How to Replace Lost Car Keys
In the shuffle of sending kids to school, running errands and working, things have a tendency to get lost. One of the most common items that go missing is our car keys.
In the past, this was not an issue because you could easily replace it at the local hardware store or locksmith. Today, it's not as simple.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
If you have lost your car key The first place you should call is your local car dealer. The majority of car dealers keep a log of every key made for their vehicles, making it easy for them to locate your key. The downside is that going to the dealership can be costly, so it's important to shop around. You may be able to find a cheaper solution by using an auto locksmith.
In most cases, you will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership, like an original title or registration, to obtain an alternative key from the dealer. 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 kind of key that is utilized in many cars today. These keys are designed for a proximity sensor that can be activated within the car, allowing keyless entry and start. They are usually paired with ignitions that have a push-to-start feature. The dealer can sell you a smart key, but it's costly. Local auto locksmiths can make you a smart key at less than the cost.
You can also replace your classic key at the local hardware store. They can create a standard lock cylinder key. They will need the VIN and the year of manufacture. If you are unable to locate the VIN on your vehicle, it will be stamped on a metal plaque located on the dashboard or the driver's doorpost. Most automotive locksmiths can offer an alternative car key, even if you don't have the original. However, in certain instances they may have to take apart the ignition and door locks to accomplish this. It's not a risky job, but it does require some knowledge of mechanics.
2. Contact a Locksmith
The most common reason for roadside assistance is when you've lost your car keys. Keep a spare car key with you and store it safely. However even the most cautious people may lose their car keys. It is essential to search thoroughly for the keys and notify your insurance company as soon as you can to minimize your chances of being denied a claim in the event that it happens to be stolen later.
Calling a locksmith is the next best thing when you don't have an extra key. Locksmiths can usually provide a key replacement at less than what a dealership would charge. They can also come to your location to make keys right there, which is more convenient than having your vehicle brought back to the dealer.
The cost of replacing your car keys can vary depending on the kind of key you own. Continue are the standard keys that can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. They cost about $10 per key. If your car is equipped with a key fob, which acts as a remote that allows you to open and start the engine, or a smart key that can only be replaced by a dealership, these keys will usually cost more than a traditional key.
In the majority of cases, an automotive locksmith will be able to replace the key fob or smart key as long as they can get the VIN number of your vehicle that is usually found on a metal plaque on the driver's side of the doorpost or stamped into the windshield of the vehicle. They will also require proof that you own the car, such as a copy of your registration or title.
Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so be sure to research them before hiring them. You can find reputable auto locksmiths through online search engines, or asking family and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using an unlicensed key to start your car could lead to an infringement of warranty. Unauthorized keys can cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you don't want to risk it you should call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith for cars and wait until the dealer provides a replacement key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
One of the worst things you can do when you lose your car keys is to panic. Take a deep breath, and then try to reason your situation. Chances are that you lost your keys due to you misplaced them, rather than having them taken. The next step is to retrace the steps you took and try to find out the place where your keys went missing. You may want to look in places you don't normally check like the pockets of your pants or bags or coats that you use to run in. After you've inspected all these places, it's a good idea contact your insurance company.
Modern cars come with electronic keys that communicate through chips with the car. This allows the car to recognize the key fob and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. It is essential to inform the authorities of the loss of your key immediately to stop unauthorized persons from accessing your vehicle.
Some insurance companies offer an additional benefit to their policies that covers the cost of a replacement key for your car. Check with your insurance company to determine if this kind of coverage is available or if an individual locksmith can pay for the costs.
You can usually replace the mechanical key at most hardware stores for a fair price. If your car has an electronic key that connects to your car via the chip, then you will have to visit your dealer to get a replacement. This can be expensive but it's also cheaper than hiring locksmith.
In the event of filing an insurance claim due to the theft of your car key could increase your insurance rates. Your insurance company could increase your premiums because they'll consider you to be a high-risk motorist because you lost your key. Fortunately, you can often reduce the costs by buying a tracking device that can track your lost car keys or having a locksmith make a new key without cloning the original.
4. Call a tow truck
It's one of the most difficult things to lose your car keys and nobody wants to see it happen. If it does happen, it can be costly to replace the lost key and get back on the road again. This is why it's important to be prepared if it happens, so you won't need to call a tow truck, and keep your money in your wallet.
When you've lost your car keys, the very first thing to do is trace your steps. This will aid in determining where they are and can help calm your panic. You might remember doing something in the supermarket, or dropping your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you to identify your starting point.
If you can't locate your keys, search in places where you may have placed them, such as the pockets of the clothing you were wearing, or the bag you used to carry them to home. If you're still not able to locate them, take some time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.
A key tracker bluetooth can also be utilized on your phone. These are small devices you can attach to a keyring and an app for your smartphone will display the location of your keys.
The cost of replacing a car key that is lost may vary depending on what kind of key you own. If you have a conventional key an automotive locksmith will typically make a new one immediately without the original one, which will save you some money. If you are using a smart-key that utilizes proximity sensors to open doors or start your car's engine then you'll need go to the dealer to purchase a new one.
It's essential to have a plan in place in case you lose your car keys, so that you will not have the hassle of having to pay for the tow truck or locksmith. It's easy for you to forget your car keys when you're exhausted after a long day, or when your mind is on other things. However, by following these steps you can ensure that your keys don't vanish forever, and you have a backup plan in case the event that they do.