How to Replace Lost Car Keys

In the shuffle of taking children to school, running errands and working, things have a tendency to become lost. One of the most common items that disappears is our keys to our cars.

In the past you could easily change this at the local locksmith or hardware store. However, this isn't the case anymore.

1. Contact Your Car Dealership

Your car dealer is the first person you should call should you lose your keys. The majority of car dealers keep a record of each key designed for their vehicles, so it should be easy for them to locate yours. It is expensive to visit a dealer, so you should look around. You might be able to get a lower price by using an auto locksmith.

You'll likely have to give the dealership your vehicle identification number, or VIN, as well as evidence of ownership (such as a copy registration or title) to obtain an alternative key. The dealership will then purchase 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 process.

Many vehicles today are equipped with the special kind of key known as a smart keys. They are designed to work with a proximity sensor that can be activated inside the car, allowing keyless entry and starting. They are typically used in conjunction with ignitions that are push-to-start. You can buy a new smart key at the dealership, but the cost is quite expensive. Local auto locksmiths can make you a smart key at less than the cost.

You can also get a replacement for your classic key at the local hardware store. They will be able to make you a standard key that is compatible with the lock cylinder in your car. They will need to know the year of manufacture of your car and the VIN. If you are unable to locate the VIN on your vehicle, it will be stamped on a plaque made of metal that is located on the dashboard or driver's doorpost. Even if you don't have the original, many automotive locksmiths can offer an alternate car key. In some instances the locksmith might need to disassemble the door lock and ignition in order to do this. This isn't a risky job for a professional, however it will require some mechanical expertise and skills.

2. Contact a locksmith

Misplacing your car keys is one of the most common causes for roadside assistance and calls. Keep a spare car key with you and keep it safe. Even the most careful people can lose their keys. It's important to check thoroughly for the keys and inform your insurance company as soon as possible in order to decrease the chance of being denied a claim if the key turns up stolen later.

Contacting a locksmith is the next best thing in the event that you don't have an extra key. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a key replacement at less than what a dealership would cost. They can also come to your home to make the key on the spot which is much more convenient than having your vehicle taken back to the dealer.

The kind of car key you have can affect the cost to replace it. The most affordable keys are the standard keys that are available at many hardware stores. They cost about $10 per key. If your car comes with keys that can be used as a remote to lock and start the vehicle or a smart-key that can only by replaced at an auto dealer, the cost of these keys is usually more expensive than traditional keys.

A locksmith can replace a smart key or key fob in the majority of cases as long as they have the VIN number for your vehicle. It is usually located on the metal plate that is on the driver's doorpost or stamped on the windshield. They will require evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so be sure to investigate them prior to hiring them. You can locate reputable auto locksmiths on the internet or asking family and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using keys that are not yours to start your car could lead to the breach of the warranty on your vehicle. The use of keys that are not authorized could cause damage to your car's lock. If you do not want to risk it then contact roadside assistance instead of a locksmith for cars and wait until the dealer delivers a new key.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

Panic is among the most unpleasant reactions you could have when you lose your keys. The first thing you should do is to take a deep breath 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 go back through the steps you followed and try to determine the place where your keys were. You might want to check areas you're not usually checking like the pockets of your pants or bags or coats that you use for How to Replace Lost Car Keys running. After you've looked through all these places, it's a good idea to call your insurance company.

The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that connect to your car through a chip. This allows the vehicle how to replace car keys when lost recognize and unlock the doors and then start the engine. If you lose your keys It is crucial to notify the police immediately to ensure that people who are not authorized don't get into your car and use it.

Certain car insurance companies provide a policy add-on that covers the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. It is worth contacting your insurance company to find out whether they have this type of protection or if you can find an individual locksmith who will pay for the cost.

It is possible to replace the mechanical key at most hardware stores for a fair cost. If, however, your car has an electronic key fob, which is connected to your car via the chip, you'll need to go to your dealership for an upgrade. It can be costly however it's much cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith.

Filing an insurance claim due to a stolen car key can increase your insurance rates. Your insurance company may raise your premiums due to the fact that they'll consider you to be a high-risk driver for losing your key. Fortunately, you can often reduce the costs by purchasing a tracking device to track your lost car keys or having a locksmith make the new key without cloning the original.

4. Contact a Tow truck

No one wants to lose their car keys. It's the most embarrassing scenario that could happen. However, if it does happen, it can be costly to replace the key that was lost and get back on the road again. It's essential to be prepared so that you don't have to call a tow-truck and can keep your money.

Find your way back in case you've lost your keys. This will help you figure out exactly where they are and can help you calm your anxiety. Make a list of what you did right before losing your keys, like buying something at the grocery store or dropping them on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you find the place to start.

If you're unable to locate your keys, check places in which they could 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 tow truck.

Another alternative is to use the bluetooth key tracker app on your phone. These are small devices that can be connected to your keyring and use an app installed on your phone that can let you know where your keys are so you don't need to search every drawer or pocket in your home.

The cost of replacing a lost car key may vary according to the type of key that you have. You could save money in the case of a traditional car key. A locksmith for automotive will typically be capable of making a replacement on the spot, without the original. If you have a smart-key that uses a proximity detector to open the doors or turn on the engine of your car then you'll need to visit a dealership to obtain a replacement.

It is essential to have a plan in place in case you lose your car keys so that you can save yourself the headache of having to pay for a tow truck or a locksmith. If you're exhausted or distracted, it's easy to lose your car keys. If you follow these steps, you can ensure that your keys won't disappear forever, and have a back-up plan in the event that they do.