How to Replace Lost Car Keys
In the rush of sending kids to school, running errands, and working things tend to become lost. One of the most common items that disappears is the keys to our car.
In the past, this was not an issue because you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. However, nowadays, it isn't as simple.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
If you lose your car key The first person to contact is your dealer. The majority of car dealers keep a record of every key that is designed for their vehicles, therefore it should be simple for them to track down your keys. The drawback is that visiting the dealership can be costly, so it's important to shop for a different one. You may be able locate a lower cost option through an automotive locksmith.
You'll likely have to provide the dealership with your vehicle identification number or VIN, along with proof of ownership (such as a copy registration or title) to receive the replacement key. The dealership will request the replacement key and attach it with your vehicle. The dealer will have to complete this lengthy procedure.
Many cars today are equipped with keys that are specialized 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 paired with push-to-start ignitions. The dealer will sell you a smart key, but it is expensive. A local auto locksmith can design an intelligent key for you for about half the cost of what you would pay at the dealership.
You can also get a traditional key replacement at your local hardware store. They will be able to make a standard key that is compatible with the lock cylinder of your vehicle. Read Even more 'll need the model year of your car and the VIN. If you're unable to find the VIN it's usually printed on a metal plate that is located on the driver's side doorpost or dashboard. Even if you do not have the original, many automotive locksmiths will be able to provide you with an alternative car key. In some cases the locksmith might need to take apart the ignition and door locks in order to do this. It's not a risky task, but it requires some technical knowledge.
2. Call a locksmith
Losing your car keys is among of the most frequent reasons for roadside assistance or callouts. Keep an extra car key in your bag and store it in a safe place. However even the most cautious people can lose their car keys. It is important to thoroughly search for the key and to notify your insurance company as soon as possible in order to decrease the chances of getting denied a claim in the event that it is found later stolen.
A locksmith's call is the next best thing when you don't have an extra key. Locksmiths can usually offer a replacement key for less than what the dealership will charge. They may also come to your home to make the key on the spot, which is more convenient than having your vehicle brought back to the dealer.
The type of car key you have can affect the cost to replace it. Traditional keys that can be exchanged at most hardware stores for $10 each and are the cheapest. If your vehicle is equipped with a key fob that can be used as a remote for unlocking and start the vehicle, or a smart-key that can only by replaced at a dealership, the cost of these keys will be more expensive than the standard one.
A locksmith can replace the smart key or key fob in the majority of cases as long they have the VIN number for your vehicle. This number is typically found on the metal plate on the driver's doorpost or on the windshield. They will also need evidence that you own the car by providing an original registration or title.
Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so be sure to research them before hiring. You can locate reputable auto locksmiths on the internet or asking family and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using an unauthorized key to start your vehicle could cause a breach of warranty. Unauthorized keys can damage your car's lock. If you aren't willing 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 most dangerous things you can do when you lose your car keys is to panic. Relax, and then try to reason your situation. It is more likely that you lost your keys than they were stolen. The next step is to go back through the steps you took and try to locate the place where your keys were. It might help to check places you don't normally look for items, like the pockets of your coat or pants or in the bag you use for running. After you've looked through all these places, it's a good idea to contact your insurance company.
Modern cars are fitted with electronic key fobs that connect to your car through a chip. This communication allows the vehicle recognize the key fob and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. If you lose your key, it's important to report this immediately to ensure that anyone who isn't authorized can't enter your car and use it.
Some insurance companies offer an extra benefit to their policy that covers the cost of replacing a car key. It is worth contacting your insurance company to find out whether they provide this kind of coverage or if they can locate an individual locksmith that can pay for the cost.
If your car has the standard mechanical key, you can replace it at a variety of hardware stores at a cost of a small amount. However, if your vehicle is equipped with an electronic key fob that is linked to your vehicle via the chip, you'll need to visit your dealer to get an upgrade. This can be costly, but it's much more cost-effective than hiring a locksmith.
In addition to the cost of replacing your car key and submitting an insurance claim for a stolen key can cause your car insurance rates to rise. 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 to offset the cost of settling the claim. You can avoid these extra expenses by purchasing a tracking device that will track your lost keys or hiring a professional locksmith to design a key without cloning the original key.
4. Call for a Tow Truck
It's the most frustrating thing to lose your car keys and no one wants it to happen. However, if it does happen it could be costly to replace the key that was lost and get back on the road again. It is important to be prepared in order that you don't have call a tow-truck and save your money.
Retrace your steps in case you've lost your keys. This will help you figure out exactly where they are and can help you calm your anxiety. Try to recall what you did right before losing your keys, like 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 put them, like the pockets of the clothing you were wearing, or the bag that you used to carry them home. If you are unable to find them, take some time to relax and then call an locksmith or a tow truck.
A key tracker bluetooth can also be utilized on your phone. These are tiny devices that you can connect to a keyring and an app on your smartphone will display the location of your keys.
The cost to replace the car key that has been lost can vary depending on what kind of key you own. You can save money when you use an old-fashioned car key. A locksmith for automotive will usually be able to make a replacement on the spot, but without the original. If you have a smart key that uses proximity sensors to open doors or turn on the engine of your vehicle it is necessary go to the dealer to obtain a replacement.
You should have a plan in place for the event that you lose your keys. This will save you the hassle of paying for an tow-truck or locksmith. It's easy to forget your car keys when you're tired after a long day or when your thoughts are focused distracted by other things. If you follow these suggestions you can ensure your keys don't disappear forever and have a backup plan for when they do.