How to Replace Lost Car Keys
In the shuffle of taking children to school, running errands and working, things have a tendency to be lost. One of the most frequently lost things that get lost is the car keys.
In the past, you could easily replace this at your local locksmith or hardware store. However, nowadays, it isn't as simple.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person you should contact if you lose your key. Most dealers keep a record of each key made for their vehicles making it easy for them to track down yours. It is expensive to visit a dealership, so you should shop around. You might be able find a cheaper solution 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 of your registration or title) to receive an alternative key. The dealership will then order a new key and pair it with your vehicle. This can be a lengthy procedure, and you'll be waiting for the dealer to complete the job.
Many cars today have the special kind of key called a smart key. They are designed to activate a proximity sensor inside the vehicle, which allows for keyless entry and start. They are usually paired with push-to-start ignitions. You can purchase a new smart key from the dealership, but the cost is a bit expensive. A local auto locksmith can design a smart key for you at a fraction of what you'd pay at the dealership.
You can also purchase an old-fashioned key replacement at your local hardware store. They can create a standard key that fits the lock cylinder of your vehicle. They will need the VIN and the year of manufacture. If you cannot locate the VIN on your car it will be engraved on a plaque made of metal that is located on the dashboard or doorpost. Most locksmiths in the automotive industry can offer an alternative car key even if you don't have the original. In certain instances, the locksmith may have to disassemble the door lock and ignition in order to do this. It is not a dangerous job, but it requires some mechanical knowledge.
2. Contact a Locksmith
The most common reason for roadside assistance is when you've lost your car keys. It's essential to keep a spare key handy with your person and ensure that it's safe. However even the most vigilant people can lose their car keys. It is important to thoroughly search for the keys and inform your insurance company as quickly as possible to reduce the chance of being denied a claim if it is found later stolen.
Calling a locksmith is the next best thing if you don't own a spare. Locksmiths usually can provide a key replacement at less than the cost a dealership would charge. They are also able to visit your location and make the key on the spot, which is much 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 to replace it. The most affordable keys are traditional keys that are available at most hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your car is equipped with a key fob that can be used as a remote to lock and start the car, or a smart-key that can only by replaced at an auto dealer, the cost of these keys is typically higher than the traditional one.
In most instances, an automotive locksmith can replace a key fob or smart key if they have the VIN number for your vehicle that is usually found on a metal plate that is placed on the driver's side of the doorpost or in the windshield of the car. They will require evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
Some locksmiths are not licensed or insured, so make sure to do your research prior to hiring them. You can locate reputable auto locksmiths by looking online or asking family and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using unauthorized keys to start the car can result in 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 assistance instead of a locksmith for your car and wait until your dealer sends out a replacement key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
One of the worst things you could do when you lose your car key is to panic. Take a deep breath, and then try to reason your situation. lost my car key and have no spare g28carkeys.co.uk is likely that you lost your keys due to you misplaced them instead of having them stolen. The next step is retrace the steps you took and try to find out where your keys were. You may want to look in places you don't normally check such as the pockets of your pants, or a bag or coat you carry to run in. After you've looked through all of these areas it's a good idea contact your insurance company.
Modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that communicate through an electronic chip with the car. This communication lets the car recognize the key fob, and then open the doors, and also start the engine. If you lose your keys It is crucial to report this immediately to ensure that people who are not authorized aren't able to enter your vehicle and use it.
Some insurance companies offer an extra benefit to their policy that covers the cost of replacing a key for your car. Check with your insurance company to determine if this kind of coverage is available or if a locksmith can pay for the costs.
It is possible to replace a mechanical key in most hardware stores for a reasonable cost. If your car is equipped with an electronic key that is connected with your vehicle using the chip, then you will have to visit the dealership to get a replacement. This can be costly but it's also more cost-effective than hiring a locksmith.
Making an insurance claim because of the theft of your car key could increase your insurance premiums. This is because your insurance company will view you as high-risk driver for loosing your car key and could increase your premiums to cover the cost of paying out a claims claim. You can reduce these cost by buying a tracking device that will track your lost key or hiring a professional locksmith to design a key without cloning the original key.
4. Contact a Tow Truck
No one wants to lose their car keys. It is the worst thing that could happen. But if it does it could be costly to replace the key that was lost and get you back on the road. It's important to be prepared in order that you don't have to call a tow-truck and save your money.
If you've lost your car keys, the first thing to do is trace your steps. This can help you figure out exactly where they are, and help calm your panic. Try to remember what you did prior to losing your keys, for example, grabbing something at the grocery store or dropping them on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you pinpoint your starting point.
If you are unable to locate your keys, search in places where you may have put them, such as the pockets of the clothing you were wearing, or the bag you used to carry them to home. If you're still not able to locate 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 tiny devices that you can attach to your keyring and have an app for your phone to reveal where your keys are so you don't need to look through every pocket or drawer within your home.
The cost of replacing a lost car key can be a bit expensive depending on the type of key you have. It is cheaper in the case of an old-fashioned car key. An automotive locksmith is usually able to make a replacement on the spot, without the original. If you have a smart key that uses a proximity detector to open doors or start the engine of your vehicle, you will need to visit the dealership to obtain a replacement.
It's important to have a plan in place for when you lose your car keys, so you can avoid the hassle of having to pay for the tow truck or locksmith. It's easy to lose your car keys when you're exhausted after a long work day or when your thoughts are focused busy with other things. By following these guidelines, you can make sure that your keys don't disappear forever, and you'll have an alternative plan in the event that they happen to disappear.