In the hustle of sending kids to school, running errands, and working things tend to get lost. Car keys are one of the most frequently lost items.
In the past you could easily replace this at your local locksmith or hardware store. Nowadays, that is not as easy.
1. Call Your Car Dealership
If you lose your car keys, the first place to contact is your local car dealer. The majority of dealers have a record for every key that they have made for their vehicles, which means they should be able to find your key. The drawback is that visiting the dealership can be expensive so it’s crucial to shop around. You may be able locate a lower cost of replacing lost car keys option through a locksmith for cars.
You will most likely need to provide the dealership with your vehicle identification number or VIN, as well as proof of ownership (such as a copy of your registration or title) to get a replacement key. The dealership will then order the new key and then pair it with your vehicle. This could be a long process, and you will have to wait for the dealer to complete the task.
Many vehicles today have keys that are specialized known as a smart key. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor inside the vehicle, allowing the use of a keyless entry system and even starting. These keys are often paired with ignitions that require a push-to-start. The dealer can sell you a smart key however, it’s expensive. A local auto locksmith can create an intelligent key for you for about half the cost of what you would buy from the dealership.
You can also get a traditional key replacement from your local hardware store. They will be able to create an ordinary key that will fit the lock cylinder in your car. They will require the VIN and the year of manufacture. If you’re unable to find the VIN it’s typically stamped on a metal plaque found on the driver’s doorpost or the dashboard. Most automotive locksmiths will be able to offer an alternative car key, 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 complete the task. It’s not a risky task, How to Replace Lost Car Keys but it requires some mechanical knowledge.
2. Call an expert locksmith
The most frequent reason for roadside assistance is because you’ve lost your car keys. Keep a spare car key in your bag and store it safely. However, even the most careful people may lose their car keys. You should look for the car key and inform your insurance provider immediately if you discover it. This will lower the chance 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 an locksmith. A locksmith can generally provide a replacement key at less than what the dealership will cost. They may also come to your location to make the key on the spot which is much more convenient than having your vehicle brought back to the dealer.
The cost of replacing your car key can vary depending on the type you own. Keys with traditional designs that can be exchanged at the majority of hardware stores for around $10 each they are the least expensive. If your car has an ignition key fob that acts like a remote and can be used to unlock and start the engine, or a smart key, which can only be replaced by dealers and will typically cost more than the standard key.
A locksmith can replace keys that are smart or fob in most cases as long as they have the VIN number of your car. This is usually found on the metal plate that is on the driver’s doorpost, or on the windshield. They will need proof of ownership, such as 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 online or asking family members and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using an unlicensed key to start your vehicle could result in a breach of warranty. Using unauthorized keys may also damage your car’s lock. If you do not wish to take this risk you should contact roadside assistance instead of a car locksmith and wait until your dealer delivers a new key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
One of the worst things you could do when you lose your car keys is to panic. The first thing you should do is take your breath and try to rationalize the situation. It is likely that you lost your keys due to you misplaced them, instead of them being stolen. So, the next step is to retrace your steps and attempt to determine where they went missing. It may help to look in places you would not normally check like pockets in your coat or pants or in a bag you carry when you run. After you’ve looked in these places it is time to call your insurance company.
Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that communicate with chips with the car. This communication allows the vehicle recognize the key fob and open the doors, and start the engine. If you lose your keys It is crucial to report it immediately to ensure that anyone who isn’t authorized can’t enter your car and use it.
Certain insurance companies provide an extra benefit to their policy that will cover the cost of replacing a key for your car. It’s worth talking to your insurance company to find out whether they have this type of insurance or if they can locate an individual locksmith that will pay for the cost.
You can usually replace a mechanical key in many hardware stores at a reasonable cost. However, if your vehicle is equipped with an electronic key fob that’s paired with your car through the chip, you’ll need to visit your dealer for a replacement. It can be costly but it’s also more cost-effective than hiring a locksmith.
In addition to the expense of replacing your car key and submitting an insurance claim to replace a lost key can cause your insurance rates to rise. Your insurance company may increase your premiums as they’ll view you as a high-risk motorist in the event of losing your key. You can avoid these extra cost by buying a tracking device that will locate your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to design a key without cloning the previous key.
4. Call for a Tow Truck
It’s the most gruelling thing to lose your car keys, and no one wants it to happen. If it does happen it could be costly to replace the key and get back on the road. It’s why it’s important to be prepared for when it happens, so that you don’t have to call a tow truck and keep your cash in your wallet.
If you’ve lost your car keys, the very first thing to do is retrace your steps. This will help you find them and ease your anxiety. You may remember doing something at the supermarket or putting your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you determine your starting point.
If you cannot find your keys, look in places where you may have placed them, such as the pockets of the clothes you were wearing, or the bag you used to transport them to home. If you’re still unable to locate them, give yourself some time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.
Another alternative is to use the bluetooth key tracker app on your phone. These are small devices that can connect to a keyring and an app on your phone will show you the location of your keys.
The cost of replacing the car key that has been lost can vary depending on what kind of key you have. If you have a conventional key an automotive locksmith will generally make a new key in a matter of minutes without the original, which will save you some money. If you have a smart key that uses proximity sensors to open doors or turn on the engine of your car, you will need to visit the dealership to purchase a new one.
It’s essential to have a plan in place 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 to forget your car keys when you’re tired after a long work day or when your mind is distracted by other things. But by following these tips to ensure that your keys won’t vanish for ever and have a backup plan in case when they do.