10 Healthy Lost Key Replacement Car Habits
How to Get a Replacement Car Key Quickly and Easily
Keys lost can occur at the most awkward times, such as when you are loading groceries into your trunk. Fortunately, there are ways to get an alternative car key quickly and easily.
The most cost-effective option is to work with a locksmith. The majority of locksmiths will also remove the old keys from your vehicle's system. This means that anyone with your spare key won't be able to start your car.
1. Call a Locksmith
Losing keys can be an enormous inconvenience, particularly when you are in a hurry to make an appointment. There are steps you can take to minimize the damage, and to prevent future problems.
Calling a locksmith who specializes in car lockouts is your best solution. Generally, these locksmiths are equipped with the most up to date vehicle diagnostic and key coding equipment and are able to replace lost keys faster than other locksmiths. They also typically cost less than dealerships, making them your cheapest option.
You could also go to an area garage. This will usually be more expensive. These garages might not have the specialized equipment for key coding in vehicles that professional locksmiths would have, and may also have a longer wait time.
Also, the key can sometimes become faulty. This happens when the key has become worn out and the teeth do not fit into the lock. This problem occurs in older cars but it can also happen in modern vehicles. If your key has become faulty, it's worth trying to reset it prior to you purchase an alternative.
If you need an alternative key, you can also contact the manufacturer of your vehicle. This can be difficult and costly. They'll need to identify the VIN (vehicle identification number) on your vehicle and then use that information to make a new key for you. This information can be found on the registration papers of your vehicle or on a sticker in the door jamb for the driver and trunk lid or engine bay. You can also find it in your insurance documents. If you need to contact the manufacturer for assistance, they'll likely need your vehicle to be towed to their workshop, which can be as high as hundreds of dollars in towing fees and labor costs. Having a spare key is the best method to avoid these charges.
2. Go to the Dealership
Not too long ago the loss of your car keys wasn't a huge deal. Calling the dealership where you purchased your car would get you an instant replacement key. Sadly, today's cars are more expensive and replacing keys can be expensive. It's important to keep a spare car key and keep it in a secure location.
If you require a new key for your standard key that doesn't require special technology, you can purchase one at any hardware store or locksmith. If you're using fobs, or a switchblade-type key that triggers the car's sensor to unlock the doors and start the engine, it is best to go to your dealer for assistance. The dealership will have the tools and equipment needed to replace a fob on a key.
The other benefit of visiting a dealer is that they are familiar with the particular model and make of vehicle. This means they know how to program the key to your specific vehicle and may have the right key in the inventory. This can save you time and money.
The dealership can also be the best option if your vehicle is covered by an insurance policy. This is because warranties cover things like key fob replacement and they will be able to help you get back on the road more quickly.
It is important to keep in mind that you can avoid this from happening altogether by ensuring that you have two keys and keeping them in different locations at all times. You won't be in a bind in the event that you lose your car, and you'll always have a backup car to get you to where you have to go. If you do lose your keys, you need to act quickly and find the most effective solution for your particular situation.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
It's a nightmare scenario: you lose your car keys, and your only option is to pay a high sum to a locksmith dealership to replace keys. The cost of replacing keys has increased as automobiles have become more complicated. In lost car key replacement that resembled the original was affordable and easy to obtain.
Smart keys are currently utilized in automobiles. They are laser-cut keys that contain chips that send signals to your vehicle. They can be expensive to replace since they need to be linked to your vehicle. This is why it's recommended to have an additional key for your car, so that you don't end up losing the only one you have left and have to pay an expensive amount to replace it.
Contact your insurance provider to find out if they can cover the cost of a replacement key if you have one. You will need to ensure that your vehicle is covered under comprehensive insurance or a special add-on, and the loss of the key has to be reported within 30 days. The insurance provider will reimburse you for the lost key.
To get your claim approved, you'll need to submit to your insurance company the receipt or invoice for the key. If your vehicle has been stolen, you will also have to file a First Information Report with the police station.
A key loss is not covered by most insurance policies since it's considered personal property and is not part of your vehicle. There are some exceptions to this rule, which is why you should check the policy before losing your car keys. Don't be concerned when you lose them. You can follow the instructions in this article to retrieve them or purchase a new car key. Then, you can drive your car again!
4. Tow truck
Lost keys can be a huge inconvenience, and you may be required to purchase replacements for keys. Depending on the type of key you have for your vehicle it could cost you hundreds of dollars. There are ways to avoid this.
You can, for example consider investing in a plan which covers the cost of lost keys. These programs may also include assistance at the roadside, rental discounts and concierge services when you are traveling.
You can also purchase an extra key and keep it separately from your car keys. This will prevent you from losing your car keys if you're more likely to forget. It is best to keep your spare key in a safe place where you are confident it is safe. For instance, a secret storage space in your home or at work is a great location for this.
You can also try to obtain a new car key from your dealer. This can be expensive, but it's the quickest way to get your vehicle back on the road. Furthermore, you can be at ease knowing that the new key is an OEM transponder key from the factory and won't get stolen easily.
Another option is to speak with a professional locksmith. These professionals can create an entirely new car key for you using the VIN number of your vehicle and their key-cutting equipment. They can also help you re-program your smart key when needed. They can offer superior service and are less expensive than dealerships.
If you've lost your keys, don't panic. Take a deep breathe and try to recall the last time you looked for your keys. You'll probably find them within a matter of minutes. If you are unable to locate them and you're not sure, contact a tow vehicle for assistance. They have the experience, technology and skilled personnel to respond quickly to this issue. In addition, they also provide vehicle recovery and towing services at affordable prices. Moreover, they also offer emergency services for auto lockouts for customers. So, if you're stuck in a ditch or have been locked out of your car, contact Action Towing for help. They will help you get back on the road with ease.