How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things are often lost in the chaos of bringing kids to and from school, completing errands and working. Our car keys are one of the most frequently lost items.
In the past you could easily change this at your local locksmith or hardware store. This is not the case anymore.
1. Call Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person you should contact should you lose your keys. The majority of dealers keep records of every key made for their cars, so they should be able to find yours. It can be costly to visit a dealership and you should look around. You might be able locate a lower cost solution through an automotive locksmith.
It is likely that you will need to provide the dealership with your vehicle identification number, or VIN, along with evidence of ownership (such as a copy of your registration or title) to receive a replacement key. The dealership will then request the new key and then pair it with your vehicle. The dealer must complete this lengthy process.
Smart keys are a form of key that is used in a variety of cars today. These keys are designed to use a proximity sensor to be activated inside the car, which allows keyless entry and start. They are usually used with ignitions that are push-to-start. The dealer can sell you a smart key but it's costly. A local auto locksmith can make an intelligent key for you for about half the cost of what you'd buy from the dealership.
You can also get a classic key replacement from a local hardware store. They can design a standard lock cylinder key. They will need the VIN and the model year. If you are unable to locate the VIN it's typically printed on a metal plate located on the driver's side doorpost or the dashboard. Even if you do not have the original key, most locksmiths for automotive can offer a replacement car key. In certain instances the locksmith might need to disassemble the ignition and door locks to accomplish this. This is not a risky job for a professional, but it requires some mechanical expertise and skills.
2. Contact a locksmith
The most common reason for requesting roadside assistance is because you've lost your car keys. Keep an extra car key with you and store it safely. Even the most careful of people can lose their keys. It is essential to search thoroughly for the key and to inform your insurance company as soon as possible in order to decrease the chance of being denied a claim if it turns up stolen later.
If you don't have an extra key, the best option is to contact the locksmith. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a key replacement for less than the cost a dealership would charge. They can also usually visit your location and create the key right there which is more efficient than having to take your vehicle back to the dealership.
The cost of replacing your car keys will vary based on the kind of key you own. The most affordable keys are the standard keys that can be bought at many hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your car is equipped with keys that can be used as a remote for unlocking and start the vehicle or a smart-key that can only be replaced at a dealership, the price of these keys is typically higher than the traditional one.
In most cases, an automotive locksmith can replace the key fob or smart key as long as they can get the VIN number for your car it is usually located on a metal plaque on your driver's side doorpost or etched into the windshield of the car. 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 auto-locksmiths who are certified by searching online, or asking family and friends for suggestions. Also, be aware that using keys you have not authorized to start the car can result in a violation of your vehicle's warranty. Using unauthorized keys may also cause damage to your car's lock. If you aren't willing to take this risk, it's 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 can do when you lose your car key is to panic. Take a deep breath and then try to rationalize your situation. It is likely that you lost your keys because you misplaced them, rather than having them taken. The next step is to go back through the steps you followed and try to locate where your keys went missing. It might help to look in places you wouldn't usually check, such as pockets on your pants or coat or in a bag you carry around when running. After you've looked in these places, you should call your insurance company.
Modern cars are fitted with electronic key fobs which communicate with your car through chip. This communication lets the car recognize the key fob and open the doors, as well as start the engine. If you lose your keys, it's important to notify the police immediately so that unauthorized people don't get into your car and use it.
Some insurance companies offer an additional benefit to their policies that covers the cost of replacing a key for your car. It is worth contacting your insurance provider to determine whether they provide this kind of protection or if you can locate an individual locksmith that can cover the cost.
It is possible to replace the mechanical key at most hardware stores for a reasonable price. However, if your car is equipped with an electronic key fob that is linked to your vehicle via the chip, you'll need to go to your dealership for an upgrade. This can be costly but it's also cheaper than hiring locksmith.
In addition to the cost of replacing your car key and filing an insurance claim for a stolen key could cause your car insurance rates to rise. This is because the insurance company will consider you to be high-risk driver for loosing your car keys and could increase your premiums to cover the cost of settling the claim. Fortunately, you can avoid the extra expenses by purchasing a device to locate your car key that has been lost or having a locksmith create the new key without cloning the original.
4. Contact a Tow Truck
It's one of the most difficult things to lose your car keys and no one wants to see it happen. But if it does it could be costly to replace the key that was lost and get back on the road again. It's why it's important to be prepared if it happens, so that you can avoid having to call a tow truck, and keep your cash in your wallet.
When you've lost your car keys, the very first step is to retrace your steps. This will help you determine where they are, and help you calm your anxiety. You may remember doing something at the grocery store or dropping your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you to identify your starting point.
If car key lost replacement are unable to locate your keys, check places where you could have placed them, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing, or the bag that you used to carry them home. If you're still unable to locate them, take some time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.
A key tracker with bluetooth can be utilized on your phone. These are tiny devices can be connected to your keyring, and also have an app on your phone that will reveal where your keys are, so you don't need to go through every drawer or pocket in your home.
The cost to replace a lost car key can differ depending on the type of key you have. You can save money in the case of a traditional car key. A locksmith for automotive is usually in a position to create a new key on the spot, without the original. If you have a smart-key that uses proximity sensors to open the doors or turn on the engine of your vehicle then you'll need to visit a dealership to purchase a new one.
You must have a plan in case you lose your keys. This will spare you the hassle of paying for a tow-truck or locksmith. If you're exhausted or distracted, it's easy to lose your keys to your car. But by following these tips you can ensure that your keys won't vanish forever, and you have a backup plan when they do.