How to Replace Lost Car Keys

Things are often lost my only car key in the hustle of bringing kids to and from school, running errands, and working. 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. However, this isn't the situation anymore.

1. Contact Your Car Dealership

If you have lost your car keys, the first place you should contact is your car dealer. The majority of car dealers keep track of every key that is made for their vehicles, therefore it should be simple for them to locate your key. It can be costly to visit a dealership and therefore, you should look around. You may be able get a lower price through an automotive locksmith.

It is likely that you will need to provide the dealership with your vehicle identification number, or VIN, along with evidence of ownership (such as a copy of your registration or title) to obtain the replacement key. The dealership will then purchase an additional key and connect it with your vehicle. This can be a lengthy process, and you will be waiting for the dealer to finish the job.

Many cars today come with the special kind of key called a smart key. They are designed to work with a proximity sensor to be activated within the car, which allows keyless entry and starting. They are usually used with ignitions that require a push-to start. Dealers will offer you a smart key but it is expensive. Local auto locksmiths can give you a smart key for a fraction of the cost.

You can also purchase an old-fashioned key replacement from a local hardware store. They can make you a standard key that is compatible with your vehicle's lock cylinder. They'll need the model year of your car, as well as the VIN. If you are unable to locate the VIN, it is usually stamped on a metal plate located on the driver's side doorpost or the dashboard. Even if you do not have the original, many automotive locksmiths will be able to provide you with an alternative car key. In certain instances the locksmith might need to take apart the ignition and door locks to accomplish this. This is not a hazardous task, but it requires some knowledge of mechanics.

2. Call a Locksmith

The most frequent reason for seeking roadside assistance is because you've lost your car keys. It is essential to keep a spare key handy with you and make sure you keep it in a safe place. Even the most careful people can lose their keys. It is essential to search thoroughly for the keys and notify your insurance company as soon as possible in order to decrease the chances of getting denied a claim in the event that it is found later stolen.

Calling a locksmith is the best option in the event that you don't have an extra. Locksmiths can usually provide a key replacement at less than what a dealership would cost. They can also usually visit your location and create the key on the spot, which is much more efficient than having to take your vehicle back to the dealership.

The cost of replacing your car key will vary based on the type you own. Traditional keys, which can be replaced at the majority of hardware stores for around $10 each and are the cheapest. If your car is equipped with a key fob that can be used as a remote to lock and start the vehicle, or a smart-key that is only able to be replaced at a dealership, the cost of these keys is typically higher than the traditional one.

A locksmith can replace a smart key or key fob in most cases as long they have the VIN number of your vehicle. It is usually located on the metal plate on the driver's doorpost or on the windshield. They will require proof of ownership, like your registration or title.

Some locksmiths are not licensed or insured, so be sure to investigate them prior to hiring them. You can find reputable auto locksmiths on the internet or asking your family and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using an unlicensed key to start your vehicle could cause an infringement of warranty. Using unauthorized key may also cause damage to the lock on your car. 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 your dealer delivers a new key.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

Panic is one of the most unpleasant reactions you could have when you lose your key. Relax, and then try to reason your situation. It is more likely you misplaced your keys than they were stolen. So, the next step is to retrace your steps and attempt to figure out the place they disappeared. It could be helpful to look in places you wouldn't usually check, such as pockets on your pants or coat or in a bag you carry around when running. After you've looked in these places it is time to call your insurance company.

Most 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 then open the doors, as well as start the engine. If you lose your key it is important to report it immediately so that unauthorized people don't get into your car and use it.

Certain insurance companies provide an additional benefit to their policies that will cover the cost of a replacement car key. Check with your insurance company to see if this type of insurance is offered or if an individual locksmith can pay for the costs.

If your car is equipped with a standard mechanical key, you can get it replaced at most hardware stores for a small fee. If your car is equipped with an electronic key that connects to your vehicle via the chip, then you'll have to visit the dealership to purchase a replacement. It's not cheap but it's cheaper than hiring a professional locksmith.

In addition to the cost of replacing your car key and filing an insurance claim to replace a lost key can cause your insurance rates to increase. This is because your insurance provider will view you as an extremely risky driver for the loss of your car keys, and may raise your premiums to cover the cost of settling an insurance claim. You can avoid these extra expenses by purchasing a device that tracks your lost a car key key to track your lost keys car key or having a professional locksmith create keys without copying the previous one.

4. Contact for a Tow Truck

Everyone would hate to lose their car keys. It's the most embarrassing scenario that could occur. If it does happen it can be expensive to replace the lost key and get you back on the road. It is important to be prepared in order that you don't need to call a tow-truck and can keep your money.

Retrace your steps in case you've lost your keys. This will allow you to locate them and calm your panic. You may remember doing something in the grocery store, or dropping your keys on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you determine your place of origin.

If you can't locate your keys, check 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 to home. If you're still not able to locate the keys, give yourself time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.

A key tracker with bluetooth can be utilized on your phone. These are tiny devices that you can connect to a keyring and an app on your smartphone will display the location of your keys.

The cost of replacing a lost keys to my car car key can differ based on the type of key you have. If you have a conventional key an automotive locksmith will usually make a new one on the spot without the original, which can save you money. If you are using a smart-key that utilizes a proximity detector to open the doors or start your car's engine it is necessary to visit the dealership to get a replacement.

You must have a plan for when you lose your keys. This will help you 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 thoughts are focused on other things. By following these tips you can make sure that your keys don't disappear forever, and have backup plans in case they do.