How to Replace Lost Car Keys

In the hustle of taking kids to school, running errands, and working, things have a tendency to become lost. Car keys are one of the most commonly lost items.

In the past you could easily replace lost car key cost this at your local locksmith or hardware store. However, nowadays, it isn't as easy.

1. Call Your Car Dealership

Your car dealer is the first person you should contact if you lose your key. Most car dealers keep a log of each key designed for their vehicles, making it easy for them to locate your key. It can be costly to visit a dealer and you should look around. You may be able to get a cheaper option by using an auto locksmith.

In the majority of instances, you'll need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and evidence of ownership, such as an original registration or title, in order to get an alternative key from the dealership. The dealership will then order the replacement key and attach it to your vehicle. This could be a long process, and you will be waiting for the dealer to finish the task.

A lot of cars today have the special kind of key known as a smart key. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, which allows for keyless entry and starting. They are usually paired with ignitions that are push-to-start. You can purchase a new smart key at the dealership, but the cost is a bit high. Local auto locksmiths can create you a smart key for less than the cost.

You can also replace your classic key at the local hardware store. They can make a standard key that is compatible with the lock cylinder of your vehicle. They will need the VIN and the year of manufacture. 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 don't have the original key, most locksmiths for automotive will be able to provide you with an alternative car key. In some instances they might need to disassemble the door and ignition in order to do this. It's not a risky job, but it does require some mechanical knowledge.

2. Call a Locksmith

The most common reason for requesting roadside assistance is when you've lost your car keys. It is essential to keep a spare key with your person and ensure that you keep it in a safe place. Even the most careful people can lose their keys. It's important to check thoroughly for the keys and notify your insurance company as quickly as you can to minimize the chances of getting denied a claim if it happens to be stolen later.

Calling a locksmith is the best option if you don't own an extra key. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a replacement key for less than what the dealership will cost. They will usually visit your location and make the key on the spot which is more convenient than having to bring your vehicle back to the dealership.

The cost of replacing your car keys can vary depending on the kind of key you have. The most affordable keys are the standard keys that can be purchased at most hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your car is equipped with the key fob, which functions as a remote and allows you to open and start the engine, or a smart-key, that can only be replaced by a dealership the keys will typically cost more than the traditional key.

In most cases, an automotive locksmith will be able to replace keys fobs or a smart key as long as they can get the VIN number of your vehicle it is usually located on a metal plate on your driver's side doorpost or etched into the windshield of the vehicle. They will also require evidence that you have ownership of the vehicle and have a copy of your registration or title.

It is essential to conduct your research prior to hiring locksmith. You can find reputable auto locksmiths by searching online or asking family and broken friends for recommendations. Also, be aware that using keys you have not authorized to start the car can lead to the breach of your vehicle's warranty. The use of a key that is not authentic could cause damage to the lock on your vehicle. If you do not want to take this risk you should consider to call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith and wait for your replacement key from the dealer.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

One of the worst things you can do when you lose your car keys is to panic. The first step is take a deep breath and try to rationalize the situation. Chances are that you lost your keys because you lost them, instead of having them stolen. The next step is retrace the steps you followed and try to determine the location where your keys were. It's a good idea to check places that you wouldn't normally look at like the pockets of your pants, or a bags or coats that you use for broken running. After you've looked in these places, you should call your insurance company.

Most modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that connect to your car keys lost what to do through a chip. This communication lets the car recognize the key fob and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. If you lose your key it is important to report it immediately to ensure that anyone who isn't authorized don't get into your car 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. Contact your insurance provider to see if this type of coverage is offered or if an individual locksmith can pay for the costs.

It is possible to replace a mechanical key in most hardware stores at a reasonable cost. If your car uses an electronic key that is connected to your vehicle via the chip, then you'll have to visit your dealer to obtain an alternative. It's not cheap however it's much cheaper than hiring a professional locksmith.

Filing an insurance claim because of a stolen car key can increase your insurance premiums. This is because the insurance company will consider you to be an extremely risky driver for the loss of your car key and could increase your premiums in order to offset the cost of making the claim. Fortunately, you can often avoid the extra expenses by buying a tracking device that can track your lost car key or having a locksmith create an entirely new key without copying the original.

4. Call a tow truck

It's the most frustrating thing to lose your car keys and nobody wants it to happen. If it does happen, it can be expensive to replace the key and get back on the road. That's why it's best to be prepared for when it happens, so that you won't need to call a tow truck, and keep your cash in your wallet.

When you've lost your car keys, the first step is to retrace your steps. This will help you locate them and ease your anxiety. You might recall doing something at the supermarket or putting your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you find your starting point.

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 after you returned home. If you're unable to find them, take some time to relax, and then call a locksmith or a tow truck.

A bluetooth key tracker can also be used with your phone. These are small devices you can attach to a keyring, and an app on your phone will show you the location of your keys.

The cost of replacing lost car key can be a bit expensive depending on the type of key that you have. You can save money in the case of a traditional car key. A locksmith for automotive is usually capable of making a replacement immediately, and without the original. However, if you own an electronic key that relies on the proximity sensor to open the door or start the engine, you'll need to visit the dealer to purchase a new one.

You should have a plan in place for the event that you lose your keys. This will help you avoid the hassle of paying for a tow-truck or locksmith. It's easy for you 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 tips you can make sure that your keys don't disappear forever, and you'll have backup plans in the event that they happen to disappear.