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How to Replace Lost Car Keys Things are often lost in the rush of bringing kids to and from school, completing errands and working. One of the most frequently lost items that disappears is the keys to our car. In the past you could easily change this at your local hardware or locksmith store. Nowadays, that is not as simple. 1. Call Your Car Dealership Your car dealer is the first person you should call in case 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 find yours. The disadvantage is that going to the dealership can be costly and it's essential to look for a different one. You may be able to locate a lower cost solution through an automotive locksmith. You'll likely have to give the dealership your vehicle identification number or VIN, and proof of ownership (such as a copy of registration or title) to obtain the replacement key. The dealership will then order the new key and then pair it with your vehicle. This could be a long process, and you will have to wait until the dealer has completed the task. Smart keys are a kind of key that is used in a variety of cars today. These keys are designed to activate a proximity sensor within the vehicle, which allows the use of a keyless entry system and even starting. They are typically used in conjunction with ignitions that are push-to-start. The dealer will sell you a smart key but it's costly. Local auto locksmiths can create you a smart lock at less than the cost. You can also get a traditional key replacement at your local hardware store. They can make an ordinary key that will fit the lock cylinder in your car. They will need the VIN and the year of manufacture. If you are unable to locate the VIN it's usually printed on a metal plate found on the driver's doorpost or dashboard. The majority of locksmiths for automotive will be able to provide you with an alternative car key, even if you don't have the original. However, in certain instances they may have to remove the ignition and door locks to accomplish this. This is not a risky job for a professional, however it requires some mechanical skills and knowledge. 2. Contact for a locksmith Losing your car keys is among of the most common causes for roadside assistance or callouts. It's essential to keep a spare key handy with you and ensure it's somewhere safe. However, even the most careful people may lose their car keys. You should check for the car key and inform your insurance company immediately if you spot it. This will decrease the chance of your claim being denied if your key is found stolen. If you don't have an extra key, your next best option is to contact the locksmith. Locksmiths are usually able to offer a replacement key for less than what a dealership would charge. They can also come to your location to make the key right there which is easier than having your vehicle taken back to the dealer. The kind of car key you have can affect the cost to replace it. Traditional keys that can be exchanged at most hardware stores for $10 each they are the least expensive. If your vehicle is equipped with a key fob that can be used as a remote for unlocking and start the car, or a smart-key that can only be replaced at an auto dealer, the cost of these keys will be more expensive than traditional keys. A locksmith can replace the smart key or key fob in most cases so long they have the VIN number of your vehicle. It is usually located 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. You should always do your research before hiring a locksmith. You can find reputable auto locksmiths on the internet or asking your family and friends for recommendations. Also, be aware that using keys you have not authorized to start the car can result in a breach of the warranty on your vehicle. Unauthorized keys can cause damage to your car's lock. If you do not wish to take this risk, it is best to contact roadside assistance instead of a car locksmith and wait until your dealer sends out a replacement key. 3. Call Your Insurance Company Panic is among the worst reactions you can be experiencing when you lose your keys. The first step is to take your breath and try to rationalize the situation. It is more likely that you misplaced your keys than they were stolen. The next step is to retrace the steps you took and try to locate the place where your keys were. It could be helpful to check places you wouldn't usually check, such as pockets on your pants or coat or in the bag you carry around when running. After you've looked in these places you must contact your insurance company. Most modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that communicate with your car through chip. This communication allows the vehicle recognize the key fob and open the doors, and also start the engine. It is crucial to report the loss of your keys immediately to prevent unauthorized individuals from utilizing your vehicle. Certain insurance companies provide an extra benefit to their policy that will cover the cost of replacing a car key. Check with your insurance company to find out if this type of coverage is available or if an individual locksmith can pay for the costs. You can usually get a replacement for a mechanical key in most hardware stores for a fair cost. However, if your vehicle is equipped with an electronic key fob that's paired with your car through the chip, you'll have go to the dealership for the replacement. This can be expensive but it's also more cost-effective than hiring locksmith. In the event of filing an insurance claim because of the theft of your car key could increase your insurance costs. This is because your insurance company will consider you to be a high-risk driver for losing your car key, and may raise your premiums to offset the cost of paying out the claim. You can cut down on these additional cost by buying a tracking device that will track your lost keys or hiring a professional locksmith to design an original key without copying the previous key. 4. Contact a Tow truck Everyone would hate to lose their car keys. It's the worst thing that can happen. If it happens it could be costly to replace keys and get back on the road. on the main page is important to be prepared so that you don't need to call a tow-truck and save your money. Retrace your steps in case you've lost your keys. This will help you locate the keys and calm your panic. You may remember doing something in the grocery store or dropping your keys on the table while ordering pizza. This will help you determine where you should start. If you can't find your keys, check places where they might be, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing or the bag you put them in when you came home. If you can't locate them, take a few minutes to relax and then call an locksmith or a tow truck. Another option is to make use of the bluetooth key tracker app on your phone. These are tiny devices that can be connected to your keyring and use an app for your phone to show you where your keys are, so you don't need to go through every pocket or drawer in your house. The cost to replace a lost car key can vary depending on what kind of key you have. You can save money if you have traditional car keys. An automotive locksmith will usually be capable of making a replacement on the spot, but without the original. If you have an electronic key that relies on a proximity sensor to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll need go to the dealer to get a replacement. You should have a plan in case you lose your keys. This will help you avoid the hassle of having to pay for an tow-truck or locksmith. When you're tired or distracted, it's not difficult to lose your car keys. By following these guidelines, you can make sure that your keys don't disappear forever, and have backup plans in the event that they happen to disappear.