How to Replace Lost Car Keys
In the rush of taking children to school, running errands and working it is common for things to get lost. Car keys are among of the most commonly lost items.
In the past, you could easily replace this at your local hardware or locksmith store. Today, it's not as simple.
1. Call Your Car Dealership
If you have lost your car keys The first person you should call is your dealer. The majority of car dealers keep records of every key that they have made for their cars, so they are likely to be able find yours. It can be costly to visit a dealer, so you should research. You may be able to locate a lower cost option through an automotive locksmith.
In most instances, you'll have to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and evidence of ownership, like a copy of your registration or title, in order to get an alternative key from the dealer. The dealership will then request a new key and pair it with your vehicle. This can be a lengthy process, and you'll be waiting for the dealer to finish the job.
Many vehicles today are equipped with a special type of key known as a smart key. They are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, allowing for keyless entry and starting. They are usually used with ignitions that have a push-to-start feature. The dealer can sell you a smart key, but it is expensive. Local auto locksmiths can make you a smart key for only a fraction of the cost.
You can also purchase a classic key replacement from your local hardware store. They can make you an ordinary lock cylinder key. They'll need the model year of your vehicle, as well as the VIN. If you cannot locate the VIN on your car it will be engraved on a plaque made of metal that is located on the dashboard or driver's doorpost. Most automotive locksmiths can provide you with a car key replacement, even if you don't have the original. However, in some cases they may have to remove the door and ignition in order to do this. It's not a risky job, but it requires some mechanical knowledge.
2. Contact a Locksmith
The most common reason for seeking roadside assistance is that you have lost your car keys. Keep an extra car key in your bag and keep it safe. Even the most cautious of people may lose their keys. It is essential to search thoroughly for the key and to inform your insurance company as quickly as possible to reduce the chances of getting denied a claim if it turns up stolen later.
Calling a locksmith is the best option in the event that you don't have an extra key. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a replacement key for less than what the dealership would cost. They can also usually visit your location and create the key right there, which is much more convenient than having to bring your vehicle back to the dealership.
The type of car key that you have can affect the cost to replace it. The most affordable keys are traditional keys that are available at many hardware stores. They cost about $10 per key. If your car is equipped with an ignition key fob that functions as a remote and can unlock and start the engine or a smart-key, that can only be replaced by a dealership, these keys will usually cost more than the standard key.
A locksmith can replace keys that are smart or fob in most cases so long as they have the VIN number of your vehicle. It is usually located on the metal plate on the driver's doorpost or on the windshield. They will also require evidence that you have ownership of the vehicle, such as a copy of your registration or title.
Some locksmiths are not licensed or insured, so be sure to do your research prior to hiring them. You can find auto-locksmiths who are certified by searching on the internet or asking family and friends for recommendations. Also, be aware that using keys that are not yours to start the car can lead to the breach of your vehicle's warranty. Using unauthorized key may also damage the lock of your vehicle. If you don't want to risk this is a good idea to call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith and wait for a replacement key from the dealer.
3. Call lost car keys g28carkeys of the worst things you could do when you lose your car key is to panic. The first thing you should do is take a deep breath and try to think about the situation. It is more likely you lost your keys rather than they were stolen. The next step is retrace the steps you took and try to find out the location where your keys went missing. You may want to look in places you don't normally check such as the pockets of your pants or bags or coats you carry to run in. After you've looked through all these places it's a good idea call your insurance company.
Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that communicate with chips with the car. This allows the car to recognize the key fob, unlock the doors, and also start the engine. It is crucial to report the loss of your key immediately to stop unauthorized persons from utilizing your vehicle.
Some insurance companies offer an add-on to their policy that covers the cost of a replacement car key. Check with your insurance company to find out if this type of insurance is offered or if an individual locksmith will cover the costs.
You can usually get a replacement for the mechanical key at most hardware stores for a reasonable price. If your car is equipped with an electronic key that is connected to your vehicle via the chip, then you'll have to visit the dealership to obtain an replacement. This can be costly however it's more cost-effective than hiring a locksmith.
In addition to the expense of replacing your car key, filing an insurance claim to replace a lost key can cause your insurance rates to increase. This is because the insurance company will consider you high-risk driver for loosing your car keys and could increase your premiums to cover the cost of settling the claim. You can cut down on these additional cost by buying a tracking device that will track your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to design keys without copying the previous one.
4. Contact towing truck
It's the most gruelling thing to lose your car keys and nobody wants it to happen. If it happens it could cost a lot to replace the key and get back on the road. It's essential to be prepared in order that you don't have to call a tow-truck and can save your money.
Find your way back if you've lost your keys. This will allow you to locate them and calm your panic. You might remember doing something in the supermarket or putting your keys on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you find your starting point.
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 after you returned home. If you still can't find them, give yourself some time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.
Another alternative is to utilize an bluetooth key tracker on your phone. These are small devices you can attach to a keyring and an app on your smartphone will show you the location of your keys.
The cost of replacing 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 usually make a new one in a matter of minutes without the original one, which will save you some money. However, if you own an electronic key that utilizes proximity sensors to open the door or start the engine, you'll need go to the dealer to purchase a new one.
It's important to have a plan in place for when you lose your car keys, so that you will not have the hassle of having to pay for a tow truck or a locksmith. If you're exhausted or distracted, it's easy to lose your keys to your car. But by following these tips you can ensure your keys don't disappear forever, and you have a backup plan for when they do.