How to Replace Lost Car Keys

Things tend to get lost in the hustle of bringing kids to and from school, running errands and working. One of the most frequent items that disappears is our keys to our cars.

In the past, this wasn't an issue because you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. Today, it's not as easy.

1. Contact Your Car Dealership

If you lose your car key The first person you should contact is your dealer. The majority of car dealers have a record for every key made for their vehicles, so they should be able to find yours. It is expensive to visit a dealer and you should shop around. You may be able to locate a lower cost option by using an auto locksmith.

In the majority of cases, you will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and evidence of ownership, like a copy of the registration or title, to get a replacement key from the dealer. The dealership will then order a new key and pair it with 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 for a proximity sensor that can be activated inside the car, allowing keyless entry and start. They are usually used with ignitions that have a push-to-start feature. You can buy a new smart key at the dealership, but the cost is a bit high. A local auto locksmith can make an intelligent key for you at a fraction of what you'd pay at the dealership.

You can also purchase a replacement for the key you have always had at the local hardware store. They can make a standard key that fits your vehicle's lock cylinder. They will need to know the model year of your vehicle and also the VIN. If you can't find the VIN on your vehicle, it will be stamped on a metal plaque located on the dashboard or doorpost. Even if you don't have the original key, most locksmiths for automotive will be able to provide you with an alternate car key. However, in certain instances they may have to disassemble the ignition and door locks to do so. It is not a dangerous task, but it requires some mechanical 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 of people can lose their keys. It is important to thoroughly search for How to Replace Lost Car Keys the key and to inform your insurance company as quickly as you can to minimize the chances of getting denied a claim if the key turns up stolen later.

If you don't have an extra key, the best option is to contact the locksmith. Locksmiths can usually offer a replacement key for less than the cost a dealership would charge. They can also usually come out to your location and make the key right there which is more efficient than having to take your vehicle back to the dealership.

The cost of replacing your car keys will differ based on the kind of key you have. Traditional keys that can be exchanged at most hardware stores for $10 each, are the most affordable. If your car is equipped with an ignition key fob that acts like a remote and allows you to open and start the engine or a smart key which can only be changed by dealers the keys will typically cost more than the traditional key.

In the majority of cases, an automotive locksmith will be able to replace a key fob or smart key if they have the VIN number for your car, which is typically found on a metal plate on the driver's side doorpost, or etched into the windshield of the car. They will also need evidence that you own the car by providing a copy of your registration or title.

Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so be sure to do your research prior to hiring them. You can find reputable auto locksmiths on the internet or asking your family and friends for recommendations. Be aware that using a fake key to start your car could lead to a breach of warranty. Unauthorized keys can cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you do not wish to risk it, it is best to call roadside help instead of a car locksmith and wait until the dealer sends out a replacement key.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

One of the most dangerous things you can do when you lose your car keys is to panic. Relax, and then try to think about your situation. It is more likely that you lost your keys than they were stolen. So, the next step is to go back your steps and try to figure out the place they went missing. You may want to look in places that you wouldn't normally look at, like the pockets of your pants, bags or coats you carry to run in. After you've inspected all of these areas, it's a good idea to call your insurance company.

The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that communicate with your car via a chip. This allows the car to recognize the key fob and unlock the doors, and start the engine. It is essential to inform the authorities of the loss of your key immediately to prevent anyone who is not authorized from accessing your vehicle.

Certain insurance companies provide an extra benefit to their policy that will cover the cost of replacing a car key. Check with your insurance company to determine if this kind of insurance is offered or if a locksmith will cover the costs.

If your car uses an ordinary mechanical key, you'll be able to have it replaced at any hardware store at a cost of a small amount. If your car is equipped with an electronic key that is connected to your vehicle via the chip, then you will have to visit your dealer to obtain a replacement. It's not cheap, but it is much cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith.

In addition to the cost of replacing your car key and filing an insurance claim for a stolen key could cause your car insurance rates to rise. Your insurance company could raise your premiums due to the fact that they'll view you as an extremely risky driver for losing your key. You can cut down on these additional costs by purchasing an electronic device to track your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to design a key without cloning the original key.

4. Call a tow truck

Nobody wants to lose their car keys. It's the most embarrassing scenario that could happen. But if it does it could be costly to replace the lost keys in car key and get you back on the road again. 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 money in your wallet.

Retrace your steps in case you've lost your keys. This will aid in determining where they are and aid in calming your panic. Make a list of what you did right before losing your keys, for example, grabbing something at the grocery store or dropping them on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you to identify your starting point.

If you are unable to locate your keys, check places you might have put them, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing, or the bag you used to transport them home. If you still can't find them, take some time to relax before calling a locksmith tow truck.

A key tracker bluetooth can also be used on your phone. These are tiny devices that can be connected to your keyring, and also have an app for your phone that can let you know where your keys are, so you don't need to look through every pocket or drawer within your home.

The cost of replacing lost car keys can vary according to the type of key you have. If you have a traditional key an automotive locksmith will usually make a new one in a matter of minutes without the original one, How to Replace Lost Car Keys which can save you money. However, if you own a smart key that uses the proximity sensor to open the door or start the engine, you'll have go to the dealer to get a replacement.

It is important to have a plan for when you lose your keys. This will spare you the hassle of having to pay for an tow-truck or locksmith. It's easy to forget your car keys when you're exhausted after a long work day or when your attention is focused distracted by other things. If you follow these steps, you can make sure that your keys don't disappear forever. You should also have a back-up plan in case they happen to disappear.