How to Replace Lost Car Keys
In the shuffle of taking children to school, running errands, and working things tend to become lost. One of the most common items that go missing is the car keys.
In the past, this was not an issue because you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. Today, it's not as simple.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
If you lose your car keys The first place you should contact is your car dealer. The majority of car dealers keep records of every key made for their vehicles, which means they are likely to be able find your key. It can be costly to visit a dealer and you should look around. You might be able to get a lower price through a locksmith for cars.
You'll likely have 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 an alternative key. The dealership will then order a new key and pair it with your vehicle. The dealer must complete this lengthy process.
Many cars today come with a special type of key called a smart key. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, which allows the use of a keyless entry system and even starting. These keys are typically used with ignitions that require a push-to start. You can buy a new smart key at the dealership, but the price is quite expensive. Local auto locksmiths can make you a smart key for a fraction of the cost.
You can also replace the key you have always had at the local hardware store. They can make you the standard lock cylinder keys. They will need to know the year of manufacture of your vehicle and the VIN. If you're unable to find the VIN it's typically stamped on a metal plate found on the driver's doorpost or the dashboard. Even if you don't have the original, many locksmiths in the automotive industry can provide you with an alternate car key. In some instances they may have to take apart the door and ignition to do so. It's not a risky task, but it requires some knowledge of mechanics.
2. Call an expert locksmith
Losing your car keys is one of the most frequent reasons for roadside assistance or callouts. Keep an extra car key in your bag and store it safely. However, even the most careful people can lose their car keys. You should look for the car key and notify your insurance company immediately if you spot it. This will reduce the chance of your claim being denied later should your key be found stolen.
Contacting a locksmith is the next best thing if you don't own an extra. Locksmiths can usually provide a replacement key at less than what the dealership would charge. They can also usually come out to your location and create the key right there, which is much more convenient than having to bring your vehicle back to the dealership.
The cost of replacing your car keys can vary depending on the model you have. The most affordable keys are the standard keys that can be bought at the majority of hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your car has the key fob, which functions as a remote and can be used to unlock and start the engine or a smart-key, which can only be replaced by a dealership and will typically cost more than the standard key.
A locksmith can replace a smart key or key fob in most cases so long as they have the VIN number of your car. This is usually found on the metal plate on the driver's doorpost or stamped on the windshield. They will also need evidence that you own the car by providing an original registration or title.
Some locksmiths are not licensed or insured, so be sure to investigate them prior to hiring. You can find qualified auto-locksmiths through online search engines, or asking family and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using an unauthorized key to start your vehicle could result in a breach of warranty. Unauthorized keys can damage your car's lock. If you do not want to take this risk, it is best to call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith for your car and wait until the dealer delivers a new key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
One of the worst things you can do when you lose your car keys is to panic. Relax, and then try to reason your situation. Most likely, you lost your keys because you misplaced them instead of having them taken. The next step is to retrace the steps you took and try to locate the place where your keys were. It could be helpful to check places you wouldn't usually check for items, like the pockets of your coat or pants or in the bag you carry around when you run. After you've looked in these places, you should call your insurance provider.
Modern cars come with electronic keys that communicate via a chip with the car. This communication lets the car recognize the key fob, and then open the doors, and also start the engine. If you lose your keys it is important to notify the police immediately to ensure that anyone who isn't authorized don't get into your car and use it.
Certain car insurance companies provide an insurance add-on that will cover the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. It's worth talking to your insurance provider to see if they offer this type of protection or if you can locate an individual locksmith that can pay for the cost.
If your car has an ordinary mechanical key, you can replace it at a variety of hardware stores for a nominal cost. If, however, your car has an electronic key fob that's connected to your car via the chip, you'll have to visit your dealer for an upgrade. This can be expensive, but it's much cheaper than hiring a locksmith.
In the event of filing an insurance claim because of a car key that was stolen can increase your insurance costs. Your insurance company may increase your premiums as they'll view you as a high-risk motorist for losing your key. You can avoid these extra cost by buying a device that tracks your lost key to track your lost keys or having a professional locksmith create keys without copying the original one.
4. Contact a Tow truck
It's the most frustrating thing to lose your car keys and nobody would want to experience this. If replacing lost car keys happens it could cost a lot to replace the key and get back on the road. That's why it's best to be prepared if it does, so you don't have to call an tow truck and keep your cash in your wallet.
When you've lost your car keys, the first thing to do is retrace your steps. This will help you find them and ease your anxiety. You might recall doing something in the supermarket, or dropping your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you determine where you should start.
If you are unable to 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 used to transport them to home. If you are unable to find them, take a few minutes to relax, and then call a locksmith or tow truck.
A key tracker bluetooth can also be utilized on your phone. These are tiny devices that you can attach to your keyring and have an app installed on your phone that can let you know where your keys are, so you don't have to search every drawer or pocket in your home.
The cost to replace the car key that has been lost can differ based on the type of key you own. If you have a conventional key, an automotive locksmith can typically make a new one in a matter of minutes without the original one, which can save you money. But if you have an electronic key that relies on a proximity sensor to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll have to visit the dealer to get a replacement.
It is essential to have a plan to deal with the loss of your car keys, so that 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 tired after a long day or when your attention is focused on other things. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your keys won't disappear forever, and have an alternative plan in case they do.