how to replace lost car key to Replace Lost Car Keys
In the shuffle of taking children to school, running errands, and working, things have a tendency to be lost. Car keys are one of the most commonly lost items.
In the past you could easily replace this at the local locksmith or hardware store. This isn’t the situation anymore.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person to contact if you lose your key. The majority of car dealers keep records of every key that they have made for their cars, so they will be able to locate your key. The disadvantage is that visiting the dealership can be costly and it’s essential to look for a different one. You may be able to find a cheaper option through an automotive 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 your title or registration, to get a replacement key from the dealer. The dealership will then request an additional key and connect it with your vehicle. This could be a long process, and you’ll have to wait for the dealer to complete the process.
Smart keys are a type of key that is used in a lot of automobiles in the present. They are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, allowing for keyless entry and starting. These keys are typically used with ignitions that require a push-to-start. The dealer can sell you a smart key, but it’s costly. Local auto locksmiths can give you a smart key for only a fraction of the cost.
You can also get a classic key replacement from a local hardware store. They can create a standard lock cylinder key. They will require the VIN and the model year. If you are unable to locate the VIN it’s usually stamped on a metal plate found on the driver’s doorpost or the dashboard. Most locksmiths in the automotive industry are able to offer a car key replacement even if you don’t have the original. In some instances the locksmith may need to disassemble the door lock and ignition in order to do this. It’s not a risky job, but it does require some knowledge of mechanics.
2. Call a Locksmith
The most frequent reason for roadside assistance is that you have lost your car keys. Keep an extra car key with you and store it safely. However, even the most careful people may lose their car keys. It is important to thoroughly search for the key and inform your insurance company as soon as possible to reduce the chances of getting denied a claim in the event that it happens to be stolen later.
Calling a locksmith is the best option when you don’t have an extra. A locksmith can generally provide a replacement key for less than what the dealership will cost. They are also able to visit your location and create the key right there, which is much more efficient than having to take your vehicle back to the dealership.
The type of car key you have can affect the cost of replacing it. The most affordable keys are traditional keys that can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. They are priced at around $10 per key. If your car is equipped with an ignition key that can be used as a remote for unlocking and start the vehicle, or a smart-key, which is only able to be replaced at an auto dealer, the cost of these keys will be more expensive than the standard one.
In most cases, an automotive locksmith can replace keys fobs or a smart key if they have the VIN number of your vehicle that is usually found on a metal plaque on the driver’s side of the doorpost or stamped into the windshield of the vehicle. They will require proof of ownership, like your registration or title.
Some locksmiths aren’t licensed or insured, so make sure to investigate them prior to hiring them. You can find reputable auto locksmiths by searching online or asking friends and family for suggestions. Also, be aware that using keys that are not yours to start the car can cause a breach of the warranty on your vehicle. Using unauthorized keys may also cause damage to your car’s lock. If you don’t want to take this risk you should call roadside help instead of a car locksmith and wait until your dealer provides a replacement key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Panic is one of the worst reactions you can experience when you lose your key. Take a deep breath and then try to think about your situation. Most likely, you lost your keys due to you misplaced them, rather than having them stolen. The next step is retrace the steps you took and attempt to determine the location where your keys were. It’s a good idea to check places you don’t normally check like the pockets of your pants, coat or a bag you carry for running. After you’ve inspected all these places it’s a good idea to call your insurance company.
Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that communicate with chips with the car lost key. This allows the vehicle to recognize and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. If you lose your key it is important to notify the police immediately to ensure that people who are not authorized aren’t able to enter your vehicle and use it.
Some car insurance providers offer an add-on to their policies that covers the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. Contact your insurance provider to find out if this type of coverage is available or if an individual locksmith can pay for the costs.
If your car uses an ordinary mechanical key, you can typically replace it at any hardware store at a cost of a small amount. If your car uses an electronic key that is connected to your car via the chip, you will have to visit the dealership to purchase an replacement. It can be costly, but it is much cheaper than hiring a professional locksmith.
In the event of filing an insurance claim because of a car key that was stolen can increase your insurance rates. This is because the insurance company will consider you to be a high-risk driver for losing your car key and could increase your premiums in order to offset the cost of settling an insurance claim. Fortunately, you can often save yourself the cost of purchasing a tracking device to track your lost car key or letting a locksmith design the new key without cloning the original.
4. Call a tow truck
Everyone would hate to lose their car keys. It is the worst thing that could occur. If it happens it could cost a lot to replace the key and get back on the road. It’s important to be prepared in order that you don’t have to call a tow truck and keep your money.
Find your way back if you’ve lost electric key your keys. This can aid in determining where they are and help you calm your anxiety. You may remember doing something in the supermarket, or dropping your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you to find your starting point.
If you are unable to locate your keys, search for places where they might be, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing or the bag you put them in after you returned home. If you still can’t find them, take some time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.
A bluetooth key tracker can also be utilized on your phone. These are small devices that can be connected to your keyring and use an app on your phone that can show you where your keys are so you don’t have to search every drawer or pocket in your home.
The cost of replacing lost car key may vary dependent on the type of key that you have. You could save money when you use traditional car keys. An automotive locksmith will typically be able to make a replacement on the spot, without the original. If you have a smart-key that uses proximity sensors to open doors or start the engine of your car then you’ll need to visit the dealership to purchase a new one.
It’s essential to have a plan to deal with the loss of your car keys, so you can save yourself the headache of having to pay for a tow truck or a locksmith. It’s easy for you to forget your car keys when you’re tired after a long day or when your thoughts are focused on other things. However, by following these steps, you can make sure your keys don’t disappear for ever and have a backup plan for the event that they do.