How to Replace Lost Car Keys Things can get lost in the rush of getting kids to and from school, running errands, and working. One of the most frequently lost items that disappears is the keys to our car. In the past, this was not an issue since you could easily replace it at your local hardware store or locksmith. This isn't the case anymore. 1. Call Your Car Dealership If you've lost your car keys The first person you should contact is your local car dealer. The majority of car dealers keep a record of every key that they have made for their vehicles, which means they are likely to be able find your key. The disadvantage is that visiting the dealership can be expensive and it's essential to look for a different one. You may be able to find a cheaper solution through an auto locksmith. It is likely that you will need to give the dealership your vehicle identification number, or VIN, as well as proof of ownership (such as a copy registration or title) to get an alternative key. The dealership will then order a new key and pair it with your vehicle. The dealer will have to complete this lengthy procedure. Many cars today have keys that are specialized known as a smart keys. These keys are designed for a proximity sensor that can be activated inside the car, which allows keyless entry and start. These keys are typically used with ignitions that require a push-to-start. You can buy a new smart key at the dealership, but the price is very high. A local auto locksmith can design an intelligent key for you for about half the cost of what you'd pay at the dealership. You can also replace your key with a new one at the local hardware store. They can make a standard key that fits the lock cylinder of your vehicle. They will require the VIN and the year of manufacture. If you can't locate the VIN it's usually stamped on a metal plaque that is located on the driver's side doorpost or dashboard. Even if you don't have the original, many automotive locksmiths will be able to provide you with a replacement car key. In certain instances the locksmith might need to disassemble the ignition and door locks to accomplish this. It is not a dangerous task, but it requires some technical knowledge. 2. Contact Full Post for seeking roadside assistance is because you've lost your car keys. It's important to keep a spare key with you and ensure you keep 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 notify your insurance company as soon as possible to reduce the chance of being denied a claim if it turns up stolen later. If you don't have an extra key, the next best option is to contact an locksmith. Locksmiths are usually able to offer a replacement key for less than what the dealership will cost. They can also visit your location to create the key right there which is easier than having your vehicle taken back to the dealer. The type of car key that you have can affect the cost of replacing it. The most affordable keys are traditional keys that are available at most hardware stores. They cost about $10 per key. If your car is equipped with an ignition key fob that acts like a remote and can be used to unlock and start the engine, or a smart key, which can only be changed by dealers, these keys will usually cost more than the traditional key. A locksmith can replace keys that are smart or fob in most cases as long they have the VIN number of your vehicle. It is usually located on the metal plaque on the driver's doorpost or on the windshield. They will also require evidence that you own the car by providing the registration or title. You should always conduct your research prior to hiring a locksmith. You can find reputable auto locksmiths by searching online or asking family and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using keys you have not authorized to start your car could result in a breach of the warranty on your vehicle. Using unauthorized key may also damage the lock of your car. If you don't want to risk it you should call roadside help instead of a car locksmith and wait until the dealer provides a replacement key. 3. Call Your Insurance Company Panic is among the most unpleasant reactions you could experience when you lose your keys. Take a deep breath and then try to think about your situation. Chances are that you lost your keys due to you misplaced them instead of them being taken. The next step is to retrace the steps you took and attempt to determine the location where your keys went missing. You may want to look in areas you're not usually checking, like the pockets of your pants or bag or coat that you use for running. After you've inspected these areas it is time to call your insurance provider. The majority of modern cars are equipped with electronic keys that communicate with your vehicle via a chip. This allows the car to recognize the key fob and open the doors, and also start the engine. If you lose your keys, it's important to report this immediately so that unauthorized people aren't able to enter your vehicle and use it. Some car insurance providers offer an add-on to their policies that covers the cost of replacing a lost car key. It is worth contacting your insurance provider to determine whether they provide this kind of coverage or if you can find an individual locksmith who will pay for the cost. It is possible to replace a mechanical key in most hardware stores at a reasonable price. If your car uses an electronic key that is paired with your vehicle using the chip, then you will need to visit your dealership to obtain an alternative. This can be costly but it's also more cost-effective than hiring locksmith. In addition to the expense of replacing your car keys and filing an insurance claim to replace a lost key can cause your insurance rates to rise. This is because your insurance provider will view you as high-risk driver for loosing your car key, and may raise your premiums to offset the cost of making the 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 a new key without cloning the original. 4. Call a Tow truck Everyone would hate to lose their car keys. It's the worst thing that can happen. If it happens it could cost a lot to replace keys and get back on the road. It's why it's important to be prepared in case it does, so you can avoid having to call an tow truck and keep your money in your wallet. Follow your steps if you've lost your keys. This will allow you to locate them and calm your panic. You might remember doing something in the grocery store, or dropping your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you determine your starting point. If you cannot find your keys, search in places where you could have put them, like the pockets of the clothing you were wearing, or in the bag you used to carry them home. If you're still unable to locate the keys, give yourself time to relax before calling a locksmith tow truck. A key tracker with bluetooth can be used on your phone. These are tiny devices you can attach to your keyring, and also have an app on your phone that will let you know where your keys are, so you don't have to look through every drawer or pocket in your home. The cost of replacing a lost car key may vary dependent on the type of key that you own. You could save money in the case of traditional car keys. An automotive locksmith will typically be in a position to create a new key on the spot, without the original. If you have a smart key that uses proximity sensors to open the doors or start the engine of your vehicle, you will need go to the dealer to get a replacement. You must have a plan in case you lose your keys. This will spare you the hassle of having to pay for the tow-truck or locksmith. It's easy to lose your car keys when you're tired after a long work day or when your thoughts are focused busy with other things. If you follow these steps, you can make sure that your keys don't disappear forever, and have an alternative plan in the event that they do.
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