How to Replace Lost Car Keys

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

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

1. Call Your Car Dealership

If you have lost my only car key your car keys, the first place you should contact is your car dealer. The majority of car dealers keep track of every key that is designed for their vehicles, making it easy for them to track down your keys. It is expensive to go to a dealership and you should research. You may be able to find a cheaper solution by using an auto locksmith.

You will most likely need to give the dealership your vehicle identification number or VIN, as well as evidence of ownership (such as a copy of registration or title) to obtain a replacement key. The dealership will then order an additional key and connect it with your vehicle. The dealer will need to complete this lengthy procedure.

Many cars today are equipped with keys that are specialized known as a smart key. They are designed to activate a proximity sensor inside the vehicle, which allows for keyless entry and Lost The Keys To My Car start. They are usually paired with ignitions that are push-to-start. The dealer can sell you a smart key however, it's expensive. Local auto locksmiths can make you a smart lock at only a fraction of the cost.

You can also get a classic key replacement from your local hardware store. They can make you a standard key that fits your vehicle's lock cylinder. They will need the VIN and the year of manufacture. If you're unable to find the VIN it's usually stamped on a metal plaque that is located on the driver's side doorpost or dashboard. Even if you do not have the original, most locksmiths in the automotive industry will be able to provide you with an alternate car key. In some cases the locksmith may need to take apart the ignition and door locks to accomplish this. It's not a risky task, but it requires some knowledge of mechanics.

2. Call for a locksmith

Losing your car keys is one of the most common causes for roadside assistance and callouts. It's essential to keep a spare key with your person and ensure that you keep it in a safe place. 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 lower the chances of your claim being denied later if your key is found stolen.

If you don't have an extra key, the best option is to call a locksmith. Locksmiths can usually offer a replacement key for less than the cost a dealership would charge. They can also visit your location to make the key right there which is easier than having your vehicle brought back to the dealer.

The cost of replacing your car keys can vary depending on the kind of key you own. The most affordable keys are traditional keys that are available at the majority of hardware stores. They cost about $10 per key. If your vehicle is equipped with an ignition key that can be used as a remote to lock and start the car, or a smart-key, which is only able to be replaced at a dealership, the price of these keys is usually more expensive than traditional keys.

In most instances, an auto locksmith can replace the key fob or smart key if they can get the VIN number of your car that is usually found on a metal plate that is placed on the driver's side of the doorpost or in the windshield of your vehicle. They will need proof of ownership, like your registration or title.

Some locksmiths are not licensed or insured, so be sure to research them before hiring. You can find auto-locksmiths who are certified by searching on the internet or asking family members and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using an unlicensed key to start your vehicle could result in an infringement of warranty. Using unauthorized keys may also damage your car's lock. If you do not want to risk it you should call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith for your car and wait until the dealer sends out a replacement key.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

Panic is among the worst reactions you can experience when you lose your key. The first thing to do is to take a deep breath and try to rationalize the situation. It is more likely you lost your keys rather than they were stolen. The next step is retrace the steps you took and try to find out the location where your keys went missing. It might help to look around in places that you would not normally check for items, like pockets on your coat or pants or in a bag you use when running. Once you've checked all of these areas, it's a good idea call your insurance company.

Modern cars are fitted with electronic key fobs that connect to your car through a chip. This process of communication allows the vehicle to recognize and unlock the doors and start the engine. If you lose your keys, it's important to report it immediately so that unauthorized people aren't able to enter your vehicle and use it.

Some insurance companies offer an extra benefit to their policy that will cover the cost of replacing a key for your car. Contact your insurance provider to see if this type of coverage is offered or if a locksmith can pay for the costs.

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

In the event of filing an insurance claim due to the theft of your car key could increase your insurance costs. This is because the insurance company will consider you to be high-risk driver for loosing your car key, and may raise your premiums to offset the cost of making an insurance claim. Fortunately, you can avoid the extra expenses by buying a tracking device that can track your Lost The Keys To My Car car key or having a locksmith create an entirely new key without copying the original.

4. Call a tow truck

It's the most frustrating thing to lose your car keys, and no one wants to experience this. If it happens, it can be expensive to replace the key and get back on the road. This is why it's important to be prepared in case it happens, so you can avoid having to call a tow truck, and keep your money in your wallet.

Follow your steps in case you've lost your keys. This will help you determine where they are and can help calm your panic. Make a list of what you did prior to losing your keys, like picking up something from the grocery store or dropping them on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you pinpoint the place to start.

If you can't locate your keys, look in places you might have put them, such as the pockets of the clothing you were wearing, or the bag you carried them in to take them home. If you're still not able to locate them, give yourself some time to relax before calling a locksmith tow truck.

Another alternative is to make use of a bluetooth key tracker on your phone. These are small devices that can be attached to your keyring and have an app for your phone that can let you know where your keys are so you don't need to search every drawer or pocket in your home.

The cost of replacing the car key that has been lost can vary depending on what kind of key you have. It is cheaper if you have a traditional car key. A locksmith for automotive will typically be able to make a replacement on the spot, without the original. 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.

It is important to have a plan for when you lose your keys. This will spare you the hassle of having to pay for the tow-truck or locksmith. It's easy for you to forget your car keys when you're tired after a long work day or when your thoughts are focused on other things. But by following these tips, you can make sure your keys don't disappear forever, and you have a backup plan in case when they do.