How to Replace Lost Car Keys

Things are often lost in the chaos of bringing kids to and from school, completing errands and working. Car keys are among of the most frequently lost items.

In the past, you could easily replace this at your local locksmith or hardware store. Today, it's not as simple.

1. Call Your Car Dealership

Your car dealer is the first person you should call should you lose your keys. The majority of car dealers have a record for every key made for their cars, so they are likely to be able find your key. The downside is that visiting the dealership can be expensive so it's crucial to shop around. You might be able find a cheaper solution through an automotive locksmith.

In most cases, you will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership, such as an original registration or title, in order to get an alternative key from the dealer. The dealership will request an alternative key and connect it with your vehicle. The dealer will need to complete this lengthy process.

Many vehicles today come with keys that are specialized known as a smart keys. These keys are designed to use proximity sensors to be activated inside the car, allowing keyless entry and starting. These keys are often paired 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 create an intelligent key for you for about half the cost of what you would pay at the dealership.

You can also get an old-fashioned key replacement from a local hardware store. They can create the standard lock cylinder keys. They will need the VIN and the model year. If you can't locate the VIN, it is usually printed on a metal plate located on the driver's side doorpost or the dashboard. Most automotive locksmiths will be able to offer a car key replacement, even if you don't have the original. In some cases, the locksmith may have to take apart the ignition and door locks in order to do this. This is not a risky job for a professional, but it requires some mechanical expertise and skills.

2. Contact an expert locksmith

The most common reason for roadside assistance is that you have lost your car keys. It's essential to keep a spare key with you and make sure it's safe. Even the most careful people could lose their keys. It's important to check thoroughly for the key and to inform your insurance company as quickly as you can to minimize your chances of being denied a claim in the event that it turns up stolen later.

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

The cost of replacing your car key will vary based on the model you own. The most affordable keys are the traditional keys that can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. They cost about $10 per key. If your car is equipped with the key fob, which acts as a remote that can unlock and start the engine, or a smart-key, which can only be changed by an auto dealer, these keys will usually cost more than the traditional key.

In the majority of cases, an automotive locksmith can replace the key fob or smart key if they can get the VIN number for your car, which is typically found on a metal plate that is placed on your driver's side doorpost or stamped into the windshield of the car. They will need evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

You should always do your research before hiring a locksmith. You can find qualified auto-locksmiths by searching on the internet or asking family and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using an unlicensed key to start your vehicle could cause an infringement of warranty. The use of a key that is not authentic could damage the lock of your car. If you do not want to take this risk 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 you should do is to take an inhale and try to understand the situation. It is more likely that you lost your keys rather than they were stolen. The next step is to retrace the steps you took and try to determine where your keys were. It could be helpful to look around in places that you would not normally check, such as pockets on your coat or pants or in the bag you carry when running. After you've looked through all of these areas, it's a good idea to call your insurance company.

Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that communicate with chips with the car. This process of communication allows the vehicle to recognize and open the doors and then start the engine. It is essential to report the loss of your keys immediately to prevent anyone who is not authorized from utilizing your vehicle.

Certain car insurance companies provide an add-on to their policies that covers the cost of replacing a lost car key. Contact your insurance provider to determine if this kind of insurance is offered or if a locksmith can cover the cost.

If your car uses an ordinary mechanical key, you can replace it at any hardware store for a small fee. If your car has an electronic key that is connected to your vehicle via the chip, then you'll have to visit the dealership to obtain an replacement. This can be expensive, but it's much more cost-effective than hiring a locksmith.

In addition to the cost of replacing your car key and filing an insurance claim for the loss of a key could cause your car insurance rates to increase. The insurance company could increase your premiums because they'll consider you to be a high-risk motorist because you lost your key. Fortunately, you can often reduce the costs by buying a tracking device that can locate your car key that has been lost or having a locksmith create 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 to experience this. If it does happen it could be costly to replace lost key the key and get back on the road. It's essential to be prepared in order that you don't have call a tow-truck and can keep your money.

Follow your steps if you've lost your keys. This will help you locate the keys and calm your panic. Make a list of the actions you took prior to losing your keys, for example, grabbing something at the grocery store or dropping them on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you determine where you should start.

If you can't find your keys, check places 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're still unable to locate them, give yourself some time to relax before calling a locksmith tow truck.

A bluetooth key tracker can also be used on your phone. These are small devices that can connect to a keyring and an app for your smartphone will show you the location of your keys.

The cost of replacing lost car keys can vary dependent on the type of key that you own. If you own a traditional key an automotive locksmith will typically make a new one immediately without the original, which can save you money. However, if you own an electronic key that utilizes a proximity sensor to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll need to go to the dealership to purchase a new one.

You must have a plan in case you lose your keys. This will help you avoid the hassle of paying for the tow-truck or locksmith. When you're stressed or distracted, cost of replacing Lost car keys it's easy to lose your keys to your car. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your keys don't disappear forever. You should also have a back-up plan in case they do.