How to Replace Lost Car Keys
In the hustle of sending children to school, running errands and working, things have a tendency to become lost. Car keys are one of the most commonly lost items.
In the past you could easily replace this at the local locksmith or hardware store. Today, it's not as simple.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
If you lose your car keys, the first place you should call is your car dealer. Most dealers keep track of every key made for their vehicles therefore it should be simple for them to find your key. The drawback is that going to the dealership can be expensive, so it's important to shop for a different one. You might be able to find a cheaper option by using an auto locksmith.
You'll likely have to give the dealership your vehicle identification number, or VIN, as well as proof of ownership (such as a copy of your registration or title) to receive an alternative key. The dealership will then purchase a new key and pair it with your vehicle. This could be a long process, and you'll need to wait for the dealer to complete the task.
Many vehicles today are equipped with keys that are specialized called a smart key. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor inside the vehicle, allowing for keyless entry and start. They are usually paired with ignitions that have a push-to-start feature. You can buy a new smart key from the dealership, but the price is quite expensive. A local auto locksmith can create a smart key for you for about half the cost of what you would pay at the dealership.
You can also purchase a classic key replacement at your local hardware store. They will be able to make an ordinary key that will fit the lock cylinder of your vehicle. They will need to know the year of manufacture of your vehicle, as well as the VIN. If you're unable to find the VIN it's typically stamped on a metal plaque that is located on the driver's side doorpost or the dashboard. Most automotive locksmiths can provide you with the replacement for your car key, even if you don't have the original. However, in certain instances they may have to take apart the door lock and ignition in order to do this. It is not a dangerous job, but it requires some mechanical knowledge.
2. Contact a locksmith
The most frequent reason for roadside assistance is because you've lost your car keys. Keep an extra car key in your bag and store it in a safe place. Even the most careful of people could lose their keys. It is important to thoroughly search for the key and to notify your insurance company as quickly as possible to reduce your chances of being denied a claim in the event that it turns up stolen later.
If you don't have an extra key, the next best option is to contact an locksmith. Locksmiths usually can provide a key replacement for less than the cost a dealership would charge. They can also usually visit your place and make the key on the spot, which is much more convenient than having to bring your vehicle back to the dealership.
The type of car key that you have could affect the cost of replacing it. The most affordable keys are the standard keys that can be bought at the majority of hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your car comes with an ignition key that can be used as a remote to lock and start the car, or a smart-key, which can only by replaced at an auto dealer, the cost of these keys is usually more expensive than traditional keys.
A locksmith can replace keys that are smart or fob in the majority of cases as long they have the VIN number of your vehicle. This is usually found on the metal plate that is on the driver's doorpost, or on the windshield. They will also require evidence that you own the car and have the registration or title.
Some locksmiths are not licensed or insured, so make sure to research them before hiring them. You can find qualified auto locksmiths on the internet or asking your family and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using keys that are not yours to start your car could cause a breach of your vehicle's warranty. The use of a key that is not authentic could cause damage to the lock on your car. If you don't want to risk this you should consider to call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith, and wait for a replacement key from the dealer.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Panic is one of the worst reactions you can have when you lose your keys. The first thing to do is to take your breath and try to think about the situation. It is likely that you lost your keys due to you misplaced them, instead of having them stolen. The next step is to retrace the steps you followed and try to find out the place where your keys went missing. You may want to look in areas you're not usually checking, like the pockets of your pants, or a coat or a bag that you use to run in. After you've inspected these areas you must contact your insurance provider.
Most modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that communicate with your car through chips. This process of communication allows the vehicle to recognize and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. It's important that you inform the authorities of the loss of your key immediately to prevent unauthorized individuals from using your vehicle.
Some car insurance providers offer an insurance add-on that will cover the cost of replacing a lost car key. Contact your insurance provider to see if this type of insurance is offered or if an individual locksmith can pay for the costs.
If Keep Reading has the standard mechanical key, you can typically replace it at a variety of hardware stores for a nominal cost. If, however, your car is equipped with an electronic key fob, which is connected to your car via the chip, you'll have to go to your dealership to get the replacement. It's not cheap however it's much cheaper than hiring a professional locksmith.
Filing an insurance claim due to a stolen car key can increase your insurance rates. This is because the insurance company will consider you to be an extremely risky driver for the loss of your car key and could increase your premiums to offset the cost of settling the claim. Fortunately, you can often avoid the extra expenses by purchasing a device to track your lost car key or having a locksmith create an entirely new key without copying the original.
4. Contact for a Tow Truck
It's one of the most difficult things to lose your car keys, and nobody would want to see it happen. If it does happen it could be costly to replace the key and get back on the road. It is important to be prepared in order that you don't have call a tow-truck and keep your money.
Follow your steps in case you've lost your keys. This will aid in determining where they are, and help you calm your anxiety. Try to remember the actions you took prior to losing your keys, like grabbing something at the supermarket or dropping them on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you to find your starting point.
If you're unable to locate your keys, search for places in which they could be, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing or the bag you put them in when you got home. If you're still unable to locate the keys, give yourself time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.
Another alternative is to make use of the bluetooth key tracker app on your phone. These are small devices you can attach to a keyring, and an app for your smartphone will display the whereabouts of your keys.
The cost of replacing lost car key can be a bit expensive depending on the type of key that you have. If you own a traditional key, an automotive locksmith can usually make a new one on the spot without the original, which can save you money. If you have an electronic key that relies on a proximity sensor to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll need go to the dealer to purchase a new one.
It is essential to have a plan in place in case you lose your car keys, so you can save yourself the headache of having to pay for the tow truck or locksmith. It's easy to forget your car keys when you're tired after a long work day or when your attention is focused on other things. By following these tips you can ensure that your keys don't disappear forever, and have an alternative plan in the event that they happen to disappear.