How to Replace Lost Car Keys

Things can get lost in the hustle of getting children to and from school, completing errands and working. Car keys are among of the most commonly lost items.

In the past, this wasn't a big deal because you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. Today, it's not as easy.

1. Call Your Car Dealership

Your car dealer is the first person you should contact should you lose your keys. The majority of dealers keep a record of every key made for their cars, so they will be able to locate your key. It is expensive to go to a dealership, so you should research. You may be able to find a cheaper option by using an auto locksmith.

In the majority of instances, you'll have to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership, such as a copy of the registration or title, to obtain an alternative key from the dealership. The dealership will then order an additional key and connect it with your vehicle. The dealer must complete this lengthy procedure.

Smart keys are a kind of key that is used in a lot of automobiles today. These keys are designed to use a proximity sensor to be activated inside the car, allowing keyless entry and start. They are usually paired with push-to-start ignitions. You can purchase a new smart key at the dealership, but the price is quite expensive. Local auto locksmiths can give you a smart key for only a fraction of the cost.

You can also get a replacement for your classic key at the local hardware store. They can create a standard key that fits your vehicle's lock cylinder. They will need to know the year of manufacture of your car and also the VIN. If you cannot locate the VIN on your vehicle it will be stamped on a metal plaque that is placed on the dashboard or doorpost. Most automotive locksmiths can offer the replacement for your car key even if they don't have the original. However, in some cases they might need to take apart the ignition and door locks to accomplish this. This is not a hazardous job, but it requires some technical knowledge.

2. Call a locksmith

The most frequent reason for requesting roadside assistance is because you've lost your car keys. It's essential to keep a spare key on your person and ensure that you keep it in a safe place. However even the most vigilant people may lose their car keys. It is important to look for the car key and inform your insurance provider immediately if you discover it. This will lower the chance of your claim being denied should your key be found stolen.

Contacting a locksmith is the next best thing in the event that you don't have an extra key. A locksmith can generally offer a replacement key for less than what the dealership will charge. They can also come to your location to create the key right there, which is more convenient than having your car brought back to the dealer.

The type of car key that you have can affect the cost to replace it. The most affordable keys are traditional keys that can be purchased at most hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your car is equipped with the key fob, which acts like a remote and can unlock and start the engine or a smart key, which can only be changed by a dealership the keys will typically cost more than the standard key.

A locksmith can replace 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 also need proof that you own the car by providing an original registration or Car keys lost no spare title.

Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so be sure to research them before hiring them. You can find qualified auto-locksmiths through online search engines, or asking family and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using an unauthorized key to start your car could lead to a breach of warranty. The use of a key that is not authentic could damage the lock of your car. If you do not wish to risk it then call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith for cars and wait until the dealer delivers a new key.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

One of the worst things you can do when you lose your car key is to panic. The first thing you should do is to take your breath and try to rationalize the situation. Chances are that you lost your keys due to you lost them, instead of them being taken. So, the next step is to trace your steps and attempt to find out the location where they disappeared. You might want to check places you don't normally check, like the pockets of your pants, bag or coat that you use to run in. After you've looked through all of these areas, it's a good idea call your insurance company.

Modern cars are fitted with electronic key fobs which communicate with your car via a chip. This communication allows the vehicle recognize the key fob and open the doors, and start the engine. If you lose your key it is important to report it immediately to ensure that anyone who isn't authorized can't enter your car and use it.

Some insurance companies offer an additional benefit to their policies that covers the cost of a replacement car key. Contact your insurance provider to determine if this kind of insurance is offered or if an individual locksmith will cover the costs.

If your car is equipped with an ordinary mechanical key, you can typically get it replaced at any hardware store for a nominal cost. However, if your car has an electronic key fob that's connected to your car via the chip, you'll have to go to your dealership for a replacement. It can be costly, but it's much more cost-effective than hiring locksmith.

In addition to the expense of replacing your car key, filing an insurance claim for a stolen key can cause your car insurance rates to rise. Your insurance company could increase your premiums because they will consider you a high-risk motorist because you lost your key. Fortunately, you can save yourself the cost of buying a tracking device that can locate your car key that has been lost or having a locksmith make the new key without cloning the original.

4. Contact a Tow truck

It's the most gruelling thing to lose your car keys and nobody would want it to happen. If it happens it could be costly to replace the key and get back on the road. It's why it's important to be prepared for when it happens, so that you can avoid having to call a tow truck, and keep your cash in your wallet.

If you've lost your car keys, the first thing to do is trace your steps. This will allow you to locate them and ease your anxiety. Try to recall what you did prior to losing your keys, such as buying something at the grocery store or dropping them on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you determine your place of origin.

If you're 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 got home. If you're still unable to locate them, take some time to relax before calling a locksmith tow truck.

A bluetooth key tracker can also be utilized on your phone. These are tiny devices that can be attached to your keyring, and also have an app for your phone that will show you where your keys are, so you don't have to look through every pocket or drawer in your house.

The cost of replacing a car key that is lost may vary depending on what kind of key you have. If you have a traditional key that is used for automotive, a locksmith can typically make a new one on the spot without the original, which can save you money. If you have a smart key that uses a proximity detector to open the doors or turn on the engine of your vehicle, you will need go to the dealer to obtain a replacement.

You must have a plan in place for the event that you lose your keys. This will spare you the hassle of having to pay for a tow-truck or locksmith. When you're stressed or distracted, it's not difficult to lose your keys to your car. If you follow these suggestions, you can make sure that your keys won't vanish forever and have a backup plan the event that they do.