How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things tend to get lost in the chaos of bringing children to and from school, running errands, and working. One of the most common items that go missing is our car keys.
In the past you could easily change this at your local hardware or locksmith store. Today, it's not as simple.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person to contact should you lose your keys. The majority of dealers have a record for each key they make for their vehicles, so they will be able to locate yours. The drawback is that going to the dealership can be costly, so it's important to shop around. You may be able to get a cheaper option through an auto locksmith.
In the majority of cases, you will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership, like an original registration or title, to get a replacement key from the dealership. The dealership will then purchase the new key and then pair it with your vehicle. The dealer must complete this lengthy process.
Smart keys are a form of key that is used in many cars in the present. They are designed to work with a proximity sensor that can be activated inside the car, which allows keyless entry and starting. These keys are often paired with ignitions that require a push-to start. The dealer can sell you a smart key however, it's expensive. A local auto locksmith can create an intelligent key for you for a fraction of what you would buy from the dealership.
You can also purchase a replacement for your key with a new one at the local hardware store. They can make you a standard key that fits the lock cylinder of your vehicle. They will require the VIN and the year of manufacture. If you are unable to locate the VIN on your car, it will be stamped on a metal plaque located on the dashboard or driver's doorpost. Most locksmiths in the automotive industry will be able to offer a car key replacement, even if you don't have the original. However, in some cases they might need to remove the door lock and ignition to accomplish this. This is not a dangerous job for a professional, however it does require some mechanical skills and knowledge.
2. Contact a Locksmith
The misplacing of your car keys is one of the most frequent reasons for roadside assistance or callouts. Keep a spare car key in your bag and keep it safe. However even the most cautious people can lose their car keys. It is important to look for the car keys and inform your insurance company immediately if you spot it. This will lower the likelihood of your claim being rejected later in the event that your key is stolen.
Contacting a locksmith is the best option if you don't own a spare. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a replacement key at less than what the dealership will charge. They will usually visit your place and make the key on the spot which is more efficient than having to take your vehicle back to the dealership.
The cost of replacing your car keys can vary depending on the kind of key you own. The most affordable keys are the traditional keys that can be purchased at most hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your vehicle is equipped with an ignition key that can be used as a remote to lock and start the vehicle or a smart-key, which can only be replaced at a dealership, the price of these keys will be more expensive than traditional keys.
A locksmith can replace the smart key or key fob in most cases so long they have the VIN number of your vehicle. This number is typically found on the metal plaque on the driver's doorpost, or on the windshield. They will need evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
Some locksmiths are not licensed or insured, so be sure to research them before hiring. You can find qualified auto-locksmiths by searching on the internet or asking family and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using unauthorized keys to start your car could lead to the breach of your vehicle's warranty. The use of keys that are not authorized could cause damage to your car's lock. If you do not want to take this risk you should consider to contact roadside assistance instead of a locksmith and wait for your replacement key from the dealer.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
One of the worst things you can do when you lose your car keys is to panic. The first thing to do is to take an inhale and try to understand the situation. It is likely that you lost your keys due to you misplaced them, instead of having them stolen. The next step is to go back through the steps you followed and try to locate the location where your keys were. It's a good idea to check areas you're not usually checking, like the pockets of your pants, coat or a bag that you use to run in. After you've inspected all of these areas it's a good idea contact your insurance company.
Most modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that connect to your car via chips. This communication lets the car recognize the key fob and open the doors, and start the engine. If you lose your keys, it's important to report it immediately so that unauthorized people don't get into your car and use it.
Certain car insurance companies offer an insurance add-on that covers the cost of replacing a lost car key. Contact your insurance provider to determine if this kind of coverage is available or if an individual locksmith can cover the cost.
You can usually replace the mechanical key at most hardware stores for a fair price. If your car uses an electronic key that connects to your vehicle via the chip, you will have to visit your dealer to obtain an replacement. It's expensive however it's much cheaper than hiring a professional locksmith.
In addition to the cost of replacing your car keys and filing an insurance claim for the loss of a key can cause your insurance rates to rise. This is because the insurance company will consider you high-risk driver for loosing your car keys and could increase your premiums to offset the cost of paying out an insurance claim. You can cut down on these additional costs by purchasing an electronic device to locate your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to create keys without copying the original key.
4. Contact towing truck
It's the most gruelling thing to lose your car keys, and nobody would want to experience this. But if it does, it can be costly to replace the key that was lost and get you back on the road. It's essential to be prepared in order that you don't have to call a tow truck and save your money.
If you've lost your car keys, the very first step is to retrace your steps. This will aid in determining where they are and aid in calming your panic. You might remember doing something in the grocery store or putting your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you pinpoint your place of origin.
If you're unable to locate your keys, check 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 Source Webpage to locate them, take some time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.
Another option is to utilize an bluetooth key tracker on your phone. These are small devices that can attach to a keyring, and an app on your phone will display the location of your keys.
The cost of replacing lost car key can be a bit expensive according to the type of key you own. If you have a traditional key an automotive locksmith will usually make a new one in a matter of minutes without the original, which will save you some money. If you have an electronic key that relies on a proximity sensor to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll have to visit the dealer to purchase a new one.
You should have a plan in place for the event that you lose your keys. This will spare you the expense of the tow-truck or locksmith. When you're stressed or distracted, it's easy to lose your keys to your car. By following these tips you can ensure that your keys don't disappear forever. You should also have an alternative plan in the event that they happen to disappear.