How to Replace Lost Car Keys

Things can get lost in the hustle of bringing kids to and from school, running errands and working. Car keys are one of the most commonly lost items.

In the past, this wasn't an issue since you could easily replace it at the local hardware store or locksmith. This isn't the situation anymore.

1. Call Your Car Dealership

Your car dealer is the first person you should call if you lose your key. The majority of car dealers keep records of every key made for their vehicles, which means they will be able to locate yours. It is expensive to go to a dealership, so you should research. You might be able get a cheaper option through an auto locksmith.

In the majority of cases, you will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and evidence of ownership, like a copy of your registration or title, in order to get a replacement key from the dealership. The dealership will request an alternative key and connect it to your vehicle. This can be a lengthy procedure, and you'll be waiting for the dealer to finish the process.

Many cars today have keys that are specialized called a smart key. These keys are designed to use a proximity sensor that can be activated within the car, allowing keyless entry and start. These keys are often paired with ignitions that require a push to start. The dealer can sell you a smart key, however, it's expensive. Local auto locksmiths can create you a smart key for a fraction of the cost.

You can also purchase a replacement for your key with a new one at the local hardware store. They will be able to make you a standard key that fits your vehicle's lock cylinder. They will require the VIN and the model year. If you are unable to locate the VIN, it is usually stamped on a metal plaque located on the driver's side doorpost or dashboard. The majority of locksmiths for automotive can provide you with an alternative car key even if they don't have the original. In some cases, the locksmith may have to remove the door lock and ignition in order to do this. It is not a dangerous job, but it does require some knowledge of mechanics.

2. Contact a Locksmith

The misplacing of your car keys is one of the most frequent reasons for Replace Lost Car Key roadside assistance and calls. It is essential to keep a spare key handy with you and ensure it's somewhere safe. Even the most careful people could lose their keys. It is important to look for the car key and notify your insurance company immediately if you spot it. This will decrease the chance of your claim being denied if your key is found stolen.

Contacting a locksmith is the next best option if you don't own an extra. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a replacement key at less than the dealership would charge. They will usually visit your place and create the key right there and is more convenient than having to bring your vehicle back to the dealership.

The type of car key you have could affect the cost to replace it. The most affordable keys are the traditional keys that can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. They are priced at around $10 per key. If your car is equipped with a key fob that can be used as a remote to lock and start the car, or a smart-key, which can only by replaced at a dealership, the price of these keys is usually more expensive than the standard one.

A locksmith can replace Lost car key keys that are smart or fob in the majority of cases as long they have the VIN number for your vehicle. This is usually found on the metal plate that is on the driver's doorpost or stamped on the windshield. They will require proof of ownership, such as your registration or title.

Always do your homework prior to hiring locksmith. You can find qualified auto-locksmiths through online search engines or asking family members and friends for suggestions. Also, be aware that using unauthorized keys to start the car can result in a breach of your vehicle's warranty. Using unauthorized key may also damage the lock of your car. If you don't want to take this risk, it is best to contact roadside assistance instead of a car locksmith and wait until your dealer sends out a replacement key.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

One of the worst things you can do when you lose your car keys is to panic. The first thing you should do is take an inhale and try to think about the situation. It is more likely you lost your keys rather than they were stolen. The next step is to retrace the steps you followed and try to locate where your keys went missing. You may want to look in places that you wouldn't normally look at such as the pockets of your pants, or a bags or coats you carry to run in. Once you've checked all these places it's a good idea to call your insurance company.

Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that communicate with a chip with the car. This communication lets the car recognize the key fob and unlock the doors, and start the engine. If you lose your keys, it's important to notify the police immediately to ensure that anyone who isn't authorized don't get into your car and use it.

Some car insurance providers offer an add-on to their policies that covers the cost of replacing a lost car key. Check with your insurance company to find out if this type of insurance is offered or if a locksmith can cover the cost.

If your car has a standard mechanical key, you'll be able to replace it at a variety of hardware stores for a small fee. If your car uses an electronic key that is connected with your vehicle using the chip, then you will have to visit your dealer to obtain an alternative. It's expensive, but it is much cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith.

In addition to the cost of replacing lost car keys your car keys and submitting an insurance claim for the loss of a key can cause your car insurance rates to increase. This is because your insurance company will view you as a high-risk driver for losing your car key and could increase your premiums to cover the cost of making the claim. Fortunately, you can reduce the costs by buying a tracking device that can locate your car key that has been lost or having a locksmith make a new key without cloning the original.

4. Call a Tow truck

Nobody wants to lose their car keys. It's the worst thing that could happen. If it does happen it can be expensive to replace the lost key and get you back on the road again. It's important to be prepared in order that you don't have call a tow-truck and keep your money.

Follow your steps if you've lost your keys. This will aid in determining where they are and help you calm your anxiety. Try to recall what you did right before losing your keys, such as picking up something from the grocery store or dropping them on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you find your starting point.

If you are unable to locate your keys, check places where you could have placed them, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing, or in the bag you used to transport them to home. If you're still unable to locate them, take some time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.

Another alternative is to use the bluetooth key tracker app on your phone. These are small devices that can attach to a keyring and an app for your smartphone will provide you with the location of your keys.

The cost of replacing a car key that is lost may differ depending on the type of key you have. If you have a conventional key an automotive locksmith will usually make a new one immediately without the original one, which will save you some money. But if you have an electronic key that relies on proximity sensors to open the door or start the engine, you'll need to visit the dealer to get a replacement.

It is important to have a plan for when you lose your keys. This will help you avoid the expense of the tow-truck or locksmith. When you're tired or distracted, it's easy to lose your car keys. By following these tips you can make sure that your keys don't disappear forever, and you'll have an alternative plan in case they do.