How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things tend to get lost in the chaos of getting children to and from school, running errands and working. One of the most common things that get lost is the car keys.
In the past you could easily replace this at your local hardware or locksmith store. This isn't the situation any more.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
If you lose your car key The first place you should call is your local car dealer. The majority of dealers have a record for every key that they have made for their vehicles, so they are likely to be able find yours. It can be costly to visit a dealership and you should look around. You may be able locate a lower cost option by using an auto locksmith.
In the majority of instances, you'll need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and evidence of ownership, such as a copy of your title or registration, to get an alternative key from the dealership. 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.
Smart keys are a form of key used in many cars in the present. They are designed to work with a proximity sensor that can be activated within the car, which allows keyless entry and starting. They are usually used with ignitions that require a push-to-start. You can purchase a new smart key at the dealership, but the price is very high. A local auto locksmith can design the smart key for a fraction of what you would pay at the dealership.
You can also get a replacement for your key with a new one at the local hardware store. They can design a standard lock cylinder key. They'll need the year of manufacture of your car and also the VIN. If you are unable to locate the VIN, it is usually stamped on a metal plate found on the driver's doorpost or dashboard. Most locksmiths in the automotive industry are able to offer the replacement for your car key even if you don't have the original. In some instances the locksmith may need to disassemble the ignition and door locks in order to do this. This is not a risky job for a professional, but it requires some mechanical expertise and skills.
2. Call a Locksmith
The most common reason for seeking roadside assistance is when you've lost your car keys. Keep a spare car key with you and store it safely. Even the most careful of people can 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 if the key happens to be stolen later.
A locksmith's call is the next best option in the event that you don't have 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 easier than having your car brought back to the dealer.
The cost of replacing your car key will differ based on the kind of key you have. The most affordable keys are traditional keys that can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. They are priced at around $10 per key. If your car has an ignition key fob that functions as a remote and allows you to open and start the engine or a smart key that can only be replaced by an auto dealer and will typically cost more than the standard key.
A locksmith can replace a smart key or key fob in the majority of cases as long they have the VIN number of your car. It is usually located on the metal plate that is on the driver's doorpost, or on the windshield. They will need evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so be sure to research them before hiring them. You can locate reputable auto locksmiths by searching online or asking family and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using an unauthorized key to start your vehicle could cause an infringement of warranty. Using unauthorized keys may also cause damage to your car's lock. If you do not want to risk it you should consider to call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith, and wait for your replacement key from the dealer.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Panic is one of the most unpleasant reactions you could experience when you lose your key. The first step is to take an inhale and try to rationalize the situation. It is more likely you lost your keys rather than they were stolen. The next step is to retrace your steps and attempt to figure out the place they disappeared. You might want to check areas you're not usually checking, like the pockets of your pants, or a bag or coat you carry for running. After you've inspected these areas it is time to call your insurance provider.
Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that communicate through an electronic chip with the car. This communication process allows the vehicle to recognize and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. If i lost my car keys what do i do lose your key it is important to notify the police immediately to ensure that anyone who isn't authorized don't get into your car and use it.
Some car insurance providers offer a policy add-on that will cover the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. Check with your insurance company to see if this type of insurance is offered or if an individual locksmith will cover the costs.
If your car has a standard mechanical key, you can typically have it replaced at a variety of hardware stores for a small fee. However, if your vehicle has an electronic key fob that's linked to your vehicle via the chip, you'll need to visit your dealer to get an upgrade. It can be costly but it's also more cost-effective than hiring locksmith.
Filing an insurance claim because of a car key that was stolen can increase your insurance rates. This is because your insurance provider will consider you high-risk driver for loosing your car keys and could increase your premiums to cover the cost of making the claim. Fortunately, you can avoid the extra expenses by buying a tracking device that can track your lost car key or letting a locksmith design a new key without cloning the original.
4. Contact a Tow Truck
It's the most gruelling thing to lose your car keys and no one wants to see it happen. But if it does it can be expensive 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.
Find your way back if you've lost your keys. This will help you find them and ease your anxiety. Try to remember what you did right before losing your keys, such as buying 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 cannot find your keys, check places where you could have placed them, such as the pockets of the clothing you were wearing, or in the bag you carried them in to take them home. If you are unable to find them, take a few minutes to relax and then call an locksmith or a tow truck.
A key tracker with bluetooth can be used with your phone. These are tiny devices that can be connected to your keyring and have an app on your phone to let you know where your keys are, so you don't need to go through every drawer or pocket in your house.
The cost of replacing the car key that has been lost can differ based on the type of key you own. It is cheaper if you have traditional car keys. A locksmith for automotive will typically be capable of making a replacement on the spot, but without the original. If you have a smart key that uses a proximity detector to open the doors or turn on the engine of your vehicle, you will need to visit a dealership to get a replacement.
You should have a plan for when you lose your keys. This will save you the hassle of having to pay for the tow-truck or locksmith. It's easy to forget your car keys when you're exhausted after a long day or when your mind is distracted by other things. If you follow these suggestions you can ensure that your keys won't vanish forever and have a backup plan in case when they do.