Now That You've Purchased Replace Lost Car Key ... Now What?

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

In the rush of sending children to school, running errands, and working it is common for things to be lost. Car keys are among of the most commonly lost car keys price items.

In the past, you could easily replace this at your local hardware or locksmith store. However, nowadays, it isn't as simple.

1. Contact Your Car Dealership

If you lose your car key, the first place you should call is your local car dealer. Most dealers keep a log of every key made for their vehicles making it easy for them to locate your keys. It is expensive to visit a dealer, so you should shop around. You might be able locate a lower cost solution by using an auto locksmith.

In the majority of cases, you will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and evidence of ownership, like an original title or registration, to obtain an alternative key from the dealer. The dealership will request a replacement key and pair it with your vehicle. This could be a long process, and you'll be waiting until the dealer has completed the job.

Many vehicles today are equipped with the special kind of key known as a smart key. They are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, which allows for 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. A local auto locksmith can create an intelligent key for you for a fraction of what you would buy from the dealership.

You can also purchase a replacement for your classic key at your local hardware store. They can design a standard lock cylinder key. They will need the VIN and the year of manufacture. If you are unable to locate the VIN on your car it will be stamped on a metal plaque located on the dashboard or doorpost. The majority of locksmiths for automotive can provide you with an alternative car key even if they don't have the original. However, in some cases they may have to take apart the door lock and ignition to accomplish this. This is not a risky job for a professional, however it will require some mechanical expertise and skills.

2. Contact a locksmith

The most common reason for seeking roadside assistance is that you have lost your car keys. It is essential to keep a spare key on you and ensure you keep it in a safe place. However even the most vigilant people can lose their car keys. You should check for the car keys and notify your insurance company immediately if you spot it. This will reduce the chance of your claim being denied should your key be found stolen.

A locksmith's call is the next best option when you don't have an extra key. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a key replacement at less than what a dealership would charge. They can also visit your home to make keys right there, which is more convenient than having your car brought back to the dealer.

The type of car key that you have can affect the cost to replace it. The most affordable keys are the standard keys that can be purchased at many hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your vehicle is equipped with keys that can be used as a remote for unlocking and start the vehicle or a smart-key, which is only able to be replaced at an auto dealer, the cost of these keys will be more expensive than traditional keys.

A locksmith can replace keys that are smart or fob in most cases so long as they have the VIN number for your vehicle. This number is typically found on the metal plaque on the driver's doorpost, or on the windshield. They will require proof of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You should always conduct your research prior to hiring a locksmith. You can locate 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 risk this, it's a good idea 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 worst things you can do when you lose your car key is to panic. The first thing to do is take a deep breath and try to think about the situation. It is more likely that you lost your keys rather than they were stolen. The next step is to retrace your steps and figure out the location where they disappeared. It could be helpful to check places you wouldn't usually check, such as pockets in your coat or pants or in a bag you carry for running. After you've checked these places you must contact your insurance provider.

Most modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that connect to your car through chips. This communication lets the car recognize the key fob and open the doors, and also start the engine. If you lose your keys it is important to report this immediately to ensure that people who are not authorized can't enter your car and use it.

Some insurance companies offer an extra benefit to their policy that will cover the cost of replacing a car key. Contact your insurance provider to determine if this kind of coverage is offered or if an individual locksmith can cover the cost.

It is possible to replace a mechanical key in most hardware stores for a fair price. If your car has an electronic key that is paired to your vehicle via the chip, then you'll have to visit the dealership to obtain an alternative. It can be costly however it's cheaper than hiring locksmith.

In addition to the cost of replacing your car keys and filing an insurance claim for the loss of a key can cause your insurance rates to rise. This is because your insurance company will consider you to be an extremely risky driver for the loss of your car key, and may raise your premiums to offset the cost of settling the claim. Fortunately, you can reduce the costs by purchasing a device to track your lost car key or having a locksmith create the new key without cloning the original.

4. Call towing truck

Everyone would hate to lose their car keys. It's the most embarrassing thing that could occur. If it does happen it could cost a lot to replace keys and get back on the road. It's essential to be prepared so that you don't have call a tow-truck and can keep your money.

If you've lost your car keys, Broken the first thing to do is retrace your steps. This can help you determine where they are, and broken help you calm your anxiety. Make a list of the actions you took prior to losing your keys, such as picking up something from the supermarket or dropping them on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you find your starting point.

If you can't find your keys, check places where they might 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 find them, take a moment to relax, and then call an locksmith or a tow truck.

A key tracker with bluetooth can be used on your phone. These are small devices you can attach to a keyring, and an app on your phone will display the location of your keys.

The cost to replace a car key that is lost may differ based on the type of key you have. If you have a conventional key an automotive locksmith will generally make a new key immediately 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 the engine of your car, you will need go to the dealer to obtain a replacement.

You should have a plan in place for the event that you lose your keys. This will spare you the expense of the tow-truck or locksmith. When you're tired or distracted, it's easy to lose your car keys. However, by following these steps to ensure that your keys don't vanish forever, and you have a backup plan for the event that they do.