How to Replace Lost Car Keys

In the rush of getting kids to school, running errands, and working things tend to get lost key replacement. One of the most frequent items that disappears is our keys to our cars.

In the past, this was not a big deal because you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. This isn't the situation anymore.

1. Call Your Car Dealership

Your car dealer is the first person you should contact if you lose your key. The majority of dealers keep records of each key they make for their vehicles, which means they will be able to locate your key. The drawback is that going to the dealership can be expensive, so it's important to shop for a different one. You may be able to locate a lower cost solution by using an auto locksmith.

You'll likely have to give the dealership your vehicle identification number, or VIN, as well as evidence of ownership (such as a copy registration or title) to get a replacement key. The dealership will request a replacement key and pair it with your vehicle. The dealer will have to complete this lengthy procedure.

Many vehicles today come with keys that are specialized called a smart key. They are designed to work with proximity sensors to be activated within the car, allowing keyless entry and start. They are typically used in conjunction with ignitions that have a push-to-start feature. The dealer will sell you a smart key, but it's costly. A local auto locksmith can make a smart key for you for about half the cost of what you would buy from the dealership.

You can also get a traditional key replacement from a local hardware store. They can design the standard lock cylinder keys. They will need to know the year of manufacture of your vehicle, as well as the VIN. If you are unable to locate the VIN on your car, it will be stamped on a metal plaque located on the dashboard or the driver's doorpost. Most locksmiths in the automotive industry can offer a car key replacement, even if you don't have the original. However, in certain instances, they may need to disassemble the door and ignition in order to do this. It is not a dangerous task, but it requires some knowledge of mechanics.

2. Contact a Locksmith

Misplacing keys to your car is one of the most frequent reasons for roadside assistance or callouts. Keep an extra car key with you and store it safely. Even the most careful of people may lose their keys. You should look for the car keys and notify your insurance company immediately if you spot it. This will lower the likelihood of your claim being denied should your key be found stolen.

Calling a locksmith is the next best option in the event that you don't have an extra. Locksmiths can usually provide a key replacement for less than what a dealership would cost. They can also come to your location to create the key right there, which is more convenient than having your vehicle taken back to the dealer.

The type of car key that you have can affect the cost to replace it. Traditional keys that can be exchanged at the majority of hardware stores for around $10 each they are the least expensive. 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 is only able to be replaced at a dealership, the cost of these keys is typically more expensive than the standard one.

A locksmith can replace the smart key or key fob in most cases so long they have the VIN number of your vehicle. This is usually found on the metal plate on the driver's doorpost or on the windshield. They will also require evidence that you have ownership of the vehicle and have an original registration or title.

Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so be sure to do your research prior to hiring. You can find qualified auto locksmiths by looking online or asking friends and family for suggestions. Be aware that using a fake key to start your vehicle could result in an infringement of warranty. Using unauthorized keys may also cause damage to your car's lock. If you do not want to take this risk, it's a good idea to call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith and wait for a replacement key from the dealer.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

Panic is among the most unpleasant reactions you could experience when you lose your keys. Relax, and How to Replace Lost Car Keys then try to reason your situation. It is more likely that you lost your keys rather than they were stolen. The next step is retrace the steps you took and try to determine the place where your keys went missing. You might want to check places that you wouldn't normally look at such as the pockets of your pants, bags or coats you carry to run in. After you've inspected these areas it is time to call your insurance company.

Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that communicate through a chip with the car. This communication allows the vehicle recognize the key fob and open the doors, and start the engine. If you lose your key, it's important to report it immediately to ensure that anyone who isn't authorized aren't able to enter your vehicle and use it.

Certain car insurance companies provide a policy add-on that will cover the cost of replacing a lost car key. Check with your insurance company to determine if this kind of coverage is offered or if an individual locksmith can cover the cost.

You can usually get a replacement for the mechanical key at most hardware stores for a fair cost. If your car is equipped with an electronic key that connects to your vehicle via the chip, then you will have to visit the dealership to purchase a replacement. It's not cheap but it's cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith.

In addition to the expense of replacing your car key and submitting an insurance claim for the loss of a key can cause your car insurance rates to rise. Your insurance company could increase your premiums because they will consider you an extremely risky driver because you lost your key. You can avoid these extra expenses by purchasing a device that tracks your lost key to locate your lost key or having a professional locksmith create an original key without copying the old key.

4. Call a tow truck

It's the most gruelling thing to lose your car keys and nobody would want it to happen. But if it does it could be costly to replace the key that was lost and get you back on the road again. It's why it's important to be prepared if it happens, so that you don't have to call a tow truck, and keep your cash in your wallet.

If you've lost your car keys, the very first thing to do is retrace your steps. This can help you figure out exactly where they are and can help you calm your anxiety. You might remember doing something in the grocery store or dropping your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you find your starting point.

If you are unable to locate your keys, check places where you could have placed them, such as the pockets of the clothing you were wearing, or the bag you used to carry them to home. If you're unable to find them, take a few minutes to relax, and then call an locksmith or a tow truck.

Another alternative is to use the bluetooth key tracker app on your phone. These are small devices that you can attach to your keyring and have an app installed on your phone to let you know where your keys are, so you don't have to search every drawer or pocket in your house.

The cost to replace a car key that is lost may differ depending on the type of key you own. You can save money in the case of traditional car keys. An automotive locksmith will usually be capable of making a replacement immediately, How to Replace Lost Car Keys and without the original. If you are using a smart-key that utilizes proximity sensors to open the doors or start the engine of your car then you'll need go to the dealer to purchase a new one.

You must have a plan for when you lose your keys. This will spare you the expense of an tow-truck or locksmith. When you're tired or distracted, it's not difficult to lose your keys to your car. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your keys won't disappear forever, and have backup plans in the event that they do.