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 frequently lost items that go missing is our keys to our cars.
In the past, this was not a big deal because you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. However, this isn't the situation anymore.
1. Call Your Car Dealership
If you lose your car key The first place you should contact is your local car dealer. The majority of dealers keep records of every key made for their vehicles, which means they are likely to be able find yours. The drawback is that going to the dealership can be expensive and it's essential to look for a different one. You may be able to find a cheaper solution through an automotive locksmith.
In just click the next article of cases, you will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and evidence of ownership, like a copy of the registration or title, in order to get an alternative key from the dealer. The dealership will then request an additional key and connect it with your vehicle. The dealer will need to complete this lengthy process.
Smart keys are a kind of key used in a variety of cars in the present. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor inside the vehicle, which allows the use of a keyless entry system and even starting. They are typically used in conjunction with push-to-start ignitions. You can purchase a new smart key from a dealership, but the cost is a bit expensive. A local auto locksmith can design a smart key for you for about half the cost of what you'd buy from the dealership.
You can also replace your key with a new one at your local hardware store. They can make you a standard lock cylinder key. They will require the VIN and the year of manufacture. If you can't find the VIN on your car it will be stamped 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 in the automotive industry can offer an alternate car key. In some instances they might need to take apart the door lock and ignition in order to do this. lost car key replacement is not a dangerous task, but it requires some technical knowledge.
2. Contact a locksmith
Misplacing keys to your car is one of the most common reasons for roadside assistance and calls. Keep a spare car key with you and store it safely. Even the most careful people could lose their keys. It is important to thoroughly search for the keys and notify your insurance company as soon as possible to reduce the chances of getting denied a claim in the event that it is found later stolen.
Calling a locksmith is the best option when you don't have an extra. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a replacement key for less than what the dealership will cost. They are also able to visit your place and create the key on the spot which is more convenient than having to bring your vehicle back to the dealership.
The type of car key you have can affect the cost to replace it. The most affordable keys are the standard keys that can be bought at the majority of hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your car has a key fob, which acts as a remote that allows you to open and start the engine, or a smart-key, which can only be replaced by a dealership and will typically cost more than a traditional key.
A locksmith can replace the smart key or key fob in most cases as long they have the VIN number for your vehicle. It is usually located on the metal plate that is on the driver's doorpost or on the windshield. They will require evidence 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 friends and family for recommendations. Be aware that using a fake key to start your car could lead to a breach of warranty. The use of a key that is not authentic could damage the lock of your vehicle. If you do not want to take this risk, it is best to 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 could do when you lose your car keys is to panic. The first step is to take your breath and try to understand the situation. It is more likely that you misplaced your keys than they were stolen. The next step is to retrace your steps and try to figure out where they were lost. You may want to look in places that you wouldn't normally look at like the pockets of your pants, or a coat or a bag that you use for running. After you've checked these places, you should call your insurance provider.
Modern cars come with electronic keys that communicate through an electronic chip with the car. This process of communication allows the car to recognize and unlock the doors and then start the engine. It is essential to immediately report the loss of your key immediately to prevent unauthorized individuals from using your vehicle.
Some car insurance providers offer an add-on to their policies that covers the cost of replacing a lost car key. Check with your insurance company to find out if this type of coverage is available or if an individual locksmith can cover the cost.
If your car is equipped with a standard mechanical key, you'll be able to replace it at most hardware stores at a cost of a small amount. However, if your vehicle has an electronic key fob that's paired with your car through the chip, you'll have to go to your dealership to get a replacement. It can be costly, but it is much cheaper than hiring a professional locksmith.
Filing an insurance claim due to a stolen car key can increase your insurance costs. This is because your insurance provider 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 paying out a claims claim. You can reduce these costs by purchasing a device that tracks your lost key to locate your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to create an original key without copying the original key.
4. Call a tow truck
No one wants to lose their car keys. It's the most embarrassing scenario that could happen. But if it does it can be expensive to replace the lost key and get back on the road again. It's important to be prepared in order that you don't have to call a tow-truck and can save your money.
When you've lost your car keys, the first thing to do is retrace your steps. This will help you find the keys and calm your panic. You might remember doing something in the grocery store, or dropping your keys on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you determine your place of origin.
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 after you returned home. If you're unable to locate them, take a few minutes to relax, and then call a locksmith or tow truck.
Another option is to use an bluetooth key tracker on your phone. These are tiny devices that you can attach to a keyring and an app on your smartphone will show you the whereabouts of your keys.
The cost of replacing lost car key may vary dependent on the type of key you have. If you have a traditional key an automotive locksmith will typically make a new one in a matter of minutes without the original, which can save you money. But if you have an electronic key that utilizes proximity sensors to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll need to visit the dealer to get a replacement.
It's essential to have a plan in place to deal with the loss of your car keys, so you will not have the hassle of having to pay for a tow truck or a locksmith. When you're tired or distracted, it's not difficult to lose your keys to your car. If you follow these steps, you can ensure that your keys won't disappear forever. You should also have an alternative plan in the event that they do.