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 frequently lost things that get lost is our keys to our cars.
In the past, this wasn't an issue because you could easily replace it at the local hardware store or locksmith. However, nowadays, it isn't as easy.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
If you've lost your car keys The first person you should contact is your dealer. Most dealers keep track of every key that is designed for their vehicles, so it should be easy for them to track down yours. It is expensive to visit a dealership, so you should shop around. You may be able to locate a lower cost option by using an auto locksmith.
In the majority of instances, you'll need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and evidence of ownership, like a copy of the registration or title, to obtain a replacement key from the dealership. The dealership will then order a new key and pair it with your vehicle. This could be a long procedure, and you'll be waiting until the dealer has completed the job.
Smart keys are a type of key used in a lot of automobiles today. These keys are designed for a proximity sensor that can be activated inside the car, allowing keyless entry and starting. These keys are typically used with ignitions that require a push-to start. You can buy a new smart key at the dealership, but the cost is very high. A local auto locksmith can create a smart key for you for about half the cost of what you would buy from the dealership.
You can also replace the key you have always had at the local hardware store. They can create a standard key that is compatible with the lock cylinder in your car. They'll need the year of manufacture of your car and also the VIN. If you cannot locate the VIN on your vehicle it will be stamped on a plaque made of metal that is located on the dashboard or the driver's doorpost. Most automotive locksmiths can offer the replacement for your car key, even if you don't have the original. In some cases the locksmith might need to disassemble the ignition and door locks to accomplish this. This is not a risky job for a professional, however it does require some mechanical knowledge and skill.
2. Call a Locksmith
Losing keys to your car is one of the most common causes for roadside assistance and calls. It's essential to keep a spare key with you and make sure you keep it in a safe place. Even the most careful people may lose their keys. You should check for the car key and notify your insurance company immediately if you find it. This will lower the likelihood of your claim being denied in the event that your key is stolen.
A locksmith's call is the next best thing in the event that you don't have an extra key. Locksmiths usually can offer a replacement key for less than the cost a dealership would charge. They can also come to your location to create the key right there, which is more convenient than having your car brought back to the dealer.
The type of car key that you have can affect the cost to replace it. The most affordable keys are the traditional keys that can be purchased at many hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your car 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 cost of these keys is typically higher than the traditional one.
A locksmith can replace the smart key or key 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 on the windshield. They will need proof of ownership, like your registration or title.
Some locksmiths are not licensed or insured, so be sure to research them before hiring them. You can find qualified auto-locksmiths by searching online or asking family and friends for recommendations. Also, be aware that using keys you have not authorized to start your car could result in a breach of the warranty on your vehicle. Unauthorized keys can cause damage to your car's lock. If you aren't willing to risk it you should consider to call 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 take your breath and try to understand the situation. It is more likely that you misplaced your keys than they were stolen. lost key in car is to go back through the steps you took and try to find out 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, or a bag or coat that you use for running. After you've looked in these places, you should call your insurance provider.
Modern cars come with electronic keys that communicate through an electronic chip with the car. This allows the car to recognize the key fob, and then open the doors, and start the engine. If you lose your key it is important to notify the police immediately to ensure that people who are not authorized don't get into your car and use it.
Some car insurance providers offer an insurance add-on that will cover the cost of replacing a lost car key. It's worth talking to your insurance provider to see whether they provide this kind of insurance or if you can locate an individual locksmith that can pay for the cost.
If your car is equipped with an ordinary mechanical key, you can get it replaced at a variety of hardware stores for a small fee. However, if your vehicle is equipped with an electronic key fob that is connected to your car via the chip, you'll need to go to your dealership to get a replacement. It's not cheap, but it is much cheaper than hiring a professional locksmith.
Making an insurance claim because of a car key that was stolen can increase your insurance rates. This is because the insurance company will view you as an extremely risky driver for the loss of your car key, and may raise your premiums to cover the cost of paying out a claims claim. You can cut down on these additional expenses 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 a tow truck
It's one of the most difficult things to lose your car keys, and no one wants to see it happen. If it does happen it could be costly to replace the lost key and get back on the road again. It's essential to be prepared in order that you don't need to call a tow truck and keep your money.
Find your way back if you've lost your keys. This will help you figure out exactly where they are, and help calm your panic. You may remember doing something in the supermarket or dropping your keys on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you determine the place to start.
If you are unable to locate your keys, look in places where you could have put them, such as the pockets of the clothes you were wearing, or the bag that you carried them in to take them home. If you're still not able to locate the keys, give yourself time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.
Another alternative is to use the bluetooth key tracker app on your phone. These are tiny devices can be attached to your keyring and use an app installed on your phone to reveal where your keys are, so you don't have to look through every drawer or pocket in your home.
The cost of replacing a lost car keys can vary dependent on the type of key you own. You could save money when you use traditional car keys. A locksmith for automotive will typically be capable of making a replacement on the spot, but without the original. However, if you own an electronic key that relies on a proximity sensor to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll have go to the dealer to purchase a new one.
It is important to have a plan for when you lose your keys. This will save you the hassle of having to pay for an tow-truck or locksmith. It's easy for you to forget your car keys when you're tired after a long day or when your mind is on other things. However, by following these steps, you can make sure that your keys don't vanish forever and have a backup plan for when they do.