How To Replace Lost Car Key to Replace Lost Car Keys
In the shuffle of sending children to school, running errands, and working it is common for things to get lost car key with no spare. One of the most frequent things that get lost is the car keys.
In the past, this wasn’t an issue since you could easily replace it at the local hardware store or locksmith. This isn’t the situation any more.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
If you’ve lost your car keys The first person to contact is your local car dealer. The majority of dealers have a record for every key made for their cars, so they are likely to be able find your key. It’s expensive to visit a dealer and therefore, you should research. You may be able to locate a lower cost option through a locksmith for cars.
In the majority of instances, you’ll have to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership, like a copy of the registration or title, in order to get an alternative key from the dealership. The dealership will then request a new key and pair it with your vehicle. This could be a long procedure, and you’ll have to wait until the dealer has completed the task.
Many vehicles today come with the special kind of key known as a smart key. These keys are designed to use a proximity sensor that can be activated within the car, allowing keyless entry and start. They are usually paired with push-to-start ignitions. Dealers will offer 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 buy from the dealership.
You can also purchase a traditional key replacement from your local hardware store. They will be able to make you a standard key that is compatible with the lock cylinder in your car. They will need the VIN and the model year. If you are unable to locate the VIN on your car 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, many locksmiths for automotive can offer an alternate car key. In some cases the locksmith might need to disassemble the ignition and door locks in order to complete the task. This is not a dangerous job for a professional, but it does require some mechanical knowledge and skill.
2. Call a Locksmith
Losing your car keys is among of the most common reasons for roadside assistance and callouts. Keep a spare car key in your bag and store it in a safe place. Even the most cautious of people can lose their keys. It is important to thoroughly search for the key and notify your insurance company as soon as you can to minimize the chances of getting denied a claim in the event that it is found later stolen.
If you don’t have a spare key, the best option is to call the locksmith. Locksmiths are usually able to offer a replacement key for less than the dealership will charge. They will usually come out to 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 of replacing it. The most affordable keys are traditional keys that can be purchased at most hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your vehicle is equipped with a key fob that can be used as a remote to unlock and start the vehicle or a smart-key that is only able to be replaced at a dealership, the cost of these keys is usually 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 vehicle. This number is typically found on the metal plate on the driver’s doorpost or on the windshield. They will also require proof that you own the car by providing the registration or title.
You should always do your research before hiring locksmith. You can find qualified auto locksmiths by looking online or asking family and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using keys that are not yours to start the car can 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 this is a good idea 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 could do when you lose your car key is to panic. The first step is take a deep breath and try to rationalize the situation. It is more likely you misplaced your keys than they were stolen. The next step is to retrace the steps you took and attempt to determine the location where your keys were. It may help to look around in places that you would not normally check like pockets in your coat or pants or in the bag you carry for running. After you’ve checked these places you must contact your insurance company.
Modern cars are fitted with electronic key fobs that connect to your vehicle via chip. This allows the vehicle to recognize and open the doors and start the engine. If you lose your keys It is crucial to notify the police immediately to ensure that people who are not authorized can’t enter your car and use it.
Certain insurance companies provide an additional benefit to their policies that covers the cost of a replacement key for your car. Contact your insurance provider to find out if this type of coverage is offered or if a locksmith can cover the cost.
It is possible to replace a mechanical key in many hardware stores at a reasonable price. If your car is equipped with an electronic key that connects to your vehicle via the chip, you will have to visit the dealership to obtain an alternative. It can be costly however it’s cheaper than hiring a locksmith.
Filing an insurance claim due to a car key that was stolen can increase your insurance premiums. This is because your insurance company will consider you to be a high-risk driver for losing your car keys, and may raise your premiums in order to offset the cost of settling the claim. You can reduce these expenses by purchasing a device that tracks your lost key to track your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to design keys without copying the original key.
4. Call a Tow truck
Nobody wants to lose their car keys. It’s the most embarrassing thing that could occur. If it happens it could be costly to replace keys and get back on the road. It’s why it’s important to be prepared if it does, so you don’t have to call a tow truck and keep your money in your wallet.
Retrace your steps in case you’ve lost your keys. This can help you figure out exactly where they are, and help you calm your anxiety. You may remember doing something in the supermarket or dropping your keys on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you pinpoint the place to start.
If you can’t find 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 when you came home. If you are unable to find them, take some time to relax before calling an locksmith or a tow truck.
A bluetooth key tracker can also be utilized on your phone. These are tiny devices you can attach to your keyring and have an app on your phone that will reveal where your keys are so you don’t need to go through every pocket or drawer in your home.
The cost of replacing a car key that is lost may differ based on the type of key you have. It is cheaper when you use a traditional car key. An automotive locksmith is usually in a position to create a new key immediately, and without the original. If you are using a smart-key that utilizes a proximity detector to open doors or turn on the engine of your car it is necessary to visit the dealership to purchase a new one.
It is essential to have a plan in case you lose your car keys, so that you can avoid the hassle of having to pay for a tow truck or a locksmith. When you’re tired or distracted, it’s easy to lose your keys to your car. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your keys don’t disappear forever, and you’ll have an alternative plan in the event that they do.
