10 Things People Hate About Replace Lost Car Key
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things tend to get lost in the hustle of getting children to and from school, completing errands and working. One of the most common items that go missing is the car keys.
In the past, you could easily replace this at the local locksmith or hardware store. Today, it's not as simple.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person to contact should you lose your keys. The majority of dealers keep a record of every key made for their vehicles, so they are likely to be able find yours. It can be costly to go to a dealership and therefore, you should shop around. You may be able to get a lower price through an automotive locksmith.
In most instances, you'll need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and proof of ownership, like a copy of your title or registration, to get an alternative key from the dealer. The dealership will request the replacement key and attach it to your vehicle. The dealer will need to complete this lengthy procedure.
Many cars today have the special kind of key known as a smart keys. These keys are designed for a proximity sensor that can be activated inside the car, which allows keyless entry and starting. They are usually paired with ignitions that have a push-to-start feature. Dealers will offer you a smart key, however, it's expensive. Local auto locksmiths can give you a smart key at less than the cost.
You can also purchase a classic key replacement at your local hardware store. They will be able to make you a standard key that fits the lock cylinder of your vehicle. They will require the VIN and the model year. If you can't locate the VIN, it is usually stamped on a metal plate located on the driver's side doorpost or the dashboard. Even if you don't have the original, most locksmiths for automotive will be able to provide you with an alternate car key. In some instances, they may need to remove the ignition and door locks to accomplish this. This is not a hazardous job, but it does require some mechanical knowledge.
2. Call for a locksmith
Losing your car keys is one of the most frequent reasons for roadside assistance and callouts. Keep an extra car key with you and keep it safe. However even the most vigilant people may lose their car keys. It's important to check thoroughly for the key and to inform your insurance company as quickly as possible in order to decrease the chances of getting denied a claim if it turns up stolen later.
Calling a locksmith is the next best option if you don't own an extra. Locksmiths usually can provide a key replacement at less than what a dealership would charge. key lost car will usually visit your place and make the key right there which is more efficient than having to take your vehicle back to the dealership.
The type of car key that you have could affect the cost of replacing it. Keys that are traditional are able to be replaced at most hardware stores for about $10 each and are the cheapest. If your car has an ignition key fob that acts as a remote that can unlock and start the engine, or a smart key which can only be replaced by a dealership the keys will typically cost more than a traditional key.
A locksmith can replace the smart key or key fob in most cases as long as they have the VIN number of your car. This number is typically 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 aren't licensed or insured, so make sure to investigate them prior to hiring them. You can find auto-locksmiths who are certified through online search engines, or asking family and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using an unlicensed key to start your vehicle could result in an infringement of warranty. Unauthorized keys can damage your car's lock. 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 worst reactions you can experience when you lose your keys. Relax, and then try to rationalize your situation. It is more likely you misplaced your keys than they were stolen. The next step is to retrace your steps and determine the location where they disappeared. You may want to look in places you don't normally check like the pockets of your pants, bags or coats that you use for running. After you've looked in these places, you should call your insurance company.
Modern cars are fitted with electronic keys that connect to your car through chips. This allows the car to recognize the key fob and open the doors, and start the engine. It's important that you immediately report the loss of your keys immediately to prevent anyone who is not authorized from accessing your vehicle.
Certain car insurance companies offer a policy add-on that will cover the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. It's worth talking to your insurance provider to determine whether they provide this kind of protection or if they can locate an individual locksmith who will pay for the cost.
You can usually get a replacement for a mechanical key in most hardware stores at a reasonable price. However, if your car is equipped with an electronic key fob that is linked to your vehicle via the chip, you'll have to go to your dealership to request an upgrade. It can be costly however it's more cost-effective than hiring locksmith.
In the event of filing an insurance claim because of a car key that was stolen can increase your insurance rates. This is because your insurance company will consider you a high-risk driver for losing your car key, and may raise your premiums in order to offset the cost of settling the claim. Fortunately, you can reduce the costs by purchasing a tracking device to track your lost car keys or letting a locksmith design the new key without cloning the original.
4. Call for a Tow Truck
It's one of the most difficult things to lose your car keys and no one wants to see it happen. If it happens, it can be expensive to replace the key and get back on the road. This is why it's important to be prepared in case it happens, so that you can avoid having to call a tow truck and keep your money in your wallet.
When you've lost your car keys, the 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 dropping your keys on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you pinpoint your place of origin.
If you can't find your keys, check places in which they could be, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing or the bag you put them in when you got home. If you can't locate them, take a few minutes to relax, and then call a locksmith or a tow truck.
A bluetooth key tracker can also be used with your phone. These are small devices that can attach to a keyring and an app on your smartphone will display the whereabouts of your keys.
The cost of replacing lost car key may vary according to the type of key you have. It is cheaper in the case of an old-fashioned car key. An automotive locksmith is usually capable of making a replacement immediately, and without the original. If you have a smart key that uses proximity sensors to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll have to go to the dealership to purchase a new one.
It is essential to have a plan in place for when you lose your car keys so that you can save yourself the headache of having to pay for a tow truck or a locksmith. If you're exhausted or distracted, it's not difficult to lose your car keys. However, by following these steps you can ensure that your keys don't vanish forever and have a backup plan in case the event that they do.