How to Replace Lost Car Keys
In the hustle of sending kids to school, running errands and working, things have a tendency to get lost. One of the most frequent items that disappears is our keys to our car.
In the past, this was not an issue because you could easily replace it at the local hardware store or locksmith. However, this isn't the situation any more.
1. Call Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person to contact should you lose your keys. The majority of dealers keep records of each key they make for their vehicles, so they will be able to locate your key. It's expensive to visit a dealership and therefore, you should shop around. You may be able to locate a lower cost option through a locksmith for cars.
In most instances, you'll need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership, such as an original registration or title, to get an alternative key from the dealer. The dealership will then purchase a new key and pair it with your vehicle. The dealer will need to complete this lengthy process.
Many vehicles today are equipped with a special type of key known as a smart keys. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, which allows the use of a keyless entry system and even starting. These keys are typically used with ignitions that require a push-to start. You can purchase a new smart key from a dealership, but the cost is a bit high. Local auto locksmiths can make you a smart lock at a fraction of the cost.
You can also purchase a traditional key replacement at your local hardware store. They can create a standard lock cylinder key. They'll need the model year of your vehicle, as well as the VIN. If you cannot locate the VIN on your vehicle, it will be stamped on a metal plaque located on the dashboard or the driver's doorpost. The majority of locksmiths for automotive are able to provide you with a car key replacement, even if you don't have the original. In some instances they might need to disassemble the door lock and ignition to do so. This is not a dangerous job for a professional, but it will require some mechanical knowledge and skill.
2. Call a Locksmith
The misplacing of your car keys is one of the most common causes for roadside assistance and calls. Keep an extra car key with you and store it in a safe place. Even the most careful of people could lose their keys. It is important to look for the car key and inform your insurance company immediately if you find it. This will decrease the chances of your claim being rejected later should your key be found stolen.
Contacting a locksmith is the next best option in the event that you don't have an extra key. Locksmiths are usually able to offer a replacement key for less than the dealership will cost. They can also visit your location to create the key on the spot, which is more convenient than having your vehicle brought back to the dealer.
The type of car key you have could affect the cost of replacing it. The most affordable keys are the standard keys that can be bought at many hardware stores. They are priced at around $10 per key. If your car is equipped with an ignition key fob that acts like a remote and can be used to unlock and start the engine, or a smart-key, that can only be replaced by an auto dealer and will typically cost more than a traditional key.
In most instances, an automotive locksmith can replace the key fob or smart key as long as they have the VIN number for your vehicle it is usually located on a metal plaque on the driver's side doorpost, or etched into the windshield of the car. They will require proof of ownership, like your 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 recommendations. Be aware that using keys you have not authorized to start the car can result in a violation of your vehicle's warranty. Unauthorized keys can damage your car's lock. If you do not wish to risk it, it is best to call roadside help instead of a locksmith for cars and wait until your dealer provides a replacement key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Panic is among the most negative reactions you can experience when you lose your keys. Take a deep breath, and then try to think about your situation. It is likely that you lost your keys due to you lost them, rather than having them taken. The next step is to retrace the steps you took and try to find out the location where your keys went missing. You might want to check places that you wouldn't normally look at, like the pockets of your pants, coat or a bag you carry for running. Once you've checked all these places, it's a good idea call your insurance company.
The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that connect to your vehicle via a chip. This communication lets the car recognize the key fob and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. It is essential to immediately report the loss of your key immediately to prevent anyone who is not authorized from accessing your vehicle.
Certain car insurance companies provide an insurance add-on that will cover the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. It is worth contacting your insurance provider to determine if they offer this type of coverage or if they can locate an individual locksmith who will pay for the cost.
If your car has the standard mechanical key, you can replace it at most hardware stores for a nominal cost. If your car is equipped with an electronic key that is paired to your car via the chip, you will have to visit your dealer to get a replacement. It's not cheap, but it is much cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith.
In addition to the expense of replacing your car keys and filing an insurance claim to replace a lost key can cause your car insurance rates to increase. This is because your insurance company will view you as an extremely risky driver for the loss of your car key, and may raise your premiums to cover the cost of paying out the claim. read on can cut down on these additional cost by buying an electronic device to track your lost keys or hiring a professional locksmith to design an original key without copying the original key.
4. Contact a Tow truck
Nobody wants to lose their car keys. It's the most embarrassing thing that can happen. If it does happen it could be costly to replace the key and get back on the road. That's why it's best to be prepared if it happens, so you won't need to call an tow truck and keep your cash in your wallet.
Retrace your steps if you've lost your keys. This can help you determine where they are and aid in calming your panic. You may remember doing something in the supermarket or dropping your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you determine the place to start.
If you are unable to locate your keys, check places where you could have put them, like the pockets of the clothing you were wearing, or in the bag that you carried them in to take them home. If you are unable to find them, take a few minutes to relax and then call an locksmith or a tow truck.
Another alternative is to use a bluetooth key tracker on your phone. These are tiny devices that can be attached to your keyring and have an app installed on your phone that can show you where your keys are so you don't have to look through every pocket or drawer in your house.
The cost to replace a car key that is lost may differ based on the type of key you own. It is cheaper if you have a traditional car key. An automotive locksmith will usually be in a position to create a new key on the spot, but without the original. But if you have an electronic key that utilizes a proximity sensor to open the door or start the engine, you'll need to go to the dealership to get a replacement.
It is essential to have a plan in case you lose your car keys, so that you can save yourself the headache of having to pay for a tow truck or a locksmith. It's easy to lose your car keys when you're exhausted after a long day, or when your mind is distracted by other things. But by following these tips, you can make sure that your keys don't vanish forever and have a backup plan for when they do.