How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things tend to get lost in the chaos of bringing children to and from school, running errands and working. Our car keys are one of the most commonly lost items.
In the past, this wasn't a big deal because you could easily replace it at the local hardware store or locksmith. Nowadays, that is not as easy.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person you should contact should you lose your keys. The majority of dealers keep a record of each key they make for their vehicles, so they should be able to find yours. It is expensive to visit a dealer and you should research. You may be able get a lower price through a locksmith for cars.
In the majority of cases, you will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership, such as a copy of the registration or title, to obtain an alternative key from the dealer. The dealership will then purchase a new key and pair it with your vehicle. The dealer will have to complete this lengthy procedure.
Smart keys are a kind of key that is used in a variety of cars today. They are designed to work with proximity sensors to be activated inside the car, allowing keyless entry and start. They are usually paired with ignitions that are push-to-start. The dealer can sell you a smart key however, it's expensive. A local auto locksmith can design the smart key at a fraction of what you'd buy from the dealership.
You can also purchase a classic key replacement from a local hardware store. They can make you an ordinary lock cylinder key. They will need to know the year of manufacture of your vehicle, as well as the VIN. If you are unable to locate the VIN on your vehicle it will be stamped on a metal plaque that is placed on the dashboard or doorpost. Even if you do not have the original, many locksmiths for automotive can provide you with an alternative car key. In some instances they might need to take apart the door and ignition to do so. It is not a dangerous job, but it does require some technical knowledge.
2. Contact a locksmith
Losing your car keys is one of the most common reasons for roadside assistance and callouts. It's important to keep a spare key on you and ensure you keep it in a safe place. Even the most cautious of people can lose their keys. You should look for the car keys and notify your insurance company immediately if you spot it. This will decrease the likelihood of your claim being denied should your key be found stolen.
A locksmith's call is the next best thing if you don't own a spare. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a replacement key for less than what the dealership would charge. They can also come to your location to make the key right there, which is more convenient than having your vehicle taken back to the dealer.
The type of car key you have could affect the cost of replacing it. The most affordable keys are the traditional keys that are available at many hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your car comes with keys that can be used as a remote to lock and start the vehicle or a smart-key, which can only be replaced at a dealership, the price of these keys is usually more expensive than the standard one.
In the majority of cases, an automotive locksmith can replace keys fobs or a smart key if they have the VIN number of your car it is usually located on a metal plate on the driver's side of the doorpost or stamped into the windshield of the vehicle. They will also need proof that you own the car by providing the registration or title.
Always conduct your research prior to hiring a locksmith. You can find reputable auto locksmiths on the internet or asking your family and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using keys that are not yours to start your car could result in a breach of the warranty on your vehicle. Unauthorized keys can cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you don't want to risk this is a good idea to call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith and wait for your replacement key from the dealer.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Panic is one of the worst reactions you can experience when you lose your key. The first thing you should do is to take a deep breath and try to think about the situation. It is likely that you lost your keys due to you misplaced them instead of them being taken. So, the next step is to trace your steps and determine the location where they went missing. It's a good idea to check places you don't normally check such as the pockets of your pants, bags or coats that you use to run in. After you've inspected all these places, it's a good idea contact your insurance company.
Modern cars are fitted with electronic keys which communicate with your car via chips. This allows the car to recognize the key fob and unlock the doors, as well as 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 accessing your vehicle.
Certain car insurance companies provide an add-on to their policies that covers the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. It's worth talking to your insurance company to find out whether they have this type of coverage or if you can find an individual locksmith that can cover the cost.
If your car uses the standard mechanical key, you can replace it at most hardware stores for a small fee. If, however, your car has an electronic key fob that is paired with your car through the chip, you'll have to go to your dealership to get an upgrade. It's not cheap but it's cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith.
In addition to the expense of replacing your car keys and submitting an insurance claim to replace a lost key could cause your car insurance rates to rise. This is because your insurance company will consider you an extremely risky driver for the loss of your car key and could increase your premiums to cover the cost of settling a claims claim. Fortunately, you can reduce the costs by purchasing a tracking device to locate your car key that has been lost or having a locksmith make the new key without cloning the original.
4. Call a Tow Truck
No one wants to lose their car keys. It's the worst scenario that could occur. If it happens it could be costly to replace the key and get back on the road. It's essential to be prepared so that you don't have to call a tow-truck and save your money.
Find your way back in case you've lost your keys. This will help you determine where they are and aid in calming your panic. You might recall doing something at the supermarket or dropping your keys on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you identify your starting point.
If you cannot find your keys, search in places you might have placed them, like the pockets of the clothing you were wearing, or in the bag that you carried them in to take them home. If you're still unable to locate them, take some time to relax before calling a locksmith tow truck.
Another alternative is to make use of the bluetooth key tracker app on your phone. These are tiny devices can be connected to your keyring and use an app installed on your phone that can let you know where your keys are so you don't have to look through every pocket or drawer in your house.
The cost of replacing lost car key can be a bit expensive depending on the type of key you own. You could save money if you have a traditional car key. An automotive locksmith will usually be in a position to create a new key on the spot, but without the original. If you have a smart key that uses proximity sensors to open the doors or start the engine of your vehicle it is necessary to visit a dealership to obtain a replacement.
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 a tow truck or a locksmith. It's easy to lose your car keys when you're tired after a long day, or when your attention is focused on other things. By following these tips you can ensure that your keys don't disappear forever, and you'll have a back-up plan in case they happen to disappear.