15 Reasons You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Replace Lost Car Key
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things can get lost in the chaos of getting kids to and from school, completing errands and working. One of the most frequent items that go missing is our car keys.
In the past you could easily replace this at your local hardware or locksmith store. However, nowadays, it isn't as easy.
1. Call Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person you should call in case you lose your key. Most dealers keep track of each key made for their vehicles therefore it should be simple for them to track down yours. The downside is that visiting the dealership can be costly, so it's important to look around. You might be able find a cheaper solution through an automotive locksmith.
You will most likely need to give the dealership your vehicle identification number or VIN, along with proof of ownership (such as a copy of your registration or title) to obtain a replacement key. The dealership will then order a replacement key and pair it with your vehicle. This can be a lengthy process, and you will have to wait until the dealer has completed the process.
A lot of cars today come with the special kind of key known as a smart keys. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, which allows for keyless entry and starting. They are usually paired with push-to-start ignitions. You can buy a new smart key from a dealership, but the cost is very high. Local auto locksmiths can make you a smart key for less than the cost.
You can also purchase a classic key replacement from your local hardware store. They can make you an ordinary lock cylinder key. They'll need the year of manufacture of your car and also the VIN. If you are unable to locate the VIN on your car, it will be stamped on a metal plaque located on the dashboard or doorpost. Even if you do not have the original, most locksmiths for automotive can offer an alternative car key. In certain instances the locksmith may need to disassemble the door lock and ignition in order to complete the task. This is not a risky job for a professional, but it will require some mechanical skills and knowledge.
2. Call a locksmith
Losing your car keys is one of the most frequent reasons for roadside assistance or callouts. It's essential to keep a spare key handy with you and ensure it's somewhere safe. Even the most cautious of people could lose their keys. You should check for the car key and inform your insurance company immediately if you discover it. This will lower the chance of your claim being denied if your key is found stolen.
If you don't have an extra key, the best option is to call a locksmith. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a replacement key for less than what the dealership would charge. They will usually visit your location and make the key on the spot and is more convenient than having to bring your vehicle back to the dealership.
The kind of car key you are using can impact the cost of replacing it. Traditional keys are able to be replaced at the majority of hardware stores for around $10 each they are the least expensive. If your car is equipped with an ignition key that can be used as a remote to lock and start the vehicle, or a smart-key, which is only able to be replaced at a dealership, the price of these keys is usually higher than the traditional one.
In the majority of cases, 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 plate that is placed on the driver's side of the doorpost or in the windshield of the vehicle. They will also need proof that you have ownership of the vehicle and have an original registration or title.
Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so make sure to investigate them prior to hiring them. You can locate reputable auto locksmiths by searching online or asking your family and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using an unauthorized key to start your vehicle could result in an infringement of warranty. Using unauthorized key may also cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If replacing lost car key do not want to take this risk you should consider to contact roadside assistance instead of a locksmith and wait for your replacement key from the dealer.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Panic is one of the most unpleasant reactions you could have when you lose your key. Take a deep breath and then try to reason your situation. Chances are that you lost your keys because you misplaced them rather than having them taken. The next step is to go back your steps and attempt to determine the location where they were lost. You may want to look in places that you wouldn't normally look at, like the pockets of your pants, or a bags or coats you carry to run in. After you've looked through all of these areas, it's a good idea call your insurance company.
Modern cars are fitted with electronic key fobs that connect to your car through chips. This allows the car to recognize and unlock the doors and then start the engine. If you lose your keys it is important to report it immediately so that unauthorized people can't enter your car and use it.
Certain insurance companies provide an additional benefit to their policies that will cover the cost of replacing a key for your car. Check with your insurance company to determine if this kind of coverage is available or if an individual locksmith can pay for the costs.
You can usually get a replacement for the mechanical key at most hardware stores at a reasonable cost. If your car is equipped with an electronic key that is connected with your vehicle using the chip, you will have to visit your dealer to purchase an replacement. It's expensive but it's 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 insurance rates to rise. Your insurance company may increase your premiums as they'll view you as an extremely risky driver because you lost your key. You can reduce these expenses by purchasing a tracking device that will track your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to design an original key without copying the original key.
4. Call a Tow truck
It's the most frustrating thing to lose your car keys, and nobody would want it to happen. If it happens it could cost a lot to replace the key and get back on the road. It's why it's important to be prepared if it happens, so you don't have to call a tow truck, and keep your cash in your wallet.
If you've lost your car keys, the first thing to do is trace your steps. This will aid in determining where they are, and aid in calming your panic. Make a list of what you did prior to losing your keys, like picking up something from the supermarket or dropping them on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you pinpoint your starting point.
If you're unable to locate your keys, search for places 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 them, take some time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.
Another option is to make use of the bluetooth key tracker app on your phone. These are tiny devices you can attach to your keyring and have an app for your phone to reveal where your keys are, so you don't need to search every drawer or pocket in your house.
The cost of replacing a lost car key can vary depending on what kind of key you have. If you have a conventional key an automotive locksmith will generally make a new key immediately without the original one, which can save you money. If you have a smart-key that uses proximity sensors to open doors or turn on the engine of your car, you will need go to the dealer to obtain a replacement.
It is important to have a plan in case you lose your keys. This will help you avoid the hassle of paying for the tow-truck or locksmith. If you're exhausted or distracted, it's easy to lose your keys to your car. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your keys don't disappear forever, and you'll have a back-up plan in case they happen to disappear.