How to Replace Lost Car Keys

Things can get lost in the hustle of getting children to and from school, running errands, and working. One of the most common items that go missing is our keys to our cars.

In the past you could easily replace lost car key cost this at your local locksmith or hardware store. Nowadays, that is not as simple.

1. Contact Your Car Dealership

If you have lost your car key, the first place you should call is your dealer. Most car dealers keep a record of every key that is made for their vehicles therefore it should be simple for them to locate your keys. It's expensive to visit a dealership and therefore, you should shop around. You may be able to find a cheaper option through an automotive locksmith.

You will most likely need to provide the dealership with your vehicle identification number or VIN, as well as proof of ownership (such as a copy registration or title) to obtain the replacement key. The dealership will request the replacement key and attach it to your vehicle. This could be a long process, and you'll need to wait for the dealer to finish the task.

A lot of cars today have the special kind of key called a smart key. These keys are designed for proximity sensors to be activated inside the car, which allows keyless entry and starting. They are usually used with ignitions that are push-to-start. The dealer can sell you a smart key but it is expensive. A local auto locksmith can design the smart key for about half the cost of what you'd purchase from a dealership.

You can also replace your key with a new one at the local hardware store. They can make you an ordinary key that will fit the lock cylinder in your car. They will require the VIN and the year of manufacture. If you are unable to locate the VIN it's usually stamped on a metal plaque that is located on the driver's side doorpost or the dashboard. Even if you don't have the original, most locksmiths in the automotive industry can provide you with a replacement car key. In some instances the locksmith may need to take apart the door lock and ignition in order to do this. This is not a risky job for a professional, however it requires some mechanical knowledge and skill.

2. Call an expert locksmith

Losing your car keys is among of the most frequent reasons for roadside assistance and callouts. It is essential to keep a spare key on your person and ensure that it's safe. However, even the most careful people may lose their car keys. It is important to thoroughly search for the key and to notify your insurance company as quickly as you can to minimize the chances of getting denied a claim in the event that it turns up stolen later.

If you don't have an extra key, the next best option is to contact the locksmith. Locksmiths are usually able to offer a replacement key for less than what a dealership would charge. They may also come to your home to make keys right there which is much more convenient than having your car brought back to the dealer.

The cost of replacing your car key will differ based on the type you own. Traditional keys, which can be replaced at most hardware stores for about $10 each, are the most affordable. If your car is equipped with a key fob, which functions as a remote and 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 the standard key.

In most instances, an automotive locksmith will be able to replace the key fob or smart key if they have the VIN number for your car it is usually located on a metal plate that is placed on your driver's side doorpost or in the windshield of the vehicle. They will require proof of ownership, like your registration or title.

You should always do your research before hiring locksmith. You can find reputable auto locksmiths by looking online or asking your family and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using an unlicensed key to start your vehicle could result in an infringement of warranty. The use of keys that are not authorized could cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you don't want to risk it is a good idea to contact 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. Take a deep breath, and then try to rationalize your situation. It is more likely that you lost your keys than they were stolen. So, the next step is to retrace your steps and attempt to find out the place they went missing. You might want to check places you don't normally check such as the pockets of your pants, bag or coat you carry to run in. After you've inspected all these places, it's a good idea to call your insurance company.

The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs which communicate with your vehicle via chip. This communication process allows the car to recognize and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. It is crucial to inform the authorities of the loss of your keys immediately to prevent anyone who is not authorized from accessing your vehicle.

Certain car insurance companies provide an add-on to their policies that will cover the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. Contact your insurance provider to see if this type of insurance is offered or if an individual locksmith can pay for the costs.

You can usually get a replacement for a mechanical key in many hardware stores for a reasonable cost. However, if your vehicle is equipped with an electronic key fob, which is connected to your car via the chip, you'll have to go to your dealership for a replacement. It's expensive, but it is much cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith.

In addition to the cost of replacing your car key, filing an insurance claim for the loss of a key can cause your car insurance rates to rise. Your insurance company could increase your premiums because they'll consider you to be an extremely risky driver in the event of losing your key. You can cut down on these additional costs by purchasing a device that tracks your lost key to locate your lost keys in car key or hiring a professional locksmith to design a key without cloning the old key.

4. Call for a Tow Truck

It's the most gruelling thing to lose your car keys and nobody wants to see it happen. If it does happen, it can be costly to replace the key that was lost and get back on the road. This is why it's important to be prepared for when it happens, so that you won't need to call a tow truck and keep your money in your wallet.

If you've lost spare car key your car keys, the first thing to do is trace your steps. This can help you determine where they are and help you calm your anxiety. You might recall doing something in the supermarket or putting your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you to find your starting point.

If you can't find your keys, look around 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're unable to find them, take a moment to relax and then call a locksmith or tow truck.

A bluetooth key tracker can also be utilized on your phone. These are tiny devices that can be connected to your keyring and use an app installed on your phone that can show you where your keys are, so you don't need to search every drawer or pocket in your home.

The cost of replacing a lost car key can be a bit expensive according to the type of key that you own. If you own a traditional key, an automotive locksmith can typically make a new one on the spot without the original, which will save you some money. If you have a smart key that uses proximity sensors to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll need go to the dealer to get a replacement.

It is important to have a plan in case you lose your keys. This will save you the hassle of having to pay for the tow-truck or locksmith. When you're tired or distracted, it's not difficult to lose your keys to your car. If you follow these suggestions to ensure your keys don't disappear for ever and have a backup plan for the event that they do.