How to Replace Lost Car Keys

In the rush of sending kids to school, running errands and working, things have a tendency to get lost. Our car keys are one of the most frequently lost items.

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

1. Call Your Car Dealership

Your car dealer is the first person to contact in case you lose your key. The majority of car dealers keep a record of every key that they have made for their cars, so they are likely to be able find your key. It's expensive to visit a dealer and therefore, you should shop around. You might be able locate a lower cost solution through an automotive locksmith.

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

Smart keys are a form of key used in a variety of cars in the present. These keys are designed for a proximity sensor to be activated inside the car, which allows keyless entry and start. These keys are typically used with ignitions that require a push-to start. Dealers will offer you a smart key, however, it's expensive. A local auto locksmith can design the smart key for about half the cost of what you would purchase from a dealership.

You can also purchase an old-fashioned key replacement from your local hardware store. They will be able to make you a standard key that fits your vehicle's lock cylinder. They will need the VIN and the year of manufacture. If you can't find the VIN on your vehicle it will be stamped on a metal plaque that is placed on the dashboard or doorpost. Even if you do not have the original key, most locksmiths for automotive can offer an alternative car key. In certain instances, the locksmith may have to disassemble the ignition and door locks in order to do this. It's not a risky task, but it requires some technical knowledge.

2. Contact a Locksmith

The misplacing of your car keys is among of the most common causes for roadside assistance and broken calls. It is essential to keep a spare key handy with you and ensure it's somewhere safe. However even the most vigilant people may lose their car keys. You should look for the car keys and inform your insurance provider immediately if you discover it. This will decrease the chances of your claim being denied should your key car lost be found stolen.

If you don't have an extra key, the next best option is to call the locksmith. Locksmiths can usually provide a key replacement for less than what a dealership would cost. They can also usually come out to your location and broken make the key on the spot and is more convenient than having to bring your vehicle back to the dealership.

The kind of car key you are using can impact the cost to replace it. The most affordable keys are the standard keys that are available at many hardware stores. They are priced at around $10 per key. If your vehicle is equipped with an ignition key that can be used as a remote to unlock and start the vehicle or a smart-key that can only by replaced at an auto dealer, the cost of these keys is usually higher than the traditional one.

A locksmith can replace the smart key or key fob in most cases as long as they have the VIN number of your vehicle. It is usually located on the metal plaque on the driver's doorpost, or on the windshield. They will also require evidence that you own the car, such as an original registration or title.

It is essential to do your research before hiring locksmith. You can find reputable auto locksmiths by looking online or asking friends and family for suggestions. Be aware that using an unlicensed key to start your vehicle could cause an infringement of warranty. Using unauthorized key may also cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you don't want to risk it is a good idea to contact 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 worst reactions you can be experiencing when you lose your keys. The first thing you should do is to take an inhale and try to understand the situation. Most likely, you lost your keys because you misplaced them instead of them being stolen. The next step is retrace the steps you took and try to find out the place where your keys were. You might want to check areas you're not usually checking like the pockets of your pants, or a coat or a bag that you use for running. After you've inspected these areas you must contact your insurance company.

Most modern cars are equipped with electronic keys which communicate with your vehicle via chip. This communication lets the car recognize the key fob, and then open the doors, and start the engine. If you lose your key, it's important to report it immediately to ensure that people who are not authorized can't enter your car and use it.

Certain car insurance companies offer an add-on to their policies that will cover the cost of replacing a lost car key. Check with your insurance company to find out if this type of coverage is available or if a locksmith can cover the cost.

You can usually replace the mechanical key at most hardware stores at a reasonable price. If, however, your car is equipped with an electronic key fob that is connected to your car via the chip, you'll need to go to your dealership to get an upgrade. It's not cheap, but it is much cheaper than hiring a professional locksmith.

In the event of filing an insurance claim due to the theft of your car key could increase your insurance premiums. This is because your insurance company will view you as high-risk driver for loosing your car keys, and may raise your premiums in order to offset the cost of paying out the claim. You can avoid these extra costs by purchasing a tracking device that will locate your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to design a key without cloning the old key.

4. Contact a Tow Truck

It's one of the most difficult things to lose your car keys, and no one wants to experience this. However, if it does happen it could be costly to replace the key that was lost and get you back on the road. That's why it's best to be prepared for when it happens, so that you don't have to call a tow truck and keep your money in your wallet.

If you've lost your car keys, the first step is to retrace your steps. This can aid in determining where they are, and help you calm your anxiety. Try to recall what you did right before losing your keys, like grabbing something at the grocery store or dropping them on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you determine your starting point.

If you are unable to locate your keys, check places where you may have placed them, like the pockets of the clothing you were wearing, or the bag you carried them in to take them to home. If you can't locate them, take a moment to relax, and then call a locksmith or a tow truck.

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

The cost of replacing lost car key may vary according to 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, which will save you some money. If you have an electronic key that utilizes proximity sensors to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll have go to the dealer to get a replacement.

It's important to have a plan to deal with the loss of your car keys, so you will not have the hassle of having to pay for a tow truck or a locksmith. When you're stressed or distracted, it's not difficult to lose your car keys. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your keys don't disappear forever, and you'll have an alternative plan in the event that they happen to disappear.