It wasn’t so long ago that forgetting where you put your car keys, or even worse, losing them, wasn’t a huge concern. It’s possible that you even had a spare tyre stored in a little box attached to the underside of your vehicle’s bumper. However, as a direct result of the increased technological sophistication of automobiles, the cost of key replacement by hiring a car key maker may now exceed that of the original purchase. It may take several steps and cost several hundred dollars to replace a key that has been lost or stolen, depending on the make and model of the vehicle you drive, and the year it was manufactured. If you don’t already have a spare key for your car, you should get one manufactured and store it somewhere secure.
Call A Local Dealership
You may get a new key at a dealership because they have the appropriate equipment. The cost will vary depending on the model, year, and manufacturer of the key that you need. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft transponder key, the dealer will connect a machine to the onboard diagnostics port of your car. Once connected, the device will delete the information from the previous key and program a new transponder key with updated coding. In contrast to a key that has been permanently lost, which may be replaced, a key that has been stolen needs to have a new lock installed on the vehicle and a replacement key. In any case, this implies that you need to transport the car to the dealership, and if you do not have a Roadside Assistance plan, the cost of towing the vehicle could be a significant additional burden.
Something to consider while comparing the prices of the several possibilities: it may imply deciding if your time or finances are more important at present. Suppose you own a vehicle that is either extremely new or very high-end and has a key that the distributor or the manufacturer can only replace. In that case, you may be eligible for a discount under your warranty terms. Visit a dealership with the information about your vehicle, a current photo identification, and any other keys you may have. They will be deemed useless until the new key is programmed.
Call A Car Key Maker
Calling a locksmith is probably your best bet if you’re in a bind and require a quick replacement for your car key. This comes in especially handy if you ever find yourself in one of the various situations in which you find yourself locked out of your car. Locksmiths specializing in automotive security will also have the appropriate machinery to produce a key for you. Even better, you can call a mobile car key maker to come to the vehicle, open the car for you, and even cut you a key on the spot if you need one. Keep in mind that there is a separate fee associated with each stage of the service. Because some locksmiths lack the necessary equipment to produce keys for newer vehicles, the likelihood that a car key maker near me will be able to assist you increases with the age of your car. If you have misplaced your key fob, any competent car key shop near me should be able to create a replacement. They should also be able to reprogram the replacement key fob for you, but the instructions on how to do so should also be included in your vehicle’s manual. Bring any additional key fobs you may have, as none will function properly until a new key is programmed.
Online Key Replacement
These providers can cut keys for you depending on the Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.) you give to them. You can place your order immediately online and have the car key repair near me or replacement key delivered to you within a few days, or for an additional cost, you can have it delivered to you overnight. This may yet turn out to be the choice with the lowest overall price. Once you have the key in hand, you can easily configure it to work with your vehicle without the assistance of a mechanic. You can also find detailed instructions for operating your car in the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle.
Typically, the instructions are included with the new key. Reprogramming often requires repeatedly opening and closing the car doors and turning the lights and other electronic components on and off. However, this process can vary depending on the type of vehicle. If you are prepared for the possibility that your keys could be lost or stolen, you will have a much easier time getting back on track with as little disruption as possible. Even though this could be a waste of time and money for you, the valuable lesson you will take away from it is that you should always be fully prepared for any crucial accidents that may occur in the future.
Things To Do If Your Key Is Lost
● Check thoroughly
Before reaching any conclusion, the first and most important thing that must be done is to search exhaustively in all possible locations for the keys. You may look for the keys in the bedroom when you realize you misplaced them in the dining room.
● Inform your insurance company
When you lose your key, the most important thing is to write down and report the incident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. If the key to the vehicle is misplaced, there is a good possibility that the car will be stolen. If you fail to notify the insurance provider that you have lost a key, there is a possibility that your claim will be denied if the car is stolen at a later date.
● Use spare keys
When you misplace your key, having a spare key is a lifesaver. Using the spare keys may not be easy when you are far from home. In this situation, it is best to push the car to a safe spot and then use the spare keys to open the vehicle.
● Don’t use unauthorized keys
If you use keys that are not approved, the manufacturer of your vehicle may void the guarantee on your car. Locally manufactured keys may be able to unlock the lock momentarily, but it is not recommended that you use them because they can also be used to steal the vehicle. If they are used improperly, these unlicensed keys might also cause harm to the lock on your car.
● File F.I.R.
People have a tendency, in many instances, to overlook the requirement to tell the police and file for an F.I.R. if they lose their keys. It is imperative that this is brought to the attention of the police as soon as possible and that they are given a First Information Report that details the time and location of the event. The insurance company must have a copy of this report to handle any claims involving the theft of a vehicle properly.
Conclusion
Nothing is more inconvenient than having your car keys stolen from you or lost while on the road. However, if you are aware of the alternatives available to you and what to anticipate when placing a replacement order, it won’t have to ruin your day. Make sure you have all you need before you reach out to someone for assistance. In addition to that, have the brand, model, and year of your vehicle readily available.