How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things tend to get lost in the rush of getting kids to and from school, running errands and working. One of the most frequently lost items that disappears is the keys to our car.
In the past, you could easily replace this at your local locksmith or hardware store. Today, it’s not as easy.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person you should call should you lose your keys. The majority of car dealers keep records of each key they make for their vehicles, which means they should be able to find yours. It’s expensive to visit a dealership and therefore, you should research. You might be able find a cheaper solution through an auto locksmith.
You’ll likely have to provide the dealership with your vehicle identification number, or VIN, and evidence of ownership (such as a copy of registration or title) to get a replacement key. The dealership will then order an alternative key and connect it to your vehicle. The dealer will need to complete this lengthy process.
Smart keys are a kind of key that is utilized in a lot of automobiles in the present. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, allowing for keyless entry and starting. They are usually paired with ignitions that have a push-to-start feature. The dealer will sell you a smart key, however, it’s expensive. A local auto locksmith can make an intelligent key for you at a fraction of what you would buy from the dealership.
You can also purchase a classic key replacement from a local hardware store. They can create an ordinary lock cylinder key. They’ll need the year of manufacture of your Car key Lost replacement and also the VIN. If you’re unable to find the VIN, it is usually printed on a metal plate found on the driver’s doorpost or dashboard. Even if you do not have the original, many locksmiths in the automotive industry can offer an alternate car key. However, in some cases they may have to remove the ignition and door locks to do so. This is not a dangerous job for a professional, but it requires some mechanical knowledge and skill.
2. Call a Locksmith
Misplacing your car keys is one of the most common reasons for roadside assistance and callouts. Keep an extra car key in your bag and store it safely. Even the most cautious of people may lose their keys. It is important to look for the car keys and inform your insurance company immediately if you discover it. This will reduce the likelihood of your claim being denied later should your key be found stolen.
If you don’t have a spare key, your next best option is to contact a locksmith. Locksmiths can usually provide a replacement key for less than the dealership will charge. They may also come to your home to make keys right there which is much more convenient than having your vehicle brought back to the dealer.
The cost of replacing your car key will vary based on the kind of key you own. Keys with traditional designs are able to be replaced at most hardware stores for about $10 each and are the cheapest. If your car is equipped with a key fob, which acts like a remote and can be used to unlock and start the engine, or a smart key, which can only be changed by dealers, these keys will usually cost more than the traditional key.
A locksmith can replace the smart key or key fob in most cases as long they have the VIN number for your vehicle. This number is typically found on the metal plate that is on the driver’s doorpost or stamped on the windshield. They will require proof of ownership, like your registration or title.
Always do your research before hiring locksmith. You can find qualified auto-locksmiths by searching on the internet or asking family and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using an unauthorized key to start your vehicle could cause a breach of warranty. Unauthorized keys can damage your car’s lock. If you don’t want to risk it you should contact roadside assistance instead of a car locksmith and wait until your 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 thing to do is take a deep breath and try to understand 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 try to determine the location where your keys were. You might want to check areas you’re not usually checking such as the pockets of your pants, or a bag or coat you carry for running. After you’ve looked in these places you must contact your insurance provider.
Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that communicate via an electronic chip with the car. This communication lets the car key lost replacement recognize the key fob and open the doors, and start the engine. If you lose your keys, it’s important to report this immediately to ensure that people who are not authorized aren’t able to enter your vehicle and use it.
Some insurance companies offer an add-on to their policy that will cover the cost of a replacement key for your car keys lost replacement. Contact your insurance provider to determine if this kind of insurance is offered or if an individual locksmith can cover the cost.
It is possible to replace a mechanical key in most hardware stores at a reasonable cost. If your car has an electronic key that is paired to your vehicle via the chip, then you’ll have to visit the dealership to get an alternative. It’s not cheap but it’s cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith.
In addition to the expense of replacing a lost car key your car key, filing an insurance claim for the loss of a key can cause your car insurance rates to rise. This is because your insurance company will view you as a high-risk driver for losing your car key and could increase your premiums to cover the cost of making an insurance claim. You can reduce these costs by purchasing a device that tracks your lost my car keys no spare key to track your lost keys or having a professional locksmith create keys without copying the old one.
4. Contact a Tow Truck
No one wants to lose their car keys. It is the worst scenario that could 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 for when it happens, so that you don’t have to call a tow truck and keep your money in your wallet.
Find your way back in case you’ve lost your keys. This will help you determine where they are and help you calm your anxiety. You might remember doing something at the grocery store or dropping your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you identify your starting point.
If you are unable to locate your keys, search in places where you may have placed them, such as the pockets of the clothes you were wearing, or the bag you used to transport them home. If you’re still not able to locate them, take some time to relax before calling a locksmith tow truck.
A key tracker bluetooth can also be used on your phone. These are small devices you can attach to a keyring and an app on your smartphone will display the whereabouts of your keys.
The cost of replacing lost car keys can vary according to the type of key you have. You can save money when you use an old-fashioned car key. An automotive locksmith will typically be in a position to create a new key on the spot, without the original. If you have a smart-key that uses a proximity detector to open doors or turn on your car’s engine, you will need to visit a dealership to obtain a replacement.
It’s essential to have a plan in place for when you lose your car keys, so you can avoid the hassle of having to pay for a tow truck or a locksmith. If you’re exhausted or distracted, it’s not difficult to lose your keys to your car. However, by following these steps to ensure your keys don’t disappear for ever and have a backup plan in case when they do.