How to Replace Lost Car Keys

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

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

1. Contact Your Car Dealership

If you've lost your car key The first place you should contact is your local car dealer. The majority of dealers have a record for every key that they have made for their cars, so they should be able to find your key. The drawback is that going to the dealership can be expensive, so it's important to shop around. You may be able to locate a lower cost solution through an auto locksmith.

In most instances, you'll need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and evidence of ownership, like a copy of the registration or title, to obtain a replacement key from the dealer. The dealership will then order the replacement key and attach it to your vehicle. This can be a lengthy process, and you will need to wait for the dealer to finish the task.

Many cars today have keys that are specialized 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 start. These keys are typically used with ignitions that require a push-to-start. The dealer can sell you a smart key, but it is expensive. A local auto locksmith can create a smart key for you for about half the cost of what you'd purchase from a dealership.

You can also get a replacement for the key you have always had at your local hardware store. They can design an ordinary lock cylinder key. They will need the VIN and the year of manufacture. If you're unable to find the VIN it's usually printed on a metal plate located on the driver's side doorpost or dashboard. The majority of locksmiths for automotive are able to provide you with an alternative car key even if they don't have the original. In some instances, they may need to take apart the ignition and door locks to accomplish this. This is not a hazardous job, but it requires some mechanical knowledge.

2. Call an expert locksmith

The misplacing of your car keys is one of the most frequent reasons for roadside assistance and calls. It's essential to keep a spare key with your person and ensure that it's safe. Even the most careful people may lose their keys. It's important to check thoroughly for the key and to inform your insurance company as soon as possible to reduce the chances of getting denied a claim in the event that it turns up stolen later.

A locksmith's call is the next best thing in the event that you don't have an extra. Locksmiths can usually provide a replacement key at less than what the dealership will cost. They can also visit your location to make the key on the spot which is much more convenient than having your vehicle brought back to the dealer.

The cost of replacing your car key will differ based on the type you have. The most affordable keys are the traditional keys that are available at many hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your vehicle is equipped with an ignition key that can be used as a remote for unlocking and start the vehicle, or a smart-key, which can only by replaced at an auto dealer, the cost of these keys will be higher than the traditional one.

A locksmith can replace lost keys a smart key or key fob in most 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 stamped on the windshield. They will require evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

Some locksmiths are not licensed or insured, so be sure to do your research prior to hiring. You can find qualified auto-locksmiths through online search engines, or asking family and friends for suggestions. Also, be aware that using keys that are not yours to start your car could result in a breach of your vehicle's warranty. The use of a key that is not authentic could cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you do not want to take this risk, it is best to call roadside assistance instead of a car locksmith and wait until the 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. Take a deep breath and then try to rationalize your situation. It is more likely you misplaced your keys than they were stolen. The next step is to go back through the steps you followed and How to Replace Lost Car Keys try to find out the place where your keys went missing. It could be helpful to look in places you would not normally check for items, like pockets in your coat or pants or in a bag you use for running. After you've looked in these places it is time to call your insurance company.

Modern cars come with electronic keys that communicate with chips with the car. This allows the car to recognize the key fob and open the doors, as well as start the engine. It is crucial to inform the authorities of the loss of your keys immediately to prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing your vehicle.

Some insurance companies offer an add-on to their policy that will cover the cost of replacing a key for your car. Contact your insurance provider to determine if this kind of coverage is available or if a locksmith will cover the costs.

If your car uses an ordinary mechanical key, you can get it replaced at most hardware stores for a small fee. If your car uses an electronic key that connects to your vehicle via the chip, then you will have to visit your dealer to purchase an alternative. It's not cheap, but it is much cheaper than hiring a professional locksmith.

In the event of filing an insurance claim because of the theft of your car key could increase your insurance rates. This is because your insurance provider will view you as an extremely risky driver for the loss of your car key, and may raise your premiums to cover the cost of paying out the claim. You can reduce these expenses by purchasing a device that tracks your lost key to track your lost electric key key or having a professional locksmith create a key without cloning the old key.

4. Call a Tow truck

It's one of the most difficult things to lose your car keys, and nobody would want it to happen. However, if it does happen it can be expensive to replace the lost key and get you back on the road. It is important to be prepared in order that you don't have call a tow truck and keep your money.

When you've lost your car keys, the very first thing to do is trace your steps. This will allow you to locate them and calm your panic. You might recall doing something in the grocery store or dropping your keys on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you identify your starting point.

If you are unable to locate your keys, search in places where you may have placed them, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing, or the bag that you carried them in to take them to home. If you're still unable to locate them, give yourself some time to relax before calling a locksmith tow truck.

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

The cost of replacing a lost car key can differ depending on the type of key you own. If you own a traditional key that is used for automotive, a locksmith can usually make a new one immediately without the original, which can save you money. If you have a smart-key that uses proximity sensors to open doors or start the engine of your vehicle then you'll need go to the dealer to purchase a new one.

It's essential to have a plan in place to deal with the loss of your car keys, so that you will not have the hassle of having to pay for the tow truck or locksmith. It's easy for you to forget your car keys when you're tired after a long work day or when your mind is on other things. But by following these tips to ensure that your keys won't vanish forever and have a backup plan when they do.