How to Replace Lost Car Keys
In the shuffle of taking children to school, running errands, and working it is common for things to get lost. Car keys are one of the most frequently lost items.
In the past, this was not an issue because you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. This is not the situation anymore.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
If you have lost your car keys, the first place you should contact is your car dealer. The majority of dealers keep records of every key that they have made for their vehicles, which means they are likely to be able find yours. It’s expensive to go to a dealership, so you should research. You might be able to get a lower price through an automotive locksmith.
It is likely that you will need to give the dealership your vehicle identification number or VIN, along with evidence of ownership (such as a copy of your registration or title) to obtain a replacement key. The dealership will request an alternative key and connect it to your vehicle. This could be a long process, and you’ll have to wait until the dealer has completed the task.
Many cars today come with keys that are specialized known as a smart key. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, allowing for keyless entry and starting. These keys are often paired with ignitions that require a push-to start. The dealer will sell you a smart key, however, it’s expensive. A local auto locksmith can create a smart key for you for a fraction of what you’d buy from the dealership.
You can also purchase a traditional key replacement at your local hardware store. They can make a standard key that is compatible with the lock cylinder of your vehicle. They will require the VIN and the model year. If you can’t find the VIN on your car it will be engraved on a metal plaque that is placed on the dashboard or doorpost. Most locksmiths in the automotive industry are able to offer an alternative car key even if you don’t have the original. However, in certain instances they might need to take apart the door lock and ignition in order to do this. This is not a risky job for a professional, but it requires some mechanical skills and knowledge.
2. Contact a Locksmith
The most common reason for seeking roadside assistance is when you’ve lost key fob your car keys. It’s important to keep a spare key on you and make sure it’s safe. However even the most cautious people may lose their car keys. It is important to thoroughly search for the keys and notify your insurance company as soon as possible in order to decrease the chances of getting denied a claim in the event that it is found later stolen.
Calling a locksmith is the best option when you don’t have an extra. Locksmiths can usually provide a key replacement for less than what a dealership would cost. They are also able to visit your place 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 that you have can affect the cost of replacing it. The most affordable keys are the standard keys that can be bought at most hardware stores. They are priced at around $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 that can only by replaced at a dealership, the price of these keys is typically more expensive than the standard one.
In the majority of instances, an auto locksmith can replace the key fob or smart key as long as they can get the VIN number of your vehicle that is usually found on a metal plate that is placed on the driver’s side of the doorpost or etched into the windshield of your vehicle. They will need proof of ownership, such as 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 looking online or asking family and friends for suggestions. Also, be aware that using keys you have not authorized to start your car could cause a breach of the warranty on your vehicle. Using unauthorized keys may also damage your car’s lock. If you do not want to take this risk, it’s 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 among the most unpleasant reactions you could experience when you lose your key. The first step is take a deep breath and try to rationalize the situation. Most likely, you lost your keys due to you lost them, instead of having them stolen. So, the next step is to trace your steps and attempt to find out the place they disappeared. You may want to look in areas you’re not usually checking like the pockets of your pants, or a bags or coats that you use for running. After you’ve inspected all of these areas it’s a good idea to contact your insurance company.
Most modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which communicate with your car via chips. This communication process allows the car to recognize and open the doors and start the engine. It is essential to inform the authorities of the loss of your keys immediately to prevent anyone who is not authorized from utilizing your vehicle.
Certain insurance companies provide an extra benefit to their policy that will cover the cost of replacing a key for your car. Contact your insurance provider to find out if this type of coverage is offered or if an individual locksmith can cover the cost.
It is possible to replace lost key; koreathai.com, the mechanical key at most hardware stores at a reasonable cost. If, however, your car has an electronic key fob that’s linked to your vehicle via the chip, you’ll need to visit your dealer to request an upgrade. This can be costly however it’s cheaper than hiring a locksmith.
In addition to the cost of replacing your car key and submitting an insurance claim for the loss of a key can cause your car insurance rates to rise. This is because your insurance provider will consider you 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 reduce these expenses by purchasing a device that tracks your lost key to locate your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to create a key without cloning the original one.
4. Contact a Tow truck
Everyone would hate to lose their car keys. It is the worst thing that can happen. If it does happen it could cost a lot to replace keys and get back on the road. It’s why it’s important to be prepared if it does, so you can avoid having to call a tow truck, and keep your cash in your wallet.
When you’ve lost your car keys, the very first thing to do is trace your steps. This will help you find them and calm your panic. Try to remember what you did prior to losing your keys, such as picking up something from the supermarket or dropping them on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you to find your starting point.
If you can’t find your keys, check 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’re still unable to locate 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 attach to a keyring and an app on your smartphone will display the location of your keys.
The cost of replacing lost car key may vary dependent on the type of key you own. It is cheaper if you have traditional car keys. A locksmith for automotive will usually be in a position to create a new key on the spot, but without the original. But if you have a smart key that uses proximity sensors to open the door or start the engine, you’ll need to visit the dealer to purchase a new one.
You must have a plan in place for the event that you lose your keys. This will save you the hassle of having to pay for an tow-truck or locksmith. When you’re stressed or distracted, it’s easy to lose your car keys. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your keys don’t disappear forever, and you’ll have backup plans in the event that they do.