How to Replace Lost Car Keys Things can get lost in the rush of getting children to and from school, running errands, and working. Car keys are among of the most commonly lost items. In the past, this wasn't a big deal because you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. This is not the situation any more. 1. Call Your Car Dealership Your car dealer is the first person to contact if you lose your key. The majority of car dealers keep records of each key they make for their vehicles, so they will be able to locate yours. It's expensive to go to a dealership, so you should shop 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 registration or title) to receive the replacement key. The dealership will then purchase the new key and then pair it with your vehicle. This could be a long process, and you will need to wait for the dealer to complete the process. Many cars today have the special kind of key known as a smart key. These keys are designed for a proximity sensor to be activated inside the car, which allows keyless entry and start. These keys are typically used with ignitions that require a push-to start. The dealer can sell you a smart key, but it is expensive. A local auto locksmith can design an intelligent key for you at a fraction of what you would pay at the dealership. You can also purchase a replacement for your classic key at the local hardware store. They can design the standard lock cylinder keys. They'll need the model year of your car, as well as the VIN. If you are unable to locate the VIN on your vehicle it will be engraved on a metal plaque located on the dashboard or driver's doorpost. Even if you don't have the original, most locksmiths in the automotive industry can offer an alternate car key. In some instances, the locksmith may have to disassemble the door lock and ignition in order to do this. This is not a dangerous job for a professional, but it requires some mechanical knowledge and skill. 2. Contact for a locksmith Losing your car keys is among of the most common causes for roadside assistance and calls. Keep a spare car key in your bag and keep it safe. Even the most careful people could lose their keys. You should check for the car keys and notify your insurance company immediately if you spot it. This will lower the likelihood of your claim being denied later should your key be found stolen. Calling a locksmith is the best option when you don't have an extra. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a replacement key for less than the dealership will cost. They can also come to your home to make the key right there which is easier than having your car brought back to the dealer. The kind of car key you are using can impact the cost of replacing it. The most affordable keys are traditional keys that can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your vehicle is equipped with an ignition key that can be used as a remote for unlocking and start the car, or a smart-key, which can only by replaced at a dealership, the price of these keys is usually more expensive than the standard one. A locksmith can replace a smart key or key fob in most cases as long they have the VIN number for your vehicle. It is usually located on the metal plate that is on the driver's doorpost or on the windshield. They will need proof of ownership, like 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 qualified auto-locksmiths by searching online or asking family members and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using an unauthorized key to start your car could lead to a breach of warranty. The use of keys that are not authorized could cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you do not want to risk this you should consider to call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith, and wait for a replacement key from the dealer. 3. Call Your Insurance Company One of the most dangerous 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 likely that you lost your keys due to you lost them, instead of having them taken. The next step is to trace your steps and attempt to figure out the place they went missing. You might want to check places that you wouldn't normally look at like the pockets of your pants, or a bags or coats you carry to run in. After you've checked these places you must contact your insurance provider. The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that communicate with your car through a chip. This process of communication allows the vehicle to recognize the key fob, unlock the doors and then start the engine. If you lose your key it is important to report it immediately to ensure that anyone who isn't authorized don't get into your car and use it. Certain car insurance companies offer an insurance add-on that covers the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. Check with your insurance company to see if this type of coverage is offered or if an individual locksmith can cover the cost. It is possible to replace a mechanical key in many hardware stores for a fair price. If your car is equipped with an electronic key that is paired with your vehicle using the chip, then you will need to visit your dealership to obtain an alternative. It can be costly but it's cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith. Making an insurance claim because of a car key that was stolen can increase your insurance rates. Your insurance company could increase your premiums as they will consider you an extremely risky driver because you lost your key. Fortunately, you can often avoid the extra expenses by purchasing a tracking device to track your lost car key or letting a locksmith design a new key without cloning the original. 4. Contact a Tow truck Nobody wants to lose their car keys. It is the worst thing that can occur. But if it does it could be costly to replace the lost key and get you back on the road again. It's essential to be prepared so that you don't have call a tow truck and save your money. Find your way back if you've lost your keys. This will help you locate them and ease your anxiety. You may remember doing something at the supermarket or dropping your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you determine where you should start. If you are unable to locate your keys, check places where they might be, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing or the bag you put them in after you returned home. If you're still unable to locate them, take some 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 can be connected to your keyring and use an app on your phone that will show you where your keys are, so you don't need to look through every drawer or pocket within your home. The cost of replacing a lost car key may vary depending on the type of key that you have. If you have a conventional key that is used for automotive, a locksmith can generally make a new key on the spot without the original, which can save you money. But if you have an electronic key that relies on proximity sensors to open the door or start the engine, you'll need to visit the dealer to purchase a new one. You must have a plan for when you lose your keys. This will save you the hassle of paying for the tow-truck or locksmith. It's easy for you to forget your car keys when you're tired after a long day, or when your mind is distracted by other things. If you follow these suggestions, you can make sure that your keys won't vanish for ever and have a backup plan in case the event that they do.
lost car key
