The Ultimate Guide To Replace Lost Car Key
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
Things can get lost in the chaos of getting children to and from school, running errands and working. One of the most frequently lost things that get lost is our keys to our car.
In the past you could easily change this at your local hardware or locksmith store. Today, it's not as easy.
1. Call Your Car Dealership
If you lose your car keys The first person you should call is your local car dealer. Most dealers keep a log of every key that is made for their vehicles so it should be easy for them to locate your key. The disadvantage is that going to the dealership can be costly, so it's important to look for a different one. You may be able find a cheaper option through an automotive locksmith.
In the majority of instances, you'll need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and evidence of ownership, such as a copy of your title or registration, to get an alternative key from the dealer. The dealership will then purchase a new key and pair it with your vehicle. The dealer will have to complete this lengthy process.
Many vehicles today come with the special kind of key known as a smart key. These keys are designed for a proximity sensor that can be activated within the car, allowing keyless entry and start. They are usually used with push-to-start ignitions. The dealer can sell you a smart key, but it's costly. 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 your local hardware store. They can create the standard lock cylinder keys. They'll need the year of manufacture of your car and the VIN. If you can't locate the VIN it's typically 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 can offer an alternate car key. In certain instances the locksmith might need to remove the ignition and door locks in order to complete the task. This is not a risky job for a professional, but it does require some mechanical skills and knowledge.
2. Contact a Locksmith
Misplacing keys to your car is one of the most common reasons for roadside assistance and callouts. Keep a spare car key in your bag and keep it safe. Even the most cautious of people can lose their keys. It is essential to search thoroughly for the key and inform your insurance company as soon as possible in order to decrease the chances of getting denied a claim in the event that it happens to be stolen later.
If you don't have an extra key, the next best option is to contact the locksmith. Locksmiths can usually offer a replacement key for less than what a dealership would charge. They can also usually come out to your location and create the key on the spot and is more convenient than having to bring your vehicle back to the dealership.
The type of car key that you are using can impact the cost of replacing it. Keys with traditional designs that can be exchanged at most hardware stores for about $10 each, are the most affordable. If your car is equipped with the key fob, which acts like a remote and can be used to unlock and start the engine or a smart key, which can only be changed by an auto dealer, these keys will usually cost more than the traditional key.
A locksmith can replace keys that are smart or fob in most cases so long they have the VIN number of your vehicle. This number is typically found on the metal plate that is on the driver's doorpost or stamped on the windshield. They will also need proof that you have ownership of the vehicle and have an original registration or title.
Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so make sure to research them before hiring them. You can find reputable auto locksmiths by searching online or asking family and friends for suggestions. Also, be aware that using keys that are not yours to start the car can lead to the breach of the warranty on your vehicle. Unauthorized keys can cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you aren't willing to take this risk, it's a good idea to contact roadside assistance instead of a locksmith and wait for your replacement key from the dealer.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
One of the worst things you could do when you lose your car keys is to panic. The first thing you should do is take a deep breath and try to understand the situation. Most likely, you lost your keys because you lost them, rather than having them taken. The next step is retrace the steps you took and attempt to determine the location where your keys went missing. It might help to look around in places that you don't normally look, such as pockets on your pants or coat, or in a bag you use for running. After you've inspected all of these areas, it's a good idea contact your insurance company.
Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that communicate with an electronic chip with the car. www.g28carkeys.co.uk allows the car to recognize and open the doors and start the engine. It's important that you report the loss of your keys immediately to prevent unauthorized individuals from utilizing your vehicle.
Some car insurance providers offer a policy add-on that will cover the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. It's worth checking with your insurance provider to see if they offer this type of protection or if you can locate an individual locksmith who will pay for the cost.
If your car uses an ordinary mechanical key, you can typically get it replaced at most hardware stores for a small fee. If your car has an electronic key that is paired to your vehicle via the chip, then you'll have to visit your dealer to obtain a replacement. This can be costly but it's also more cost-effective than hiring a locksmith.
In addition to the expense of replacing your car keys and submitting an insurance claim for the loss of a key could cause your car insurance rates to rise. 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 offset the cost of paying out an insurance claim. Fortunately, you can often avoid the extra expenses by buying a tracking device that can locate your car key that has been lost or having a locksmith create the new key without cloning the original.
4. Contact towing truck
Nobody wants to lose their car keys. It is the worst scenario that could happen. If it happens, it can be expensive to replace keys and get back on the road. It's why it's important to be prepared for when it happens, so that you don't have to call an tow truck and keep your money in your wallet.
When you've lost your car keys, the very first thing to do is trace your steps. This will aid in determining where they are and help calm your panic. Make a list of what you did prior to losing your keys, like grabbing something at the supermarket or dropping them on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you to find your starting point.
If you cannot find your keys, check places where you could have put them, such as the pockets of the clothing you were wearing, or the bag you used to transport them to home. If you still can't find them, give yourself some time to relax before calling a locksmith tow truck.
A bluetooth key tracker can also be utilized on your phone. These are small devices that can be connected to your keyring and have an app installed on your phone to let you know 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 dependent on the type of key you have. If you own a traditional key that is used for automotive, a locksmith can generally make a new key on the spot without the original, which will save you some money. If you have a smart-key that uses proximity sensors to open doors or turn on the engine of your vehicle it is necessary to visit a dealership to get a replacement.
It is essential to have a plan to deal with the loss of your car keys, so that you will not have the hassle of having to pay for an tow truck or locksmith. When you're tired or distracted, it's not difficult to lose your car keys. If you follow these steps, you can ensure that your keys don't disappear forever. You should also have an alternative plan in the event that they do.