How to Get a Replacement Car Key Quickly and Easily
Keys that are lost can happen at the most unavoidable moments, like when you are loading groceries into your trunk. There are several methods to quickly and easily get a new car key.
Working with a locksmith is the most cost-effective choice. The majority of locksmiths will also remove the old key from your car's system. This means that anyone who has your spare key won't be allowed to start your car.
1. Call an expert locksmith
Losing your keys can be an enormous inconvenience, particularly when you're in a hurry to make an appointment. There are steps you can follow to minimize the damage, and to avoid future issues.
The best solution is to contact an expert locksmith who is specialized in automotive locksmithing. These locksmiths are equipped with the latest tools for key coding and diagnostics and are able to replace keys quicker than other alternatives. They are also less expensive than the dealership and will replace lost key s more quickly.
You could also go to an area garage. This is usually more expensive. These garages may not have the specialist vehicle key coding equipment that locksmiths carry and are likely to have a longer waiting time than a locksmith.
It's also important to note that sometimes the key could become damaged. This occurs when the key has been worn down and the teeth do not fit inside the lock. This is a common problem for older vehicles, however it can happen to newer vehicles too. It's worth resetting your key if it has been damaged prior to purchasing an entirely new key.
You can also get in touch with your vehicle's manufacturer if you require a new key. But, this is difficult and expensive. They will need to find the VIN (vehicle identification number) in your car and then use that information to make a new key for you. The information can be found on your vehicle's registration documents or on a sticker that is located in the door jamb for the driver and trunk lid or engine bay. You can also find it in your insurance information. If you must contact the manufacturer, they will likely ask for your vehicle to be towed into their workshop. This can cost several hundred dollars for towing and labor. The best way to avoid paying these costs is to keep a spare car key.
2. Visit the Dealership
Not long ago when you lost your car keys, it was not a big deal. Calling the dealership where you bought your car would give you an instant replacement key. Nowadays, however, cars are more expensive than ever before and losing your keys could cost you a significant amount of money to replace. It is essential to keep a spare car key and keep it in a secure place.
If you have a conventional key, which doesn't use any specific technology to unlock or start your car, you can visit any hardware or locksmith shop to get a replacement. If you own an ignition switchblade or key fob that triggers a sensor to unlock your car's doors and then start the engine it is recommended to go to your dealer. This is because the dealership has all of the equipment and tools needed to replace the fob.
It's also beneficial going to a dealership because they know your specific make and model. They will know how to program your key and may even have the right key in hand. This can save you time and money.
In addition, the dealership is also likely to be the most appropriate option in the event that you have warranty protection on your vehicle. This is because warranties include things like key fob replacement, and they can get you back on the road quickly.
You can prevent this from happening by always having two keys in different locations. You will never be left stranded when you lose your car, and you will always have a backup car to get you to where you have to go. Additionally, if you do lose your keys, you need to act immediately and to determine the best solution to your specific situation.
3. Go to Your Insurance Company
It's a nightmare scenario when you misplace your car keys and your only choice is to pay an exorbitant sum to a locksmith dealership to replace them. The cost of replacing keys has increased as cars have become more complicated. In the past, you could get a key replacement that was similar to the original and it was also affordable.
Now, cars use smart keys that are made up of laser-cut keys and chips that transmit an electronic signal to your car. They can be more costly to replace because they have to be connected to your vehicle. This is why it is an excellent idea to have an additional key for your vehicle, to avoid losing the only one you have left and needing to pay an expensive amount to replace it.
If you have a backup, check to see if your insurance company covers the cost of replacing the key. You'll need to ensure that your car is covered under comprehensive insurance or an additional 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 be able to have your claim approved, you will have to provide your insurance company with the receipt or invoice for the key. You will also need to submit an First Information Report (FIR) with the police station in the event that your vehicle was stolen.
The majority times keys lost will not be covered under your insurance policy as it is considered personal property and not part of the vehicle. However, there are a few exceptions, so it's recommended to review your policy before losing your car keys. Don't be worried if you lose them. Follow the steps in this article to get them back or purchase a new car key. Then, you can drive your car again!
4. Tow truck
You might need to replace keys that have been lost, which can be a major problem. Depending on the type of key you have for your car it could cost you hundreds of dollars. Fortunately, there are some methods to prevent this from occurring.
For instance, you could purchase a car key replacement program that will cover the cost of your lost keys. These programs may also provide additional benefits such as roadside assistance, rental discounts and concierge services when you're traveling.
You can also buy an extra car key and keep it in a separate place from your keys. This will help you avoid losing your car keys if you're susceptible to forgetfulness. Keep your spare car key in a place you know is safe. For instance, a secret storage space in your home or at work could be a good location for this.
Alternately, you can try to get a new car key from your dealer. It can be costly, but it's the quickest method to get your vehicle back on the road. Moreover, you can rest sure that the new key is an OEM transponder key from the factory and won't be stolen easily.
A locksmith who is a professional is a second option. They can design a new key for you based on your vehicle's VIN as well as their key-cutting equipment. They can also reprogram a smart key, if needed. They will charge less than the dealership, and can also provide better customer service.
If you've lost your keys, don't panic. Relax and try to remember the last time you looked for your keys. Chances are, you'll find them quickly. If you can't find them, call a tow truck for assistance. They have the experience, technology and skilled personnel to handle this situation quickly. They can also provide reasonable towing and vehicle recovery services. They also offer emergency auto-lockout services to customers. So, if you're stuck in a ditch or have been locked out of your car call Action Towing for help. They can get you back on the road in no time.