How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things are often lost in the chaos of getting children to and from school, running errands and working. Car keys are among of the most commonly lost items.
In the past you could easily change this at your local locksmith or hardware store. Today, it's not as simple.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person you should call should you lose your keys. Most car dealers keep track of every key that is made for their vehicles therefore it should be simple for them to track down yours. It can be costly to go to a dealership and you should shop around. You may be able to get a lower price through an automotive locksmith.
You will most likely need to provide the dealership with your vehicle identification number, or VIN, along with evidence of ownership (such as a copy registration or title) to obtain the replacement key. The dealership will then purchase an additional key and connect it with your vehicle. The dealer will need to complete this lengthy process.
Smart keys are a kind of key that is utilized in a lot of automobiles today. They are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, allowing for keyless entry and start. They are usually used with ignitions that require a push-to start. You can buy a new smart key from the dealership, but the price is quite expensive. Local auto locksmiths can make you a smart lock at only a fraction of the cost.
You can also get a traditional key replacement from a local hardware store. They can make you a standard lock cylinder key. They'll need to know the model year of your car and the VIN. If you can't find the VIN on your vehicle it will be engraved on a metal plaque that is placed on the dashboard or driver's doorpost. Even if you do not have the original, most locksmiths in the automotive industry will be able to provide you with an alternate car key. However, in certain instances they may have to disassemble the door and ignition in order to do this. This is not a hazardous job, but it does require some mechanical knowledge.
2. Call a locksmith
The most frequent reason for seeking roadside assistance is when you've lost your car keys. Keep a spare car key in your bag and keep it safe. Even the most cautious of people can lose their keys. You should look for the car key and inform your insurance company immediately if you discover it. This will lower the likelihood of your claim being denied later if your key is found stolen.
Contacting a locksmith is the next best thing in the event that you don't have an extra key. Locksmiths can usually offer a replacement key for less than what a dealership would charge. They may also come to your home to make keys right there which is much more convenient than having your car brought back to the dealer.
The type of car key that you have can affect the cost of replacing it. The most affordable keys are traditional keys that can be bought at most hardware stores. They cost about $10 per key. If your car comes with a key fob that can be used as a remote to unlock and start the car, or a smart-key, which is only able to be replaced at a dealership, the price of these keys is typically more expensive than traditional keys.
A locksmith can replace keys that are smart or fob in most cases so 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 stamped on the windshield. They will require proof of ownership, like your registration or title.
Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so be sure to investigate them prior to hiring. You can find qualified auto-locksmiths through online search engines or asking family members and friends for recommendations. Also, be aware that using keys that are not yours to start the car can lead to the breach of the warranty on your vehicle. Unauthorized keys can cause damage to your car's lock. If you do not want to risk this, it's a good idea 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 key is to panic. The first thing to do is to take a deep breath and try to rationalize 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 attempt to locate where your keys went missing. It could be helpful to look around in places that you would not normally check, such as the pockets of your pants or coat, or in a bag you use when running. After you've looked in these places it is time to call your insurance company.
car keys lost replacement of modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which communicate with your car through chip. This communication allows the vehicle recognize the key fob, and then open the doors, and also start the engine. If you lose your keys it is important to report this immediately to ensure that anyone who isn't authorized don't get into your car and use it.
Some insurance companies offer an add-on to their policy that covers the cost of a replacement car key. It is worth contacting your insurance company to find out if they offer this type of protection or if you can locate an individual locksmith who will cover the cost.
If your car has an ordinary mechanical key, you'll be able to replace it at a variety of hardware stores for a small fee. If your car is equipped with an electronic key that is connected to your vehicle via the chip, then you will have to visit the dealership to get an replacement. It's not cheap however it's much cheaper than hiring a professional locksmith.
In the event of filing an insurance claim because of a car key that was stolen can increase your insurance rates. The insurance company could raise your premiums due to the fact that they will consider you an extremely risky driver because you lost your key. You can avoid these extra costs by purchasing an electronic device to track your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to design an original key without copying the original one.
4. Call for a Tow Truck
No one wants to lose their car keys. It's the worst scenario that could occur. 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 to call a tow truck and keep your money.
When you've lost your car keys, the first thing to do is trace your steps. This will help you determine where they are and can help calm your panic. You might remember doing something at the grocery store or dropping your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you to determine where you should start.
If you're unable to locate your keys, look around 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're still unable to locate them, take some time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.
A key tracker with bluetooth can be used on your phone. These are tiny devices you can attach to your keyring and use an app installed on your phone that can let you know where your keys are, so you don't have to look through every pocket or drawer in your house.
The cost to replace a car key that is lost may differ based on the type of key you have. You could save money if you have traditional car keys. A locksmith for automotive will usually be able to make a replacement on the spot, without the original. If you have a smart-key that uses proximity sensors to open doors or turn on the engine of your vehicle then you'll need to visit a dealership to get a replacement.
car lost key replacement to have a plan in place to deal with the loss of your car keys, so that you can save yourself the headache of having to pay for an tow truck or locksmith. It's easy to lose your car keys when you're exhausted after a long day, or when your attention is focused busy with other things. By following these tips you can ensure that your keys won't disappear forever, and have backup plans in the event that they do.