How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things tend to get lost in the rush of bringing children to and from school, completing errands and working. Car keys are among of the most commonly lost car keys with no spare items.
In the past, this was not an issue since you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. However, nowadays, it isn't as easy.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
If you have lost your car keys, the first place to contact is your local car dealer. The majority of dealers keep a record of every key made for their cars, so they are likely to be able find your key. The drawback is that visiting the dealership can be costly and it's essential to look around. You might be able find a cheaper solution through an automotive locksmith.
In the majority of instances, you'll have to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and evidence of ownership, like a copy of the title or registration, to get an alternative key from the dealer. The dealership will then request the new key and then pair it with your vehicle. This could be a long process, and you'll be waiting for the dealer to finish the task.
Many vehicles today have keys that are specialized called a smart key. They are designed to work with a proximity sensor to be activated inside the car, allowing keyless entry and starting. They are usually used with ignitions that are push-to-start. You can buy a new smart key from a dealership, but the price is very high. A local auto locksmith can create the smart key for a fraction of what you would purchase from a dealership.
You can also get a traditional key replacement from a local hardware store. They will be able to make a standard key that is compatible with the lock cylinder in your car. They'll need to know the model year of your vehicle and the VIN. If you are unable to locate the VIN, it is usually stamped on a metal plaque that is located on the driver's side doorpost or dashboard. Most automotive locksmiths will be able to offer a car key replacement even if they don't have the original. However, in certain instances they might need to disassemble the door and ignition to do so. It's not a risky task, but it requires some knowledge of mechanics.
2. Call a Locksmith
Losing keys to your car is one of the most common causes for roadside assistance and calls. Keep a spare car key with you and store it in a safe place. However, even the most careful people may lose their car keys. You should check for the car keys and inform your insurance company immediately if you discover it. This will reduce the chance of your claim being rejected later in the event that your key is stolen.
Contacting a locksmith is the next best option if you don't own a spare. Locksmiths can usually provide a key replacement for less than what a dealership would cost. They can also visit your location to make keys right there, which is more convenient than having your vehicle brought back to the dealer.
The type of car key that you have could affect the cost to replace it. Keys that are traditional that can be exchanged at most hardware stores for about $10 each they are the least expensive. If your car has the key fob, which acts as a remote that allows you to open and start the engine, or a smart key, that can only be replaced by an auto dealer and will typically cost more than the standard key.
In most cases, an automotive locksmith will be able to replace a key lost car fob or smart key if they have the VIN number for your vehicle, which is typically found on a metal plaque on your driver's side doorpost or in the windshield of your vehicle. They will also need evidence that you have ownership of the vehicle, such as an original registration or title.
Some locksmiths are not licensed or insured, so make sure to research them before hiring. You can find auto-locksmiths who are certified by searching on the internet, or asking family and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using keys that are not yours to start your car could lead to the breach of the warranty on your vehicle. Unauthorized keys can damage your car's lock. If you do not want to take this risk you should call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith for your car and wait until the dealer provides a replacement key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
One of the worst things you could do when you lose your car keys is to panic. Take a deep breath, and then try to reason your situation. Chances are that you lost your keys because you lost them, rather than having them stolen. So, the next step is to go back your steps and attempt to find out the location where they went missing. It may help to look in places you would not normally check like pockets in your coat or pants or in the bag you carry for running. Once you've checked all of these areas, it's a good idea contact your insurance company.
Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that communicate with chips with the car. This process of communication allows the car to recognize the key fob, unlock the doors and then start the engine. If you lose your key it is important to notify the police immediately to ensure that people who are not authorized can't enter your car and use it.
Certain car insurance companies provide an insurance add-on that will cover the cost of replacing a lost car keys replaced vehicle key. It's worth talking to your insurance company to find out whether they have this type of insurance or if they can locate an individual locksmith that can pay for the cost.
If your car has an ordinary mechanical key, you can get it replaced at most hardware stores at a cost of a small amount. If, however, your car is equipped with an electronic key fob that is connected to your car via the chip, you'll need to go to your dealership for the replacement. It can be costly however it's more cost-effective than hiring locksmith.
In addition to the expense of replacing your Car key lost what to do key and submitting an insurance claim to replace a lost key can cause your car insurance rates to increase. Your insurance company could raise your premiums due to the fact that they'll consider you to be a high-risk driver in the event of losing your key. You can reduce these costs by purchasing a tracking device that will track your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to create keys without copying the previous key.
4. Call a Tow truck
It's one of the most difficult things to lose your car keys, and no one wants to see it happen. If it does happen it could be costly to replace keys and get back on the road. That's why it's best to be prepared in case it happens, so you won't need to call a tow truck, and keep your cash in your wallet.
If you've lost your car keys, the very first thing to do is trace your steps. This will help you find them and calm your panic. You might remember doing something at the supermarket, or dropping your keys on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you determine the place to start.
If you can't find your keys, check 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 still can't find the keys, give yourself time to relax before calling a locksmith tow truck.
Another alternative is to use the bluetooth key tracker app on your phone. These are tiny devices that can be attached to your keyring and have an app on your phone that can reveal where your keys are, so you don't need to go through every pocket or drawer within your home.
The cost of replacing lost car key can be a bit expensive dependent on the type of key that you have. If you have a traditional key an automotive locksmith will usually make a new one immediately without the original, which can save you money. However, if you own an electronic key that utilizes a proximity sensor to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll have go to the dealer to get a replacement.
It is important to have a plan for when you lose your keys. This will spare you the hassle of having to pay for the tow-truck or locksmith. It's easy to forget your car keys when you're exhausted after a long day, or when your mind is distracted by other things. By following these guidelines, you can make sure that your keys don't disappear forever. You should also have an alternative plan in the event that they happen to disappear.