How to Replace Lost Car Keys
In the hustle of taking kids to school, running errands and working, things have a tendency to become lost. One of the most frequent items that disappears is our car keys.
In the past, this wasn't an issue because you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. However, nowadays, it isn't as easy.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person you should contact if you lose your key. The majority of dealers have a record for every key that they have made for their vehicles, which means they are likely to be able find yours. The drawback is that visiting the dealership can be expensive, so it's important to look for a different one. You might be able to find a cheaper option through an automotive locksmith.
You will most likely need to give the dealership your vehicle identification number, or VIN, as well as proof of ownership (such as a copy registration or title) to get a replacement key. The dealership will request a replacement key and pair it to your vehicle. The dealer must complete this lengthy process.
Smart keys are a kind of key that is used in a variety of cars in the present. These keys are designed to use proximity sensors to be activated inside the car, which allows keyless entry and start. They are usually used with ignitions that require a push-to start. You can purchase a brand new smart key at the dealership, but the price is very expensive. Local auto locksmiths can create you a smart key at a fraction of the cost.
You can also get an old-fashioned key replacement from a local hardware store. They will be able to create a standard key that fits your vehicle's lock cylinder. They will need the VIN and the model year. If you can't locate the VIN, it is usually stamped on a metal plate located on the driver's side doorpost or dashboard. Most locksmiths in the automotive industry are able to offer a car key replacement even if they don't have the original. In some cases, the locksmith may have to take apart the door lock and ignition in order to complete the task. This is not a hazardous job, but it requires some technical knowledge.
2. Call a Locksmith
The misplacing of your car keys is one of the most common causes for roadside assistance and callouts. It's essential to keep a spare key with you and make sure it's safe. However even the most vigilant people may lose their car keys. You should check for the car keys and inform your insurance company immediately if you spot it. This will reduce the chance of your claim being rejected later should your key be found stolen.
Calling a locksmith is the best option if you don't own an extra. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a replacement key for less than the dealership will cost. They can also usually visit your place and make the key on the spot, which is much more convenient than having to bring your vehicle back to the dealership.
The cost of replacing your car keys will vary based on the kind of key you have. Keys with traditional designs, which can be replaced at the majority of hardware stores for around $10 each they are the least expensive. If your vehicle is equipped with keys 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 will be more expensive than the standard one.
In the majority of cases, an automotive locksmith can replace keys fobs or a smart key as long as they have the VIN number of your car that is usually found on a metal plaque on the driver's side doorpost, or in the windshield of the vehicle. They will require proof of ownership, like your registration or title.
You should always do your homework prior to hiring a locksmith. You can find qualified auto locksmiths by searching online or asking family and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using keys that are not yours to start your car could cause a breach of the warranty on your vehicle. The use of keys that are not authorized could cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you do not wish to risk it you should call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith for cars and wait until your 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 keys is to panic. The first thing you should do is to take your breath and try to understand the situation. It is likely that you lost your keys because you misplaced them instead of having them stolen. The next step is retrace the steps you took and attempt to find out where your keys were. It's a good idea to check areas you're not usually checking, like the pockets of your pants, or a coat or a bag you carry to run in. After you've looked through all of these areas it's a good idea to contact your insurance company.
Most modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that communicate with your car via chip. This communication allows the vehicle recognize the key fob and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. If you lose your key It is crucial to notify the police immediately so that unauthorized people don't get into your car and use it.
Some insurance companies offer an extra benefit to their policy that will cover the cost of a replacement car key. Contact your insurance provider to see if this type of coverage is available or if a locksmith can pay for the costs.
If your car is equipped with a standard mechanical key, you can typically replace it at a variety of hardware stores for a nominal cost. If your car has an electronic key that is connected to your car via the chip, you will need to visit your dealership to get an replacement. This can be expensive but it's also more cost-effective than hiring a locksmith.
Making an insurance claim due to a stolen car key can increase your insurance premiums. 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 to offset the cost of making an insurance claim. You can avoid these extra expenses by purchasing an electronic device to locate your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to create an original key without copying the original key.
4. Contact a Tow truck
Nobody wants to lose their car keys. It's the most embarrassing scenario that could happen. If it does happen, it can be expensive to replace keys and get back on the road. It's why it's important to be prepared for when it happens, so you can avoid having to call a tow truck and keep your cash in your wallet.
Retrace your steps if you've lost your keys. This will allow you to locate them and ease your anxiety. Try to recall the actions you took prior to losing your keys, such as grabbing something at the grocery store or dropping them on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you to determine where you should start.
If you're unable to locate your keys, search for places 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 are unable to locate them, take a few minutes to relax before calling a locksmith or a tow truck.
lost my key is to utilize an bluetooth key tracker on your phone. These are tiny devices that you can attach 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 according to the type of key that you own. If you have a conventional key that is used for automotive, a locksmith can typically make a new one immediately without the original, which can save you money. However, if you own a smart key that uses the proximity sensor to open the door or start the engine, you'll need go to the dealer to get a replacement.
It's important to have a plan in place to deal with the loss of your car keys, so you can avoid the hassle of having to pay for the tow truck or locksmith. If you're exhausted or distracted, it's easy to lose your keys to your car. However, by following these steps, you can make sure that your keys won't vanish for ever and have a backup plan when they do.