Things can get lost in the chaos of getting kids to and from school, running errands, How to Replace Lost Car Keys and working. One of the most frequent items that disappears is our car keys.
In the past, this was not an issue since you could easily replace a lost car key it at the local hardware store or locksmith. Nowadays, that is not as simple.
1. Call Your Car Dealership
If you lose your car keys The first place to contact is your car dealer. Most dealers keep track of every key made for their vehicles making it easy for them to find your keys. It can be costly to go to a dealership and you should look around. You might be able to get a lower price through an automotive locksmith.
In most instances, you’ll have to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership, such as a copy of your registration or title, to obtain an alternative key from the dealer. The dealership will order a replacement key and pair it to your vehicle. The dealer will have to complete this lengthy procedure.
Smart keys are a form of key that is utilized in a variety of cars in the present. They are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, allowing the use of a keyless entry system and even starting. They are usually used with ignitions that require a push-to start. The dealer will sell you a smart key, but it’s costly. A local auto locksmith can design an intelligent key for you for a fraction of what you’d pay at the dealership.
You can also purchase a traditional key replacement from your local hardware store. They will be able to create a standard key that is compatible with your vehicle’s lock cylinder. They will need to know the year of manufacture of your car and also 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 doorpost. Even if you do not have the original, most locksmiths in the automotive industry can offer an alternate car key. However, in certain instances, they may need to take apart the ignition and door locks to do so. This is not a risky job for a professional, but it requires some mechanical skills and knowledge.
2. Call a locksmith
The most common reason for seeking roadside assistance is because you’ve lost your car keys. Keep an extra car key in your bag and store it safely. However, even the most careful people can lose their car keys. It’s important to check thoroughly for the keys and inform your insurance company as quickly as possible in order to decrease your chances of being denied a claim if the key happens to be stolen later.
If you don’t have an extra key, the best option is to contact a locksmith. Locksmiths usually can provide a key replacement for less than what a dealership would cost. They can also visit your location to create keys right there which is much more convenient than having your vehicle brought back to the dealer.
The kind of car key you have could affect the cost of replacing it. Keys that are traditional, which can be replaced at most hardware stores for about $10 each they are the least expensive. If your car is equipped with 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 dealers and will typically cost more than a traditional key.
In most cases, an automotive locksmith will be able to replace keys fobs or a smart key as long as they have the VIN number of your vehicle it is usually located on a metal plate that is placed on your driver’s side doorpost or etched into the windshield of the vehicle. They will need proof of ownership, such as your registration or title.
Some locksmiths aren’t licensed or insured, so make sure to do your research prior to hiring them. You can find qualified auto locksmiths on the internet or asking family and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using unauthorized keys to start the car can cause a breach of your vehicle’s warranty. The use of keys that are not authorized could cause damage to your car’s lock. If you don’t want to take this risk you should call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith for cars and wait until the dealer delivers a new key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
One of the worst things you could do when you lose your car key is to panic. The first step is take an inhale and try to think about the situation. It is more likely you lost your keys rather than they were stolen. So, the next step is to go back your steps and attempt to figure out where they went missing. It might help to look in places you wouldn’t usually check, such as the pockets of your coat or pants or in the bag you carry when running. Once you’ve checked all these places it’s a good idea call your insurance company.
Modern cars come with electronic keys that communicate via chips with the car. This communication process allows the vehicle to recognize the key fob, unlock the doors and start the engine. If you lose your keys it is important to notify the police immediately to ensure that people who are not authorized don’t get into your car and use it.
Some insurance companies offer an additional benefit to their policies that covers the cost of a replacement key for your car. Check with your insurance company to see if this type of insurance is offered or if an individual locksmith will cover the costs.
If your car has the standard mechanical key, you’ll be able to get it replaced at a variety of hardware stores for a small fee. If, however, your car has an electronic key fob, which is connected to your car via the chip, you’ll have to visit your dealer to request an upgrade. This can be costly, but it’s much cheaper than hiring a locksmith.
In addition to the expense of replacing your car keys and filing an insurance claim for the loss of a key can cause your car insurance rates to rise. The insurance company could increase your premiums as they’ll view you as a high-risk driver in the event of losing your key. You can reduce these expenses by purchasing a device that tracks your lost key to track your lost keys for my car key or having a professional locksmith create keys without copying the original key.
4. Call a tow truck
It’s the most gruelling thing to lose your car keys and no one wants to see it 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 in case it does, so you can avoid having to call an tow truck and keep your money in your wallet.
Find your way back in case you’ve lost your keys. This can aid in determining where they are and help you calm your anxiety. You might recall doing something at the supermarket or dropping your keys on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you find the place to start.
If you can’t find your keys, look around where they might be, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing or the bag you put them in when you came home. If you still can’t find the keys, give yourself time to relax before calling a locksmith tow truck.
Another option is to utilize an bluetooth key tracker on your phone. These are small devices that can be attached to your keyring, and also have an app for your phone that will show you where your keys are so you don’t have to go 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 have. You can save money if you have an old-fashioned car key. An automotive locksmith will usually be in a position to create a new key on the spot, without the original. If you have an electronic key that relies on proximity sensors to open the door or turn on the engine, you’ll need go to the dealer to get a replacement.
It is essential to have a plan in case you lose your car keys, so that you will not have the hassle of having to pay for an tow truck or locksmith. If you’re exhausted or distracted, it’s easy to lose your car keys. If you follow these suggestions to ensure your keys don’t disappear forever, and you have a backup plan the event that they do.