How to Replace Lost Car Keys

In the hustle of sending children to school, running errands, and working things tend to be lost. Car keys are among of the most frequently lost items.

In the past you could easily replace this at your 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 in case you lose your key. The majority of dealers keep a record of every key that they have made for their vehicles, so they should be able to find your key. It can be costly to go to a dealership and therefore, you should shop around. You might be able find a cheaper solution by using an auto locksmith.

You'll likely have to provide the dealership with your vehicle identification number or VIN, and evidence of ownership (such as a copy of registration or title) to receive an alternative key. The dealership will order an alternative key and connect it to your vehicle. The dealer will need to complete this lengthy procedure.

Many cars today are equipped with keys that are specialized called a smart key. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor inside the vehicle, which allows for keyless entry and starting. They are usually used with ignitions that require a push to start. The dealer will sell you a smart key but it is expensive. A local auto locksmith can create the smart key for about half the cost of what you'd purchase from a dealership.

You can also replace the key you have always had at the local hardware store. They can create the standard lock cylinder keys. They will require the VIN and the model year. If you're unable to find the VIN it's usually stamped on a metal plate that is located on the driver's side doorpost or the dashboard. Even if you do not have the original key, most automotive locksmiths can provide you with a replacement car key. In some instances they may have to take apart the door and ignition to accomplish this. This is not a risky job for a professional, but it does require some mechanical skills and knowledge.

2. Contact a Locksmith

The most common reason for requesting roadside assistance is when you've lost your car keys. Keep an extra car key with you and store it in a safe place. Even the most careful people could lose their keys. You should check for the car keys and inform your insurance company immediately if you discover it. This will decrease the likelihood of your claim being denied later if your key is found stolen.

If you don't have an extra key, the next best option is to call the 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 much more convenient than having your vehicle taken back to the dealer.

The type of car key that you have can affect the cost to replace it. Traditional keys, which can be replaced at the majority of hardware stores for around $10 each, are the most affordable. If your car is equipped with the key fob, which acts as a remote that can unlock and start the engine or a smart key, which can only be changed by dealers and will typically cost more than the traditional key.

In most instances, an auto locksmith can replace a key fob or smart key if they can get the VIN number for your car, which is typically found on a metal plaque on the driver's side of the doorpost or stamped into the windshield of your vehicle. They will need evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

It is essential to do your homework prior to hiring locksmith. You can find reputable auto locksmiths by searching on the internet or asking family and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using an unauthorized key to start your vehicle could result in a breach of warranty. A key that is not authorized could cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you do not want to risk it, it is best to contact roadside assistance instead of a car locksmith and wait until the dealer provides a replacement key.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

One of the worst things you can do when you lose your car key is to panic. Take a deep breath, and then try to reason your situation. It is more likely that you lost car keys replaced your keys than they were stolen. So, the next step is to go back your steps and find out where they disappeared. It might help to look around in places that you would not normally check, such as pockets in your coat or pants or in the bag you carry when you run. After you've looked in these places it is time to call your insurance company.

The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which communicate with your vehicle via chip. This communication lets the car recognize the key fob and unlock the doors, and start the engine. If you lose your keys, it's important to report this immediately to ensure that anyone who isn't authorized aren't able to enter your vehicle and use it.

Certain insurance companies provide an additional benefit to their policies that will cover the cost of replacing a car key. It is worth contacting your insurance provider to determine whether they provide this kind of coverage or if they can locate an individual locksmith that can cover the cost.

If your car has a standard mechanical key, you can get it replaced at a variety of hardware stores for a small fee. If, however, your car is equipped with an electronic key fob that's linked to your vehicle via the chip, you'll need go to the dealership to request an upgrade. It can be costly but it's cheaper than hiring a professional locksmith.

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 will consider you a high-risk driver because you lost electric key your key. Fortunately, you can avoid the extra expenses by purchasing a tracking device to track your lost car keys or having a locksmith create a new key without cloning the original.

4. Call towing truck

It's the most gruelling thing to lose your car keys and no one wants to see it happen. If it happens, it can be expensive to replace keys and get back on the road. This is why it's important to be prepared in case it happens, so that you won't need to call a tow truck, and keep your money in your wallet.

Find your way back in case you've lost your keys. This can aid in determining where they are and can help calm your panic. You might recall doing something at the supermarket, or dropping your keys on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you determine where you should start.

If you cannot find your keys, check places where you may have placed them, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing, or in the bag you used to carry them to home. If you still can't find them, give yourself some time to relax before calling a locksmith tow truck.

A bluetooth key tracker can also be used on your phone. These are small devices you can attach to a keyring and an app on your phone will show you the location of your keys.

The cost of replacing a lost key car car keys can vary dependent on the type of key that you have. If you have a traditional key that is used for automotive, a locksmith can usually make a new one in a matter of minutes without the original one, which can save you money. If you are using a smart-key that utilizes a proximity detector to open the doors or turn on the engine of your car, you will need to visit the dealership to purchase a new one.

It is essential to have a plan for when you lose your car keys so that you can avoid 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 exhausted after a long day or when your mind is busy with other things. By following these tips you can make sure that your keys don't disappear forever. You should also have backup plans in the event that they do.