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What's Holding Back The Replace Lost Car Key Industry?
How to Replace Lost Car Keys

Things tend to get lost in the hustle of getting kids to and from school, running errands and working. One of the most common things that get lost is our keys to our cars.

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 situation anymore.

1. Contact Your Car Dealership

If you lose your car keys The first person you should call is your dealer. Most dealers keep a log of every key that is designed for their vehicles, therefore it should be simple for them to track down your keys. It is expensive to visit a dealership and therefore, you should research. You might be able get a cheaper option through an auto locksmith.

In most cases, you will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) and evidence of ownership, such as a copy of your registration or title, in order to get a replacement key from the dealer. The dealership will then order a new key and pair it with your vehicle. The dealer must complete this lengthy process.

Smart keys are a kind of key used in many cars today. They are designed to work with a proximity sensor to be activated inside the car, allowing keyless entry and start. These keys are typically used with ignitions that require a push to start. You can buy a new smart key from the dealership, but the cost is very high. 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 get a traditional key replacement from a local hardware store. They will be able to make a standard key that fits your vehicle's lock cylinder. They will need the VIN and the year of manufacture. If you are unable to locate the VIN it's usually stamped on a metal plaque that is located on the driver's side doorpost or the dashboard. Even if you don't have the original, most automotive locksmiths can provide you with an alternate car key. In some instances they might need to take apart the door lock and ignition in order to do this. This is not a risky job for a professional, however it does require some mechanical knowledge and skill.

2. Contact a Locksmith

The most frequent reason for seeking roadside assistance is that you have lost your car keys. It's important to keep a spare key on your person and ensure that you keep it in a safe place. However even the most vigilant people may lose their car keys. It's important to check thoroughly for the key and to inform your insurance company as soon as possible in order to decrease the chance of being denied a claim if the key is found later stolen.

If you don't have an extra key, the next best option is to call an locksmith. Locksmiths are usually able to provide a key replacement for less than what a dealership would cost. They will usually come out to your location and make the key right there and is more efficient than having to take your vehicle back to the dealership.

The cost of replacing your car key will vary based on the model you own. The most affordable keys are the traditional keys that can be purchased at the majority of hardware stores. They are about $10 per key. If your vehicle is equipped with an ignition key that can be used as a remote to lock and start the vehicle, or a smart-key, which can only by replaced at an auto dealer, the cost of these keys is usually more expensive than traditional keys.

In most instances, an auto locksmith will be able to replace the key fob or smart key as long as they have the VIN number of your vehicle that is usually found on a metal plate on the driver's side of the doorpost or in the windshield of your vehicle. They will also require evidence that you own the car and have the registration or title.

It is essential to do your homework prior to hiring a locksmith. You can find auto-locksmiths who are certified by searching on the internet or asking family members and friends for recommendations. Also, be aware that using keys that are not yours to start your car could lead to the violation of your vehicle's warranty. Unauthorized keys can cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you aren't willing to risk it is a good idea to contact roadside assistance instead of a locksmith, and wait for your replacement key from the dealer.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

One of the worst things you can do when you lose your car keys is to panic. Take a deep breath, and then try to think about your situation. It is likely that you lost your keys because you misplaced them instead of having them stolen. The next step is to go back through the steps you took and try to determine where your keys went missing. It may help to look in places you would not normally check, such as pockets on your coat or pants or in the bag you use for running. After you've inspected these areas, you should call your insurance provider.

Modern cars are fitted with electronic key fobs that communicate with your car via a chip. This communication lets the car recognize the key fob and unlock the doors, and also start the engine. It is crucial to inform the authorities of the loss of your key immediately to prevent unauthorized individuals from utilizing your vehicle.

Certain car insurance companies provide an insurance add-on that covers the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key . It is worth contacting your insurance company to find out whether they provide this kind of insurance or if you can locate an individual locksmith who will cover the cost.

If your car has a standard mechanical key, you can typically replace it at any hardware store at a cost of a small amount. However, if your car is equipped with an electronic key fob that's paired with your car through the chip, you'll need go to the dealership for the replacement. It can be costly however it's cheaper than hiring locksmith.

Making an insurance claim because of the theft of your car key could increase your insurance rates. This is because your insurance company will consider you a high-risk driver for losing your car key, and may raise your premiums to cover the cost of settling an insurance claim. Fortunately, you can avoid the extra expenses by purchasing a device to locate your car key that has been lost or letting a locksmith design a new key without cloning the original.

4. Contact a Tow truck

No one wants to lose their car keys. It's the worst scenario that could happen. However, if it does happen it could be costly to replace the key that was lost and get you back on the road again. This is why it's important to be prepared for when it happens, so 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 help you find them and ease your anxiety. Make a list of what you did prior to losing your keys, such as grabbing something at the supermarket or dropping them on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you identify your starting point.

If you can't find your keys, search for places where they might be like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing or the bag you put them in when you got home. If you're still unable to locate them, give yourself some time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.

Another alternative is to use 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 to replace a car key that is lost may differ based on the type of key you have. It is cheaper in the case of an old-fashioned car key. A locksmith for automotive is usually able to make a replacement immediately, and without the original. However, if you own an electronic key that utilizes proximity sensors to open the door or start the engine, you'll have to visit the dealer to get a replacement.

It is important to have a plan in place for the event that you lose your keys. This will help you avoid the hassle of having to pay for a tow-truck or locksmith. If you're exhausted or distracted, it's not difficult to lose your car keys. If you follow these suggestions to ensure that your keys don't vanish for ever and have a backup plan the event that they do.

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