Tips For Explaining Replace Lost Car Key To Your Boss
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 frequently lost items that go missing is the keys to our cars.
In the past, this was not a big deal because you could easily replace it at the local hardware store or locksmith. However, nowadays, it isn't as easy.
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
Your car dealer is the first person to contact in case you lose your key. Most dealers keep a record of each key made for their vehicles, therefore it should be simple for them to find your keys. The drawback is that going to the dealership can be costly, so it's important to shop around. You may be able to find a cheaper solution through an auto locksmith.
It is likely that you will need to give the dealership your vehicle identification number, or VIN, as well as evidence of ownership (such as a copy of your registration or title) to receive an alternative key. The dealership will request the replacement key and attach it to your vehicle. This could be a long procedure, and you'll have to wait for the dealer to complete the process.
A lot of cars today have keys that are specialized known as a smart keys. They are designed to work with a proximity sensor to be activated within the car, which allows keyless entry and start. They are usually paired with ignitions that are push-to-start. You can purchase a new smart key from a dealership, but the price is very high. Local auto locksmiths can make you a smart lock at a fraction of the cost.
You can also get a traditional key replacement from your local hardware store. They can make an ordinary key that will fit your vehicle's lock cylinder. They will need to know the model year of your vehicle, as well as the VIN. If you are unable to locate the VIN on your vehicle it will be engraved on a metal plaque located on the dashboard or driver's doorpost. Most locksmiths in the automotive industry will be able to provide you with a car key replacement, even if you don't have the original. In some instances the locksmith might need to take apart the door lock and ignition in order to complete the task. This isn't a risky job for a professional, however it requires some mechanical expertise and skills.
2. Contact a locksmith
The most common reason for seeking roadside assistance is that you have lost your car keys. It's important to keep a spare key handy with your person and ensure that it's somewhere safe. However even the most vigilant people can lose their car keys. You should look for the car keys and inform your insurance company immediately if you spot it. This will reduce the chance of your claim being denied if your key is found stolen.
Contacting a locksmith is the best option in the event that you don't have an extra key. Locksmiths usually can offer a replacement key for less than the cost a dealership would charge. They may also come to your location to create keys right there which is much more convenient than having your car brought back to the dealer.
The cost of replacing your car key will vary based on the kind of key you have. The most affordable keys are traditional keys that can be bought at the majority of hardware stores. They are priced at around $10 per key. If your car is equipped with a key fob that can be used as a remote to unlock and start the vehicle, or a smart-key, which 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 as long they have the VIN number of your car. This number is typically found on the metal plate that is on the driver's doorpost or on the windshield. They will need proof of ownership, like your registration or title.
Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so be sure to research them before hiring. You can locate reputable auto locksmiths on the internet or asking family and friends for recommendations. Also, be aware that using unauthorized keys to start the car can result in a violation of your vehicle's warranty. The use of a key that is not authentic could damage the lock of your vehicle. If you do not want to risk it then call roadside assistance instead of a locksmith for cars and wait until the dealer provides a replacement key.
3. Call lost my car key and have no spare of the worst things you could do when you lose your car keys is to panic. The first thing you should do is to take an inhale and try to think about the situation. It is more likely you lost your keys than they were stolen. The next step is to retrace your steps and find out the place they were lost. It could be helpful to check places you wouldn't usually check, such as the pockets of your pants or coat, or in a bag you use when you run. After you've looked through all these places, it's a good idea to call your insurance company.
Modern cars come with electronic keys that communicate with a chip with the car. This communication allows the vehicle recognize the key fob, and then open the doors, and also start the engine. If you lose your keys, it's important to report it immediately to ensure that people who are not authorized aren't able to enter your vehicle and use it.
Some car insurance providers offer an insurance add-on that covers the cost of replacing a lost vehicle key. It is worth contacting your insurance provider to determine if they offer this type of protection or if you can locate an individual locksmith who will pay for the cost.
If your car has a standard mechanical key, you can have it replaced at a variety of hardware stores for a small fee. If your car is equipped with an electronic key that is connected to your car via the chip, then you will have to visit the dealership to obtain a replacement. It's expensive but it's cheaper than hiring a professional locksmith.
Making an insurance claim because of the theft of your car key could increase your insurance costs. This is because your insurance provider will consider you to be high-risk driver for loosing your car key, and may raise your premiums to cover the cost of paying out an insurance claim. You can avoid these extra expenses by purchasing a device that tracks your lost key to track your lost keys or having a professional locksmith create keys without copying the old one.
4. Call a tow truck
Everyone would hate to lose their car keys. It's the worst thing that can occur. But if it does it could be costly to replace the key that was lost and get back on the road. That's why it's best to be prepared if it happens, so that you won't need to call a tow truck, and keep your money in your wallet.
Retrace your steps if you've lost your keys. This will help you locate them and ease your anxiety. Try to remember the actions you took prior to losing your keys, for example, grabbing something at the grocery store or dropping them on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you to find your starting point.
If you can't locate your keys, look in places where you could have put them, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing, or the bag that you used to transport them home. If lost car key with no spare to locate the keys, give yourself time to relax before calling a locksmith or tow truck.
Another option is to make use of an bluetooth key tracker on your phone. These are small devices that can connect to a keyring and an app for your smartphone will show you the whereabouts of your keys.
The cost to replace a lost car key can differ depending on the type of key you own. If you have a traditional key that is used for automotive, a locksmith can typically make a new one in a matter of minutes without the original one, 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 car it is necessary to visit a dealership to obtain a replacement.
It is important to have a plan for when you lose your keys. This will spare you the hassle of having to pay for a tow-truck or locksmith. When you're tired or distracted, it's easy to lose your keys to your car. But by following these tips to ensure your keys don't disappear forever, and you have a backup plan in case when they do.