate reputable auto locksmiths by searching online or asking friends and family for suggestions. Be aware that using unauthorized keys to start the car can result in a breach of your vehicle's warranty. Using lost key for car may also damage your car's lock. If you do not want to take this risk you should contact roadside assistance instead of a locksmith for cars and wait until the dealer delivers a new key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Panic is one of the worst reactions you can experience when you lose your keys. The first thing you should do is to take a deep breath and try to rationalize the situation. It is likely that you lost your keys due to you misplaced them instead of having them stolen. So, the next step is to trace your steps and try to find out where they went missing. It may help to look in places you would not normally check for items, like the pockets of your coat or pants or in the bag you carry around for running. After you've inspected all these places, it's a good idea to call your insurance company.
Modern cars are fitted with electronic key fobs which communicate with your car through chips. This process of communication allows the car to recognize the key fob, unlock the doors, and also start the engine. It is essential to report the loss of your keys immediately to stop unauthorized persons from accessing your vehicle.
Certain car insurance companies offer an add-on to their policies that covers the cost of replacing a lost car key. It's worth talking to your insurance provider to see whether they have this type of protection or if you can find an individual locksmith that can pay for the cost.
If your car uses an ordinary mechanical key, you'll be able to have it replaced at most hardware stores for a small fee. However, if your car is equipped with an electronic key fob that is linked to your vehicle via the chip, you'll need go to the dealership to request an upgrade. This can be expensive but it's also cheaper than hiring locksmith.
In addition to the cost of replacing your car key, filing an insurance claim to replace a lost key can cause your car insurance rates to rise. This is because the insurance company will consider you to be a high-risk driver for losing your car keys and could increase your premiums in order to offset the cost of settling an insurance claim. You can cut down on these additional expenses by purchasing a device that tracks your lost key to track your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to design an original key without copying the original one.
4. Contact a Tow Truck
Everyone would hate to lose their car keys. It's the worst thing that could happen. If it happens it could be costly to replace keys and get back on the road. That's why it's best to be prepared in case it happens, so you won't need to call a tow truck and keep your cash in your wallet.
If you've lost your car keys, the very first thing to do is trace your steps. This will help you find them and ease your anxiety. You might remember doing something at the supermarket, or dropping your keys on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you determine your starting point.
If you can't find your keys, search for places in which they could be, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing or the bag you put them in when you got home. If you are unable to find them, take a moment to relax before calling a locksmith or a tow truck.
A key tracker bluetooth can also be utilized on your phone. These are tiny devices can be attached to your keyring, and also have an app installed on your phone that can show you where your keys are, so you don't need to search every drawer or pocket in your house.
The cost of replacing a lost car keys can vary according to the type of key that you have. If you have a traditional key that is used for automotive, a locksmith can typically make a new one on the spot without the original, which can save you money. If you have a smart-key that uses proximity sensors to open doors or start your car's engine, you will need to visit the dealership to purchase a new one.
It's essential to have a plan to deal with the loss of your car keys so that you can save yourself the headache of having to pay for the tow truck or locksmith. When you're stressed or distracted, it's not difficult to lose your car keys. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your keys won't disappear forever, and you'll have backup plans in the event that they do.