This Is The Ultimate Guide To Replace Lost Car Key
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
In the rush of taking children to school, running errands, and working, things have a tendency to become lost. One of the most common things that get lost is the keys to our cars.
In the past you could easily replace this at your local locksmith or hardware store. However, nowadays, it isn't as easy.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person to contact if you lose your key. Most dealers keep a record of every key that is designed for their vehicles, so it should be easy for them to locate yours. The disadvantage is that visiting the dealership can be expensive so it's crucial to look for a different one. You might be able find a cheaper solution by using an auto locksmith.
You will most likely need to provide the dealership with your vehicle identification number, or VIN, as well as evidence of ownership (such as a copy registration or title) to obtain an alternative key. The dealership will request an alternative key and connect it to your vehicle. The dealer will need to complete this lengthy procedure.
Many vehicles today come with a special type of key known as a smart key. These keys are designed to use a proximity sensor to be activated inside the car, allowing keyless entry and start. They are usually used with ignitions that require a push-to-start. Dealers will offer you a smart key but it is expensive. A local auto locksmith can make the smart key for a fraction of what you'd buy from the dealership.
You can also get a traditional key replacement from your local hardware store. They can create the standard lock cylinder keys. They will need the VIN and the model year. If you can't find the VIN on your car, it will be stamped on a plaque made of metal that is located on the dashboard or driver's doorpost. Even if you don't have the original, many locksmiths for automotive can provide you with a replacement car key. In some cases the locksmith may need to remove the ignition and door locks in order to complete the task. This is not a hazardous job, but it does require some knowledge of mechanics.
2. Contact a locksmith
Losing keys to your car is one of the most common causes for roadside assistance and callouts. It's important to keep a spare key with your person and ensure that it's safe. Even the most careful of people may lose their keys. It is important to look for the car key and notify your insurance company immediately if you discover it. This will reduce the chance of your claim being denied later should your key be found stolen.
Calling a locksmith is the best option in the event that you don't have a spare. Locksmiths usually can provide a key replacement for less than what a dealership would cost. They can also usually visit your place and create the key on the spot, which is much more efficient than having to take your vehicle back to the dealership.
The type of car key that you have could affect the cost of replacing it. Keys with traditional designs are able to be replaced at most hardware stores for $10 each, are the most affordable. If your car has an ignition key fob that functions as a remote and allows you to open and start the engine or a smart key, that can only be replaced by a dealership and will typically cost more than a traditional key.
A locksmith can replace a smart key or key fob in most 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 also require proof that you have ownership of the vehicle by providing the registration or title.
Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so be sure to research them before hiring. You can find qualified auto locksmiths by looking online or asking friends and family for suggestions. Be aware that using keys that are not yours to start the car can cause a breach of your vehicle's warranty. A key that is not authorized could damage the lock of your car. If you don't want to risk it you should contact roadside assistance instead of a locksmith for cars and wait until the dealer provides a replacement key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
One of the worst things you can do when you lose your car key is to panic. The first step is to take a deep breath and try to understand the situation. It is likely that you lost your keys because you misplaced them, rather than having them taken. So, the next step is to trace your steps and find out the location where they went missing. It could be helpful to look in places you don't normally look, such as the pockets of your coat or pants or in a bag you use when running. Once you've checked all of these areas it's a good idea to contact your insurance company.
Most modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that connect to your car via a chip. This communication allows the vehicle recognize the key fob and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. If lost car keys 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.
Some insurance companies offer an add-on to their policy that covers the cost of replacing a key for your car. Contact your insurance provider to find out if this type of insurance is offered or if an individual locksmith can pay for the costs.
You can usually replace a mechanical key in many hardware stores for a fair cost. If your car is equipped with an electronic key that is paired to your vehicle via the chip, you will have to visit the dealership to obtain a replacement. It's expensive, but it is much cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith.
In addition to the cost of replacing your car key and filing an insurance claim to replace a lost key could cause your car insurance rates to increase. Your insurance company may increase your premiums because they'll consider you to be a high-risk driver because you lost your key. You can cut down on these additional expenses by purchasing a device that tracks your lost key to locate your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to create an original key without copying the original one.
4. Call for a Tow Truck
Everyone would hate to lose their car keys. It is the worst thing that can occur. However, if it does happen it could be costly to replace the lost key and get you back on the road again. That's why it's best to be prepared if it happens, so that you don't have to call a tow truck and keep your cash in your wallet.
Find your way back if you've lost your keys. This will allow you to locate the keys and calm your panic. Try to remember what you did right before losing your keys, such as buying something at the grocery store or dropping them on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you to determine where you should start.
If you are unable to locate 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 got home. If you're still not able to locate the keys, give yourself time to relax before calling a locksmith tow truck.
A key tracker with bluetooth can be used on your phone. These are tiny devices can be attached to your keyring, and also have an app on your phone to let you know where your keys are, so you don't have to look through every pocket or drawer in your house.
The cost of replacing a lost car key can be a bit expensive depending on the type of key that you have. If you own a traditional key that is used for automotive, a locksmith can typically make a new one immediately without the original, which can save you money. If you have a smart-key that uses a proximity detector to open doors or start your car's engine then you'll need to visit the dealership to purchase a new one.
It's important to have a plan in place to deal with the loss of your car keys so that you will not have the hassle of having to pay for the tow truck or locksmith. When you're tired or distracted, it's not difficult to lose your car keys. By following these tips you can ensure that your keys don't disappear forever. You should also have a back-up plan in the event that they happen to disappear.