If you have ever lost your car keys, you know how frustrating the situation can be. Luckily, there are easy steps you can take to replace your lost car keys and get on with your life as quickly as possible. If you lose your car keys and don’t want to spend money buying new ones, follow these steps to replace your lost car keys. If you’ve lost your car keys and need help, contact Unlocking Local Locksmith today. Our experts will help you with all of your critical replacement needs! Get in touch with us today.
Step 1: Find Your Vehicle
If you can’t find your vehicle, you won’t be able to lost car key replacement. Look for it in all the usual places, like your driveway, parking spot, or garage. If you still can’t find it, check with local tow companies or the police department to see if it’s been impounded. The next step is to get a duplicate key made. Be sure to call ahead so that they know what you need. Bring proof of ownership and identification when going in person.
If this doesn’t work, try calling a locksmith specializing in making car keys duplicates and ask them to come out and create one for you on-site. If that doesn’t work, try getting an electronic transponder key from the dealership. These are more expensive than the other options but may be worth it if you don’t want to go through all the trouble of trying to find your actual key. You’ll need two forms of ID and proof of purchase, so bring those items along with you. You’ll also have to pay a fee, which varies by state but usually falls between $40-200, depending on how much time and labor it takes for the locksmith to install your new key.
Step 2: Call a Recovery Service
If you have a membership with a roadside assistance service like AAA, you can call them, and they will send someone to help you. If you don’t have a roadside assistance service, you can look up the number of a local tow truck company and call them. Be sure to have your car make, model, and year ready so they can send the correct type of truck. When the tow truck arrives, they will hook up your vehicle and take it to the nearest locksmith. The locksmith will be able to make you a new key for your car. They might ask you what type of ignition system your vehicle has before they start making the key. If they do, just let them know whether or not it is an old-fashioned cylinder lock or if it is a push-button style (many newer cars use this kind). Once they have made the key, you’ll need to come back in person with proof of ownership (a copy of your registration) to get the new keys from them.
Step 3: Get New Car Keys Replaced
If you’ve lost your car keys, don’t panic! Replacing them is relatively straightforward. Here’s what you need to do: – 1) Call a locksmith to remove the ignition lock from the vehicle.
– 2) Have a replacement key made
– 3) Return to the location where you last had possession of your original set of keys (e.g., home, office, friend’s house) and find them there
– 4) Drive back to the locksmith with a new set of keys in hand and have them re-install the original ignition lock onto your vehicle – if this does not work for any reason, call a different locksmith
– 5) Repeat the process as necessary until your car starts running again or until you are satisfied that it won’t start
The steps are easy enough, but they’re often more complicated.
Step 4: Change the Immobilizer Chip
If you have a chip in your key, you’ll need to take it to a professional to have it programmed. You can find a locksmith or dealer by searching online or in the phone book. Be sure to call ahead and ask about their prices and policies. Once you’ve found a reputable source, take your key and the vehicle’s paperwork. The professional will need to know your car’s make, model, and year. They will also need proof that you own the car. Sometimes they may not require payment upfront, but they may require a deposit. And there is usually an additional fee for this service. Make sure to get all this information in writing before any work on your vehicle, so you know what you’re getting into financially. A copy of your registration, proof of insurance, and a signed authorization letter from the owner are required to prove ownership when changing the immobilizer chip. You must understand this process fully before committing.
Step 5: Prepare for the Next Time
1. Avoid losing your keys in the first place by keeping them on a keychain or in a designated spot in your home.
2. If you lose your keys, retrace your steps and look in all the places they could be.
3. If you still can’t find them, call a locksmith or dealership for help.
4. In the meantime, you can use a spare key or another method of transportation.
5. To prevent this from happening again, make sure to have spare keys made and give them to trusted family or friends.
6. You should also consider getting a keyless entry system for your car.
Conclusion
Replacing your lost car keys can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. If you have a spare key, use that. If you don’t have a light, you’ll need to order a new key from your dealership or an automotive locksmith. Be sure to bring proof of ownership and identification when you get your new key. You may also want to contact your insurance company before going through the process, as they may sometimes cover the cost of replacing your lost car keys.
