How to Replace Lost Car Keys

Things tend to get lost in the chaos of getting children to and from school, running errands and working. Car keys are one of the most commonly lost items.

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

1. Call Your Car Dealership

If you've lost your car key The first place to contact is your local car dealer. The majority of dealers keep records of every key made for their vehicles, so they are likely to be able find your key. The downside is that visiting the dealership can be costly so it's crucial to look around. You may be able to get a cheaper option by using an auto locksmith.

You will most likely need to give the dealership your vehicle identification number, or VIN, as well as proof of ownership (such as a copy of your registration or title) to get a replacement key. The dealership will then order the new key and then pair it with your vehicle. The dealer will need to complete this lengthy procedure.

A lot of cars today have a special type of key called a smart key. These keys are designed for a proximity sensor to be activated inside the car, allowing keyless entry and starting. These keys are often paired with ignitions that require a push-to start. You can buy a new smart key from a dealership, but the price is very high. Local auto locksmiths can give you a smart lock at less than the cost.

You can also get a traditional key replacement from a local hardware store. They can create the standard lock cylinder keys. They will require the VIN and the year of manufacture. If you're unable to find the VIN it's typically stamped on a metal plaque that is located on the driver's side doorpost or the dashboard. Even if you do not have the original, many locksmiths in the automotive industry can provide you with an alternate car key. In some cases the locksmith might need to remove the door lock and ignition in order to complete the task. It is not a dangerous job, but it does require some mechanical knowledge.

2. Call a locksmith

The misplacing of keys to your car is one of the most common reasons for roadside assistance or callouts. Keep a spare car key with you and keep it safe. However even the most cautious people may lose their car keys. It is important to look for the car key and inform your insurance company immediately if you find it. This will reduce the likelihood of your claim being denied should your key be found stolen.

Contacting a locksmith is the best option when you don't have an extra. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a key replacement at less than the cost a dealership would charge. They are also able to visit your place and create the key right there and is more efficient than having to take your vehicle back to the dealership.

The type of car key you have can affect the cost to replace it. The most affordable keys are the traditional keys that can be purchased at many hardware stores. They cost about $10 per key. If your car is equipped with the key fob, which functions as a remote and allows you to open and start the engine or a smart-key, i Lost my Only car key which can only be replaced by dealers, these keys will usually cost more than the traditional key.

In most instances, an automotive locksmith will be able to replace the key fob or smart key if they have the VIN number of your vehicle it is usually located on a metal plaque on the driver's side of the doorpost or etched into the windshield of the vehicle. They will require evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

Always conduct your research prior to hiring a locksmith. You can find qualified auto-locksmiths by searching online or asking family and friends for recommendations. Also, be aware that using keys you have not authorized to start your car could cause a violation of your vehicle's warranty. A key that is not authorized could cause damage to the lock of your car. If you don't want to risk this, it's a good idea to contact roadside assistance instead of a locksmith and wait for a replacement key from the dealer.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

One of the most dangerous things you can do when you lose your car keys is to panic. Relax, and then try to rationalize your situation. It is more likely that you misplaced your keys than they were stolen. The next step is to retrace the steps you followed and try to find out where your keys were. It might help to look in places you don't normally look like pockets in your coat or pants or in the bag you use for running. After you've looked in these places you must contact your insurance company.

Modern cars are fitted with electronic key fobs which communicate with your car through a chip. This communication allows the vehicle recognize the key fob, and then open the doors, and also start the engine. It's important that you immediately report the loss of your keys immediately to stop unauthorized persons from accessing your vehicle.

Certain car insurance companies offer an insurance add-on that covers the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. Contact your insurance provider to find out if this type of insurance is offered or if a locksmith can cover the cost.

It is possible to replace the mechanical key at most hardware stores for a fair cost. If your car has an electronic key that connects to your vehicle via the chip, then you'll have to visit your dealer to get a replacement. This can be costly however it's more cost-effective than hiring a locksmith.

In addition to the cost of replacing your car keys and submitting an insurance claim for the loss of a key can cause your car insurance rates to rise. This is because your insurance company will consider you to be an extremely risky driver for the loss of your car keys and could increase your premiums to offset the cost of making a claims claim. Fortunately, you can often reduce the costs by buying a tracking device that can locate your car key that has been lost or letting a locksmith design the new key without cloning the original.

4. Call for a Tow Truck

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

When you've lost your car keys, the first thing to do is trace your steps. This will aid in determining where they are and can aid in calming your panic. Try to recall the actions you took prior to losing your keys, for example, buying something at the grocery store or dropping them on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you find your starting point.

If you are 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're unable to locate them, take a few minutes to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.

Another option is to use the bluetooth key tracker app on your phone. These are tiny devices that you can attach to a keyring, and an app on your smartphone will provide you with the whereabouts of your keys.

The cost of replacing I lost My only car key car keys can vary depending on the type of key you have. If you have a conventional key that is used for automotive, a locksmith can usually make a new one immediately without the original one, which can save you money. If you have a smart key that uses proximity sensors to open the door or start the engine, you'll need to visit the dealer to get a replacement.

It is important to have a plan in case you lose your keys. This will save you the expense of the tow-truck or locksmith. When you're tired or distracted, it's easy to lose your car keys. But by following these tips, you can make sure your keys don't disappear forever, and you have a backup plan in case the event that they do.