How to Replace Lost Car Keys

In the shuffle of sending children to school, running errands and working things tend to become lost. Our car keys are one of the most frequently lost items.

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

1. Call Your Car Dealership

Your car dealer is the first person you should contact in case you lose your key. Most car dealers keep a record of every key made for their vehicles, so it should be easy for them to find your keys. It can be costly to visit a dealership and therefore, you should look around. You may be able to get a lower price 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 registration or title) to get an alternative key. The dealership will then order the replacement key and How to Replace Lost Car Keys attach it to your vehicle. The dealer will have to complete this lengthy procedure.

Smart keys are a form of key that is utilized in many cars in the present. These keys are designed to use a proximity sensor that can be activated inside the car, which allows keyless entry and start. These keys are typically used with ignitions that require a push-to-start. The dealer can sell you a smart key, but it's costly. A local auto locksmith can make a smart key for you at a fraction of what you'd buy from the dealership.

You can also get a replacement for your classic key at the local hardware store. They will be able to make you an ordinary key that will fit the lock cylinder of your vehicle. They will need the VIN and the model year. If you cannot locate the VIN on your vehicle, it will be stamped on a metal plaque located on the dashboard or the driver's doorpost. Even if you do not have the original, many locksmiths for automotive can offer an alternate car key. In some cases the locksmith may need to remove the door lock and ignition in order to do this. This is not a risky job for a professional, however it does require some mechanical skills and knowledge.

2. Call a locksmith

The most frequent reason for roadside assistance is because you've lost your car keys. It is essential to keep a spare key with you and make sure you keep it in a safe place. However, even the most careful people may lose their car keys. You should check for the car key and inform your insurance provider immediately if you spot it. This will lower the chances of your claim being denied should your key be found stolen.

If you don't have an extra key, the next best option is to call an locksmith. Locksmiths can usually offer a replacement key for less than what a dealership would cost. They can also come to your home to make the key right there, which is more convenient than having your car brought back to the dealer.

The type of car key that you have could affect the cost of replacing it. Keys with traditional designs that can be exchanged at most hardware stores for about $10 each, are the most affordable. If your vehicle is equipped with keys that can be used as a remote for unlocking and start the car, or a smart-key that is only able to be replaced at an auto dealer, the cost of these keys is usually more expensive than the standard one.

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 that is usually found on a metal plate that is placed on the driver's side doorpost, or in the windshield of the vehicle. They will require proof of ownership, like your registration or title.

Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so be sure to do your research prior to hiring. You can find reputable auto locksmiths by searching on the internet or asking family members and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using an unauthorized key to start your vehicle could cause a breach of warranty. A key that is not authorized could damage the lock of your vehicle. 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 delivers a new key.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

One of the most dangerous things you can do when you lose your car key is to panic. The first thing you should do is to take a deep breath and try to rationalize the situation. It is more likely that you misplaced your keys than they were stolen. The next step is retrace the steps you took and try to find out the location 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 coat or a bag you carry to run in. After you've looked in these places, you should call your insurance company.

Modern cars come with electronic keys that communicate with a chip with the car. This allows the vehicle to recognize and open the doors, and also start the engine. It's important that you inform the authorities of the loss of your key immediately to stop unauthorized persons from using your vehicle.

Certain insurance companies provide an additional benefit to their policies that will cover the cost of a replacement car key. Contact your insurance provider to determine if this kind of insurance is offered or if a locksmith can cover the cost.

You can usually replace the mechanical key at most hardware stores for a fair cost. If your car is equipped with an electronic key that is connected to your vehicle via the chip, then you will need to visit your dealership to obtain an replacement. It can be costly however it's more cost-effective than hiring a locksmith.

Making an insurance claim due to a stolen car key can increase your insurance costs. Your insurance company may increase your premiums as they will consider you a high-risk driver in the event of losing your key. You can reduce these costs by purchasing a device that tracks your lost key to locate your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to create keys without copying the original key.

4. Call a tow truck

It's the most gruelling thing to lose your car keys and nobody wants to experience this. If it happens, it can be expensive to replace the key and get back on the road. It's essential to be prepared so that you don't need to call a tow-truck and can keep your money.

When you've lost car keys your car keys, the first thing to do is trace your steps. This will help you locate them and calm your panic. Try to recall 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 cannot find your keys, check places where you may have put them, like the pockets of the clothing you were wearing, or in the bag that you used to carry them to home. If you can't locate them, take some time to relax and then call a locksmith or a tow truck.

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

The cost of replacing a lost car key may vary according to the type of key that you own. If you have a conventional key an automotive locksmith will typically make a new one on the spot without the original one, which will save you some money. However, if you own an electronic key that utilizes the proximity sensor to open the door or start the engine, you'll have go to the dealer to get a replacement.

It's essential to have a plan to deal with the loss of your car key lost no spare keys, so you will not have the hassle of having to pay for an 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 attention is focused on other things. By following these tips you can ensure that your keys don't disappear forever. You should also have backup plans in case they do.