How to Replace Lost Car Keys

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

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

1. Contact Your Car Dealership

Your car dealer is the first person you should contact should you lose your keys. Most car dealers keep a log of each key made for their vehicles making it easy for them to find yours. It can be costly to visit a dealership, so you should look around. You may be able to find a cheaper option through a locksmith for cars.

In the majority of instances, you'll have to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership, like a copy of your title or registration, to get a replacement key from the dealership. The dealership will then order a replacement key and pair it to your vehicle. The dealer must complete this lengthy process.

A lot of cars today come with the special kind of key called a smart key. They are designed to activate a proximity sensor inside the vehicle, which allows for keyless entry and starting. These keys are typically used with ignitions that require a push-to start. Dealers will offer you a smart key, but it is expensive. A local auto locksmith can create an intelligent key for you at a fraction of what you'd buy from the dealership.

You can also replace the key you have always had at your local hardware store. They will be able to make you a standard key that is compatible with your vehicle's lock cylinder. They will need to know the year of manufacture of your car and the VIN. If you're unable to find the VIN, it is usually stamped on a metal plate located on the driver's side doorpost or dashboard. Most automotive locksmiths are able to offer the replacement for your car key, even if you don't have the original. In some cases the locksmith might need to remove the ignition and door locks to accomplish this. This isn't a risky job for a professional, but it does require some mechanical knowledge and skill.

2. Call an expert locksmith

Losing your car keys is among of the most frequent reasons for roadside assistance and callouts. Keep an extra car key with you and keep it safe. However, even the most careful people can lose their car keys. It is essential to search thoroughly for the key and notify your insurance company as soon as possible to reduce the chances of getting denied a claim if the key turns up stolen later.

If you don't have an extra key, the next best option is to contact the locksmith. A locksmith can generally offer a replacement key for less than the dealership will charge. They can also usually come out to your location 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 that you have can affect the cost of replacing it. Traditional keys, which can be replaced at the majority of hardware stores for around $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, which can only be replaced at a dealership, the price of these keys will be more expensive than the standard one.

A locksmith can replace lost car keys replacement car key (you can find out more) a smart key or key fob in the majority of cases as long as they have the VIN number of your car. This number is typically found on the metal plate that is on the driver's doorpost or on the windshield. They will require proof of ownership, such as your registration or title.

Some locksmiths are not licensed or insured, so make sure to investigate them prior to hiring. You can find auto-locksmiths who are certified by searching on the internet or asking family and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using keys that are not yours to start your car could result in a 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 you should consider to call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith and wait for a replacement key from the dealer.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

Panic is one of the most unpleasant reactions you could experience when you lose your keys. The first thing to do is to take your breath and try to understand 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 locate 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 a coat or a bag that you use to run in. After you've inspected these areas it is time to call your insurance provider.

Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that communicate via an electronic chip with the car. This process of communication allows the vehicle to recognize the key fob, unlock the doors and then start the engine. It is essential to inform the authorities of the loss of your keys immediately to prevent anyone who is not authorized from accessing your vehicle.

Some car insurance providers offer an insurance add-on that will cover the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. Check with your insurance company to find out if this type of insurance is offered or if an individual locksmith can pay for the costs.

You can usually get a replacement for a mechanical key in many hardware stores at a reasonable price. If your car has an electronic key that is paired with your vehicle using the chip, then you will have to visit the dealership to get an alternative. It can be costly, but it is much cheaper than hiring a professional locksmith.

In addition to the expense of replacing your car key, filing an insurance claim for a stolen key could cause your car insurance rates to increase. This is because the insurance company will consider you an extremely risky driver for the loss of your car key, and may raise your premiums to cover the cost of settling an insurance claim. Fortunately, you can often avoid the extra expenses by buying a tracking device that can track your lost car keys or letting a locksmith design an entirely new key without copying the original.

4. Contact a Tow truck

It's one of the most difficult things to lose your car keys, and nobody wants it to happen. However, if it does happen, it can be costly to replace the key that was lost and get back on the road again. That's why it's best to be prepared for when it does, so you won't need to call an tow truck and keep your money in your wallet.

Follow your steps in case you've lost your keys. This will allow you to locate them and calm your panic. Try to recall what you did prior to losing your keys, such as grabbing something at the supermarket or dropping them on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you find the place to start.

If you can't find 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 came home. If you still can't find the keys, give yourself time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.

A bluetooth key tracker can also be used on your phone. These are tiny devices that can be attached to your keyring, and also have an app for your phone that can let you know where your keys are, so you don't have to search every drawer or pocket within your home.

The cost to replace the car key that has been lost can differ depending on the type of key you own. You can save money when you use an old-fashioned car key. An automotive locksmith will typically be capable of making a replacement on the spot, but without the original. If you have a smart key that uses a proximity detector to open the doors or start the engine of your vehicle it is necessary to visit a dealership to purchase a new one.

You must have a plan for when you lose your keys. This will save you the hassle of paying for the tow-truck or locksmith. When you're stressed 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 you'll have a back-up plan in the event that they do.