How to Replace Lost Car Keys

In the hustle of sending children to school, running errands and working things tend to get lost. One of the most common things that get lost is our car keys.

In the past, this wasn't an issue since you could easily replace it at the local hardware store or locksmith. Nowadays, that is not as simple.

1. Call Your Car Dealership

If you've lost your car keys, the first place you should contact is your car dealer. The majority of car dealers keep track of each key designed for their vehicles, making it easy for them to locate your keys. It is expensive to go to a dealership and therefore, you should look around. You may be able to find a cheaper option through a locksmith for cars.

In most instances, you'll have to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership, such as an original title or registration, to obtain a replacement key from the dealer. The dealership will then order a replacement key and pair it with your vehicle. The dealer will have to complete this lengthy process.

Many cars today come with keys that are specialized known as a smart keys. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, allowing for keyless entry and starting. These keys are often paired with ignitions that require a push-to start. You can purchase a brand new smart key from the dealership, but the price is a bit high. A local auto locksmith can make an intelligent key for you for about half the cost of what you would buy from the dealership.

You can also replace the key you have always had at your local hardware store. They can create the standard lock cylinder keys. They'll need the model year of your vehicle, as well as the VIN. If you are unable to locate the VIN it's typically printed on a metal plate located on the driver's side doorpost or the dashboard. The majority of locksmiths for automotive can offer the replacement for your car key, even if you don't have the original. However, in some cases they might need to disassemble the ignition and door locks to accomplish this. This isn't a risky job for a professional, but it will require some mechanical expertise and skills.

2. Call for a locksmith

The misplacing of your car keys is one of the most common causes for roadside assistance and calls. Keep a spare car key with you and store it in a safe place. However even the most cautious people can lose their car keys. It's important to check thoroughly for the keys and notify your insurance company as quickly as possible to reduce the chance of being denied a claim in the event that it happens to be stolen later.

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

The cost of replacing your car keys will vary based on the kind of key you own. Traditional keys that can be exchanged at the majority of hardware stores for around $10 each they are the least expensive. If your car has an ignition key fob that functions as a remote and can unlock and start the engine, or a smart key that can only be replaced by a dealership, these keys will usually cost more than the traditional key.

In most instances, an auto locksmith can replace keys fobs or a smart key as long as they have the VIN number for your vehicle, which is typically found on a metal plate that is placed on the driver's side doorpost, or stamped into the windshield of the vehicle. They will also require proof that you own the car, such as a copy of your registration or title.

You should always do your homework prior to hiring locksmith. You can locate reputable auto locksmiths on the internet or asking your family and friends for recommendations. Also, be aware that using unauthorized keys to start the car can lead to the breach of your vehicle's warranty. Using unauthorized keys may also damage your car's lock. If you don't 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

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. Chances are that you i lost my only car key your keys due to you lost them, rather than having them taken. The next step is to retrace the steps you followed and try to locate the place where your keys were. You may want to look in places that you wouldn't normally look at like the pockets of your pants, or a coat or a bag you carry to run in. After you've checked these places, you should call your insurance provider.

Most modern cars are equipped with electronic keys which communicate with your vehicle via chip. This communication lets the car recognize the key fob and unlock the doors, as well as start the engine. If you lose your keys, it's important to notify the police immediately so that unauthorized people can't enter your car and use it.

Some insurance companies offer an additional benefit to their policies that will cover the cost of replacing a key for your car. It is worth contacting your insurance provider to see if they offer this type of insurance or if you can find an individual locksmith that can pay for the cost.

It is possible to replace the mechanical key at most hardware stores for a reasonable cost. If your car has an electronic key that connects to your car via the chip, then you'll need to visit your dealership to get a replacement. It's expensive, but it is much cheaper than hiring a professional locksmith.

In addition to the cost of replacing your car keys and submitting an insurance claim to replace a lost key can cause your car insurance rates to rise. This is because the insurance company will consider you to be high-risk driver for loosing your car keys and could increase your premiums to offset the cost of paying out an insurance claim. Fortunately, you can often reduce the costs by purchasing a tracking device to track your lost car keys or having a locksmith make an entirely new key without copying the original.

4. Contact for a Tow Truck

It's the most frustrating thing to lose your car keys, and nobody would want to see it happen. If it does happen it could cost a lot to replace keys and get back on the road. It's why it's important to be prepared for when it happens, so that you won't need to call a tow truck, and keep your money in your wallet.

When you've lost your car keys, the first step is to retrace your steps. This will help you locate the keys and calm your panic. Try to recall what you did right before losing your keys, like grabbing something at the supermarket or dropping them on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you determine your starting point.

If you are unable to locate your keys, look around where they might be like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing or the bag you put them in when you got home. If you still can't find the keys, give yourself time to relax before calling a locksmith tow truck.

A key tracker with bluetooth can be utilized on your phone. These are tiny devices that can be attached to your keyring, and also have an app installed on your phone that will show you where your keys are, so you don't need to go through every drawer or pocket within your home.

The cost of replacing a lost car keys can vary according to the type of key that you have. It is cheaper if you have traditional car keys. An automotive locksmith is usually capable of making a replacement immediately, and without the original. If you have an electronic key that utilizes the proximity sensor to open the door or start the engine, you'll have to go to the dealership to purchase a new one.

It's important 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 an tow truck or locksmith. It's easy to lose your car keys when you're exhausted after a long day or when your mind is distracted by other things. However, by following these steps to ensure your keys don't disappear for ever and have a backup plan in case when they do.