How to Replace Lost Car Keys

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

In the past, this was not a big deal because you could easily replace it at the 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 call in case you lose your key. The majority of car dealers have a record for every key made for their vehicles, which means they are likely to be able find yours. It can be costly to visit a dealership and therefore, you should look around. You might be able get a cheaper option through an auto locksmith.

You'll likely have to provide the dealership with your vehicle identification number, or VIN, as well as evidence of ownership (such as a copy registration or title) to get the replacement key. The dealership will then order a new key and pair it with your vehicle. This could be a long procedure, and you'll be waiting for the dealer to complete the task.

A lot of cars today are equipped with keys that are specialized known as a smart keys. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, allowing the use of a keyless entry system and even starting. They are usually used with ignitions that require a push to start. Dealers will offer you a smart key but it's costly. A local auto locksmith can create the smart key for about half the cost of what you would pay at the dealership.

You can also purchase a replacement for your classic key at your local hardware store. They will be able to make you an ordinary key that will fit the lock cylinder of your vehicle. 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 plate that is located on the driver's side doorpost or the dashboard. Most locksmiths in the automotive industry can offer a car key replacement even if you don't have the original. In certain instances the locksmith may need to disassemble the door lock and ignition to accomplish this. This is not a risky job for a professional, but it requires some mechanical knowledge and skill.

2. Call a locksmith

The most frequent reason for requesting roadside assistance is when you've lost your car keys. Keep an extra car key in your bag and store it safely. Even the most careful people can lose their keys. It is important to look for the car keys and notify your insurance company immediately if you discover it. This will lower the chance of your claim being denied if your key is found stolen.

If you don't have a spare key, the next best option is to contact the locksmith. Locksmiths can usually provide a replacement key at less than what the dealership will cost. They are also able to visit your location and make the key right there which is more convenient than having to bring your vehicle back to the dealership.

The cost of replacing your car key will differ based on the model you have. The most affordable keys are the traditional keys that can be bought at most hardware stores. They cost about $10 per key. If your car comes 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 a dealership, the cost of these keys is typically higher than the traditional one.

A locksmith can replace a smart key or key fob in most cases so long as they have the VIN number of your vehicle. This number is typically found on the metal plate that is on the driver's doorpost, or on the windshield. They will need evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

Always do your homework prior to hiring locksmith. You can find auto-locksmiths who are certified by searching online or asking family members and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using an unlicensed key to start your car could lead to a breach of warranty. Unauthorized keys can cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you don't want to risk it is a good idea to call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith and wait for your 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. Take a deep breath and then try to rationalize your situation. Most likely, you lost your keys because you misplaced them instead of them being taken. So, the next step is to go back your steps and determine where they disappeared. You may want to look in places that you wouldn't normally look at, like the pockets of your pants or bags or coats you carry to run in. After you've looked in these places you must contact your insurance provider.

Most modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that connect to your vehicle via a chip. This process of communication allows the car to recognize and open the doors, and also start the engine. It is crucial to inform the authorities of the loss of your key immediately to prevent unauthorized individuals from using your vehicle.

Certain car insurance companies provide an insurance add-on that covers the cost of replacing a lost car key. It's worth talking to your insurance provider to see whether they provide this kind of insurance or if you can find an individual locksmith that will cover the cost.

If your car has a standard mechanical key, you'll be able to have it replaced at most hardware stores at a cost of a small amount. If your car uses an electronic key that is connected with your vehicle using the chip, you will have to visit the dealership to obtain a replacement. It's not cheap but it's cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith.

In the event of filing an insurance claim due to a stolen car key can increase your insurance rates. The insurance company could increase your premiums because they will consider you an extremely risky driver because you lost your key. Fortunately, you can often avoid the extra expenses by buying a tracking device that can track your lost car keys or having a locksmith create an entirely new key without copying the original.

4. Contact a Tow truck

Everyone would hate to lose their car keys. It is the worst scenario that could happen. However, if it does happen it can be expensive to replace the lost key and get you back on the road again. That's why it's best to be prepared for when it happens, so you won't need 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 retrace your steps. This will allow you to locate the keys and Lost car keys calm your panic. You might remember doing something at the supermarket, 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, check places where you could have put them, such as the pockets of the clothes you were wearing, or in the bag you carried them in to take them to home. If you still can't find them, give yourself some time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.

A key tracker with bluetooth can be utilized on your phone. These are tiny devices can be connected to your keyring, and also have an app on your phone that can reveal where your keys are, so you don't need to search every pocket or drawer within your home.

The cost of replacing lost car key may vary dependent on the type of key you have. If you own a traditional key, an automotive locksmith can generally make a new key on the spot without the original, which can save you money. If you have a smart-key that uses proximity sensors to open the doors or start your car's engine it is necessary to visit the dealership to purchase a new one.

It's essential to have a plan in case you lose your car keys, so you will not have the hassle of having to pay for an tow truck or locksmith. It's easy for you to forget your car keys when you're exhausted after a long day or when your attention is focused busy with other things. If you follow these steps, you can ensure that your keys don't disappear forever, and have backup plans in the event that they happen to disappear.