How to Replace lost my car key are often lost in the rush of getting kids to and from school, completing errands and working. Car keys are among of the most frequently lost items.
In the past, this was not an issue because you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. Nowadays, that is not as simple.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person to contact if you lose your key. The majority of car dealers keep records of every key that they have made for their cars, so they are likely to be able find your key. It is expensive to visit a dealership and therefore, you should research. You may be able locate a lower cost option through a locksmith for cars.
You will most likely need to give the dealership your vehicle identification number, or VIN, as well as evidence of ownership (such as a copy registration or title) to get a replacement key. The dealership will then order an alternative key and connect it to your vehicle. The dealer will have to complete this lengthy procedure.
Many vehicles today come with a special type of key known as a smart keys. These keys are designed for a proximity sensor to be activated within the car, allowing keyless entry and start. They are typically used in conjunction with push-to-start ignitions. The dealer will sell you a smart key, but it's costly. A local auto locksmith can make an intelligent key for you for about half the cost of what you would pay at the dealership.
You can also get a replacement for your classic key at the local hardware store. They can create a standard lock cylinder key. They will require 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 the driver's doorpost. Even if you don't have the original, most automotive locksmiths can offer an alternate car key. In some instances, they may need to take apart the door and ignition to do so. This isn't a risky job for a professional, but it requires some mechanical skills and knowledge.
2. Contact a Locksmith
Misplacing your car keys is among of the most common causes for roadside assistance and callouts. Keep an extra car key in your bag and store it in a safe place. Even the most careful of people may lose their keys. It is essential to search thoroughly for the key and to inform your insurance company as soon as possible to reduce the chance of being denied a claim if it turns up stolen later.
A locksmith's call is the next best thing in the event that you don't have a spare. A locksmith can generally offer a replacement key for less than what the dealership will cost. They may also come to your location to make the key right there which is much more convenient than having your vehicle brought back to the dealer.
The cost of replacing your car key will differ based on the model you have. The most affordable keys are the traditional keys that can be bought at most hardware stores. They cost about $10 per key. If your car has an ignition key fob that acts as a remote that allows you to open and start the engine, or a smart-key, which can only be changed by a dealership the keys will typically cost more than the traditional key.
In most instances, an auto locksmith will be able to replace the key fob or smart key if they have the VIN number of your car, which is typically found on a metal plate that is placed on the driver's side of the doorpost or in the windshield of the vehicle. They will require evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
Some locksmiths are not licensed or insured, so be sure to investigate them prior to hiring them. You can find reputable auto locksmiths by searching on the internet or asking family and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using a fake key to start your vehicle could result in a breach of warranty. Using unauthorized key may also damage the lock of your vehicle. If you don't want to take this risk, it is best to call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith for your car and wait until the dealer delivers a new key.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
Panic is among the worst reactions you can experience when you lose your keys. The first thing to do is to take your breath and try to understand the situation. It is more likely you lost your keys rather than they were stolen. The next step is to retrace the steps you took and attempt to determine where your keys went missing. You may want to look in areas you're not usually checking like the pockets of your pants, bag or coat that you use to run in. After you've checked these places it is time to call your insurance provider.
The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic keys which communicate with your car via chip. This communication process allows the vehicle to recognize the key fob, unlock the doors and start the engine. If you lose your key it is important to report this immediately so that unauthorized people aren't able to enter your vehicle and use it.
Certain car insurance companies provide a policy add-on that covers the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. Check with your insurance company to determine if this kind of coverage is available or if an individual locksmith can pay for the costs.
If your car uses the standard mechanical key, you can get it replaced at most hardware stores for a small fee. If your car has an electronic key that is connected to your car via the chip, then you will need to visit your dealership to obtain an replacement. It can be costly, but it is much cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith.
Making an insurance claim because of a car key that was stolen can increase your insurance costs. This is because your insurance company will view you as an extremely risky driver for the loss of your car keys, and may raise your premiums to cover the cost of making an insurance claim. Fortunately, you can often save yourself the cost of purchasing a device to track your lost car key or letting a locksmith design an entirely new key without copying the original.
4. Call a Tow Truck
Nobody wants to lose their car keys. It's the worst scenario that could occur. If it does happen it could be costly to replace the key that was lost and get you back on the road again. It's why it's important to be prepared in case it happens, so that you can avoid having to call a tow truck, and keep your cash in your wallet.
Find your way back in case you've lost your keys. This will aid in determining where they are and aid in calming your panic. You might remember doing something in the grocery store or putting your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you identify your starting point.
If you are unable to locate your keys, look in places you might have placed them, such as the pockets of the clothing you were wearing, or the bag that you carried them in to take them to home. If you're still unable to locate them, take some time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.
Another option is to use the bluetooth key tracker app on your phone. These are small devices you can attach to a keyring, and an app for your smartphone will display the location of your keys.
The cost of replacing a lost car key can be a bit expensive depending on the type of key that you have. You could save money in the case of a traditional car key. An automotive locksmith will typically be able to make a replacement immediately, and without the original. If you have a smart key that uses a proximity detector to open doors or turn on the engine of your car, you will need to visit a dealership to obtain a replacement.
It is important to have a plan in place for the event that you lose your keys. This will spare you the expense of a tow-truck or locksmith. It's easy to forget your car keys when you're tired after a long work day or when your mind is distracted by other things. But by following these tips to ensure that your keys won't vanish forever, and you have a backup plan when they do.