How 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 keys are among of the most commonly lost items.
In the past, this was not an issue since you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. This is not the situation anymore.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
If you've lost your car keys The first place you should contact is your local car dealer. The majority of car dealers keep records of every key that they have made for their vehicles, which means they will be able to locate your key. The downside is that visiting the dealership can be expensive and it's essential to shop around. You may be able to get 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 evidence of ownership (such as a copy of registration or title) to get a replacement key. The dealership will request a replacement key and pair it to your vehicle. The dealer will have to complete this lengthy procedure.
Smart keys are a kind of key that is utilized in a variety of cars in the present. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, allowing for keyless entry and starting. They are usually used with ignitions that require a push-to start. The dealer can sell you a smart key, however, it's expensive. Local auto locksmiths can give you a smart key for less than the cost.
You can also get a replacement for your classic key at your local hardware store. They can make you an ordinary lock cylinder key. They will need to know the year of manufacture of your car, as well as the VIN. If you can't find the VIN on your car it will be stamped on a metal plaque that is placed on the dashboard or driver's doorpost. The majority of locksmiths for automotive can offer an alternative car key even if they don't have the original. However, in certain instances, they may need to take apart the door and ignition to do so. This is not a dangerous job for a professional, however it requires some mechanical skills and knowledge.
2. Call an expert locksmith
Misplacing keys to your car is one of the most common causes for roadside assistance and calls. Keep a spare car key in your bag and store it safely. Even the most cautious of people could lose their keys. It is important to look for the car key and inform your insurance company immediately if you discover it. car keys lost no spare will lower the chances of your claim being denied later should your key be found stolen.
A locksmith's call is the next best thing in the event that you don't have an extra. Locksmiths can usually provide a key replacement for less than the cost a dealership would charge. They are also able to come out to your location and make the key right there, which is much more efficient than having to take your vehicle back to the dealership.
The kind of car key you have could affect the cost of replacing it. The most affordable keys are traditional keys that can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your car has an ignition key fob that acts like a remote and can unlock and start the engine or a smart-key, which can only be replaced by a dealership and will typically cost more than the standard key.
A locksmith can replace keys that are smart or fob in the majority of cases as long as 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 require evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so make sure to research them before hiring them. You can find qualified auto locksmiths by searching online or asking your family and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using keys you have not authorized to start your car could lead to the violation of your vehicle's warranty. A key that is not authorized could damage the lock of your vehicle. If you don't want to take this risk you should call roadside assistance instead of a car locksmith and wait until your dealer provides a replacement key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Panic is among the worst reactions you can experience when you lose your key. The first step is take a deep breath and try to understand the situation. It is more likely you lost your keys than they were stolen. The next step is to go back your steps and try to find out the location where they were lost. You may want to look in places you don't normally check like the pockets of your pants or bags or coats that you use for running. After you've checked these places it is time to call your insurance company.
Most modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which communicate with your vehicle via chip. This communication allows the vehicle recognize the key fob, and then open the doors, as well as start the engine. If you lose your key it is important to report this immediately to ensure that anyone who isn't authorized don't get into your car and use it.
Certain car insurance companies offer an insurance add-on that covers the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. Check with your insurance company to find out if this type of coverage is offered or if an individual locksmith will cover the costs.
You can usually get a replacement for a mechanical key in most hardware stores for a reasonable cost. If your car has an electronic key that is connected to your car via the chip, you will have to visit the dealership to purchase a replacement. It can be costly however it's much cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith.
In addition to the expense of replacing your car key and submitting an insurance claim for a stolen key can cause your car insurance rates to increase. The insurance company could increase your premiums because they'll consider you to be a high-risk motorist for losing your key. You can reduce these cost by buying an electronic device to locate your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to design an original key without copying the old key.
4. Call a Tow Truck
It's the most gruelling thing to lose your car keys, and no one wants it to happen. If it does happen it could be costly to replace keys and get back on the road. This is why it's important to be prepared in case it does, so you won't need to call an tow truck and keep your money in your wallet.
Follow your steps if you've lost your keys. This will help you find them and ease your anxiety. You might recall doing something at the supermarket or putting your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you to find your starting point.
If you can't locate your keys, check places where you may have placed them, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing, or the bag you used to carry them home. If you're still unable to locate the keys, give yourself time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.
A key tracker bluetooth can also be used on your phone. These are tiny devices that can be attached to your keyring, and also have an app on your phone that can let you know where your keys are so you don't need to look through every pocket or drawer in your home.
The cost of replacing the car key that has been lost can differ depending on the type of key you own. If you own a traditional key an automotive locksmith will usually make a new one on the spot without the original one, which will save you some money. If you are using a smart-key that utilizes a proximity detector to open doors or turn on your car's engine, you will need to visit a dealership to purchase a new one.
It is essential to have a plan in place for when you lose your car keys so that you can avoid the hassle 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 day, or when your mind is busy with other things. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your keys won't disappear forever. You should also have backup plans in case they happen to disappear.
