14 Questions You Shouldnt Be Afraid To Ask About Replace Lost Car Key

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

In the shuffle of taking children to school, running errands and working things tend to get lost. Our car keys are one of the most commonly lost items.

In the past, you could easily replace this at your local hardware or locksmith store. Nowadays, that is not as easy.

1. Contact Your Car Dealership

Your car dealer is the first person you should contact if you lose your key. Most car dealers keep a record of every key designed for their vehicles, so it should be easy for them to track down your key. The disadvantage is that visiting the dealership can be costly, so it's important to look around. You may be able to locate a lower cost option through a locksmith for cars.

In the majority of instances, you'll need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and evidence of ownership, like a copy of your title or registration, to obtain a replacement key from the dealership. The dealership will then purchase the new key and then pair it with your vehicle. This can be a lengthy process, and you will have to wait until the dealer has completed the task.

Smart keys are a kind of key used in a lot of automobiles in the present. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor inside the vehicle, which allows the use of a keyless entry system and even starting. They are usually paired with ignitions that have a push-to-start feature. The dealer will sell you a smart key, but it is expensive. A local auto locksmith can design a smart key for you at 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 the standard lock cylinder keys. They will need the VIN and the model year. If you cannot locate the VIN on your car it will be engraved on a metal plaque that is placed on the dashboard or doorpost. Even if you don't have the original key, most automotive locksmiths can provide you with an alternative car key. In certain instances, the locksmith may have to disassemble the ignition and door locks in order to complete the task. This isn't a risky job for a professional, but it does require some mechanical skills and knowledge.

2. Call a Locksmith

The most frequent reason for requesting roadside assistance is that you have lost your car keys. It's essential to keep a spare key handy with you and make sure it's safe. Even the most cautious of people can 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 in the event that it happens to be stolen later.

Contacting a locksmith is the next best option if you don't own a spare. Locksmiths can usually offer a replacement key for less than what the dealership will charge. They can also come to your home to make the key on the spot, which is more convenient than having your car brought back to the dealer.

The type of car key that you have could affect the cost of replacing it. Keys with traditional designs are able to be replaced at most hardware stores for about $10 each, are the most affordable. If your vehicle is equipped with keys that can be used as a remote for unlocking and start the car, or a smart-key, which can only by replaced at a dealership, the cost of these keys is usually more expensive than traditional keys.

A locksmith can replace a smart key or key fob in the majority of cases as long they have the VIN number of your vehicle. This is usually found on the metal plate that is on the driver's doorpost or stamped on the windshield. They will need proof of ownership, like your registration or title.

Some locksmiths are not licensed or insured, so make sure to research them before hiring. You can find qualified auto-locksmiths through online search engines or asking family and friends for suggestions. Be aware that using an unauthorized key to start your vehicle could cause an infringement of warranty. Using unauthorized keys may also cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you aren't willing to take this risk you should consider to contact roadside assistance instead of a locksmith, and wait for a replacement key from the dealer.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

Panic is one of the most negative reactions you can be experiencing when you lose your keys. The first thing to do is take your breath and try to understand the situation. It is more likely that you misplaced your keys than they were stolen. The next step is to go back your steps and try to determine the place they disappeared. You might want to check places you don't normally check like the pockets of your pants, or a bags or coats you carry for running. After you've looked in these places, you should call your insurance provider.

on front page come with electronic keys that communicate via a chip with the car. This allows the car to recognize the key fob, and then open the doors, and start the engine. If you lose your keys it is important to report this immediately so that unauthorized people don't get into your car and use it.





Some insurance companies offer an add-on to their policy that will cover the cost of replacing a car key. It is worth contacting your insurance company to find out whether they have this type of insurance or if you can find an individual locksmith that can pay for the cost.

If your car has a standard mechanical key, you can typically get it replaced at most hardware stores at a cost of a small amount. If your car uses an electronic key that connects to your car via the chip, you will have to visit your dealer to purchase a replacement. This can be expensive however it's cheaper than hiring a locksmith.

Making an insurance claim due to a car key that was stolen can increase your insurance costs. The insurance company could increase your premiums because they will consider you a high-risk motorist in the event of losing your key. Fortunately, you can avoid the extra expenses by buying a tracking device that can locate your car key that has been lost or letting a locksmith design an entirely new key without copying the original.

4. Contact a Tow truck

It's the most gruelling thing to lose your car keys, and nobody wants to see it happen. If it happens it could be costly to replace the key and get back on the road. It's important to be prepared so that you don't have call a tow truck and save your money.

Find your way back if you've lost your keys. This will allow you to locate them and ease your anxiety. You may remember doing something in the supermarket or dropping your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you to identify your starting point.

If you can't locate your keys, search in places you might have placed them, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing, or in the bag that you used to carry them home. If you're still not able to locate them, take some time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.

Another alternative is to make use of an bluetooth key tracker on your phone. These are tiny devices that you can connect to a keyring and an app on your phone will provide you with the location of your keys.

The cost of replacing a lost car key can differ depending on the type of key you own. If you own a traditional key, an automotive locksmith can typically make a new one immediately without the original, which can save you money. If you have a smart-key that uses proximity sensors to open the doors or turn on the engine of your vehicle then you'll need go to the dealer to obtain a replacement.

It's essential 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 day or when your thoughts are focused busy with other things. If you follow these suggestions to ensure that your keys won't vanish forever and have a backup plan for the event that they do.