It's Time To Forget Lost Car Key How To Replace: 10 Reasons Why You Don't Need It
How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Anyone who has lost their car keys knows how frustrating it can be. There are ways to minimize the stress and expenses that are associated with this.
Find out where you could have put them. If not, you'll need to contact someone. You have several options to pick from:
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
A car key is a small piece of metal which allows you to open and shut your vehicle. It's normal to lose your car keys. The good news is, it's easy to replace. If you're dealing with a traditional key, or a high-tech smart key this guide will show you how to return to the road swiftly and easily.
Smart keys are offered for numerous newer models of vehicles. They have an electronic chip programmed to only work with that vehicle. You will need to visit the dealership where you purchased your car to purchase the new key if you own an "smart" key. The dealer will need to match the car's key with the key and, therefore, it's likely that you'll need to wait a couple of days before you're allowed to drive again.
If you're lucky your dealer will have the key in stock and be able to pair it with your vehicle immediately. However, the dealer could charge a fee for this service. You can also visit locksmiths to get your car keys replaced at a lower cost.
Before you call your dealer or a locksmith make sure you have any spare keys. Keep them in a place that you aren't likely to lose them. Also, consider looking for a secondhand or used key replacement on the internet. These keys are often cheaper than buying a new one from the manufacturer.
Losing a car key can be very stressful however, it's not as terrible as people think. It's also not as costly as many think. As long as you know who to contact and how to locate an alternative key, and how to prevent any further losses and you'll be back on the road in the blink of an eye. A good way to avoid losing your keys is to designate an area specifically for them and then always place them there after you've finished using them. This will become a routine and make it easy to locate your keys if you lose them.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Whatever you may be you are, losing your car keys could be a terrifying event. It's one the three most frequently lost items, and can cause panic and a desperate search to locate your car keys. This isn't always a lost item and there are several ways to have the replacement of your car keys covered by insurance.
You can try to locate your key by yourself or ask for help from the dealership or your car manufacturer, based on the situation. Some car dealers can create a new key for cars that are on their lot but it's typically more expensive than working with locksmiths. You may also be able to use roadside assistance for your vehicle to cover the cost of a replacement key, dependent on the type of car and the insurance policy you have.
Make sure you look through your car and home thoroughly for keys before you call your insurance. This will help find the right area and provide you with an idea of where to start. Remember to check all pockets as well as the seat and under any cushions. It's also a good idea to check your purse, backpack, or wallet to see if keys are present. You can get your spare key copied at the locksmith's or dealer's shop to make a brand new key without having to change anything in the vehicle.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, it may be time to notify the police. The police can file a lost and found report on your behalf. They may also be able locate the key or let you know that it was returned. This is a great method to protect your vehicle from being stolen. Make sure you check your phone for notifications of lost and found using apps such as Find My iPhone or iCloud. You can also use GPS trackers to find your vehicle, in the event that it's been abandoned.
3. Contact the manufacturer of your Vehicle
A lost car key is likely to be one of the most frustrating and inconvenient things you can lose, since it's almost impossible to open or drive your vehicle without it. Don't be worried it happens to everyone. There are a few simple solutions to solve the issue.
If your car was built prior to 1981, a standard replacement key can be purchased from the local locksmith shop or some hardware stores. These keys are mechanical and don't require additional technology like chips or transponders. If you own a more modern or high-tech key, it's likely to require replacement by a dealer or a professional locksmith. This may take longer, and you will need to provide proof of ownership to obtain the key.
A lot of the latest cars are now equipped with remote keys, also known as a "fob." These keys are much more advanced than traditional metal keys and require a specific fob reader in order to operate the vehicle. They are more difficult to replace and cost anywhere from $50 to $500. It is recommended to always have an extra.
Contacting the dealership or a locksmith is the most efficient option to replace your lost car key. They can make a key for you and program it to start and unlock your car with a single button. car keys lost is not always possible when the original key isn't accessible to program.
If you've lost your car keys, try to retrace your steps as much as you can. This will help you figure out where they may have gone if they're not already located, and can save you the time of needing to search your entire vehicle or home to find them again in the future. You can also invest in a Bluetooth tracker to keep on your keychain. This will allow you to find your keys using an app that you can install on your smartphone.
4. Contact a Locksmith
The loss of car keys can be a traumatic experience. No matter how vigilant you are, it's only a moment of distraction to lose your keys, and then you're stuck without the ability to move! There are a few easy steps you can follow to get rid of this issue.
First and first, try not to panic! The loss of your car keys can be a scary and overwhelming situation, but it's essential to remain calm and think about how you can do. Start by retracing your steps. What was the last place you've had them? This is an important step to help narrow your search. Afterward, check in your pockets as well as any other hiding spots you may have used. Also, check behind and between the passenger and driver's seats. Also, don't forget look over your bag or purse in case you suspect you may have left them in the car!
If you're unable to locate your car keys, it's time to call a locksmith. A locksmith can create new keys for your car and also remove the chip from the old one. This is a more cost-effective option than going back to the dealership which will likely charge you a premium for their service.
You can also search online for replacement keys and key fobs at discounted prices. You may be able to buy an aftermarket key for less than what you would pay to get an original key. However, keep in mind that you'll need someone who can cut and program the key prior to it being able to work on your vehicle, so be sure to look for a suitable alternative.
If you don't already have an extra key for your car, it is worth investing in one. If you own an auto that is manual, this can be easily accomplished by any locksmith who will make a replacement key on the on the spot. However, if you have a smart key, key fob or another key that is more technologically advanced you'll need to contact the dealership to have a new one created for you.