How to Replace Lost Car Keys

In the hustle of taking children to school, running errands and working things tend to get lost key replacement. One of the most common items that disappears is the car keys.

In the past, this was not a big deal because you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. Nowadays, that is not as easy.

1. Contact Your Car Dealership

Your car dealer is the first person to contact should you lose your keys. The majority of car dealers keep track of each key made for their vehicles therefore it should be simple for them to locate yours. The downside is that visiting the dealership can be expensive so it's crucial to shop around. You may be able to find a cheaper option by using an auto locksmith.

You'll likely have to provide the dealership with your vehicle identification number or VIN, as well as evidence of ownership (such as a copy of registration or title) to receive an alternative key. The dealership will then request an additional key and connect it with your vehicle. The dealer will have to complete this lengthy process.

Many cars today come with keys that are specialized called a smart key. These keys are designed to use proximity sensors to be activated inside the car, allowing keyless entry and starting. These keys are often paired with ignitions that require a push-to start. Dealers will offer you a smart key, but it's costly. A local auto locksmith can create an intelligent key for you for about half the cost of what you'd purchase from a dealership.

You can also get a classic key replacement from a local hardware store. They will be able to create an ordinary key that will fit the lock cylinder of your vehicle. They will need the VIN and the model year. If you're unable to find the VIN it's usually printed on a metal plate that is located on the driver's side doorpost or the dashboard. Even if you do not have the original key, most locksmiths for automotive can offer an alternative car key lost what to do key. However, in some cases they might need to disassemble the ignition and door locks to accomplish this. This is not a risky job for a professional, but it will require some mechanical expertise and skills.

2. Contact an expert locksmith

Losing your car keys is among of the most common reasons for roadside assistance and callouts. It is essential to keep a spare key handy with your person and ensure that it's safe. Even the most cautious of people could lose their keys. It's important to check thoroughly for the key and inform your insurance company as quickly as possible to reduce the chance of being denied a claim if it happens to be stolen later.

A locksmith's call is the next best option in the event that you don't have a spare. Locksmiths can usually provide a replacement key for less than the dealership would cost. They are also able to visit your place and create the key right there, which is much more convenient than having to bring your vehicle back to the dealership.

The cost of replacing your car key will differ based on the model you have. Traditional keys that can be exchanged at the majority of hardware stores for around $10 each and are the cheapest. If your car is equipped with the key fob, which acts as a remote that can unlock and start the engine or a smart key which can only be changed by a dealership, these keys will usually cost more than a traditional key.

A locksmith can replace a smart key or key fob in most cases so long they have the VIN number for your vehicle. This is usually found on the metal plate on the driver's doorpost or on the windshield. They will also require evidence that you own the car, such as the registration or title.

Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so be sure to investigate them prior to hiring them. You can find reputable auto locksmiths by looking online or asking friends and family for recommendations. Be aware that using keys you have not authorized to start the car can cause a breach of your vehicle's warranty. Using unauthorized key may also damage the lock of your car. If you do not wish to take this risk then call roadside help instead of a car locksmith and wait until your dealer delivers a new key.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

One of the worst 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 keys car your keys than they were stolen. So, the next step is to retrace your steps and find out the location where they went missing. It's a good idea to check places you don't normally check like the pockets of your pants, bag or coat you carry for running. After you've inspected these areas you must contact your insurance company.

Modern cars are fitted with electronic key fobs that communicate with your vehicle via chip. This communication allows the vehicle 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 can't enter your car and use it.

Certain insurance companies provide an additional benefit to their policies that covers the cost of a replacement key for your car. Contact your insurance provider to see if this type of insurance is offered or if a locksmith will cover the costs.

If your car has a standard mechanical key, you can replace it at any hardware store for a nominal cost. If, however, your car is equipped with an electronic key fob that's connected to your car via the chip, you'll have go to the dealership to request an upgrade. This can be expensive but it's also more cost-effective than hiring a locksmith.

In addition to the cost of replacing your car keys, filing an insurance claim to replace a lost key can cause your insurance rates to increase. This is because your insurance provider will consider you a high-risk driver for losing your car key and could increase your premiums in order to offset the cost of paying out the claim. You can reduce these cost by buying a tracking device that will locate your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to design a key without cloning the original key.

4. Call towing truck

Nobody wants to lose their car keys. It is the worst thing that can occur. However, if it does happen it could be costly to replace the lost my keys key and get back on the road. It's important to be prepared so that you don't need to call a tow truck and keep your money.

Follow your steps if you've lost your keys. This will help you locate them and ease your anxiety. Make a list of the actions you took prior to losing your keys, like buying something at the grocery store or dropping them on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you determine your starting point.

If you can't find your keys, search for places where they might be, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing or the bag you put them in when you came home. If you're still not able to locate them, give yourself some time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.

Another option is to use an bluetooth key tracker on your phone. These are tiny devices can be attached to your keyring and use an app for your phone to let you know where your keys are so you don't have to go through every pocket or drawer within your home.

The cost of replacing a car key that is lost may vary depending on what kind of key you have. It is cheaper if you have traditional car keys. An automotive locksmith will typically be able to make a replacement on the spot, but without the original. But if you have an electronic key that utilizes a proximity sensor to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll have to go to the dealership to get a replacement.

It's essential to have a plan in place to deal with the loss of your car keys so that you can save yourself the headache of having to pay for a tow truck or a locksmith. It's easy for you to forget your car keys when you're exhausted after a long day or when your attention is focused distracted by other things. However, by following these steps you can ensure your keys don't disappear forever, and you have a backup plan the event that they do.