Why You Need A Mailbox Lock In This Day And Age
You will be pressed to find a house, apartment building, ormotorhome without a mailbox to go along with it. With the distance that moderntechnology has traveled, we have come to the point of ordering fresh groceriesto our doorstep. With that being said, having a mailbox lock is more criticalthan ever.
Companies like Amazon, and many retail stores, offerdelivery of packages to our doors every single day. If customers are orderingvaluable or a series of packages, they will appreciate a reputable locksmithcompany that can install a mailbox lock for peace of mind every time yourmailman drives by your home.
VARIOUS OPTIONS
Keypads
Commonly used throughout residential properties nowadays,keypads are a hot commodity in the world of keyless entry. This selectionessentially eliminates the need for a set of keys entirely. When youre walkinginside with your lunchbox, paperwork, and a couple of kids hands, you caneasily enter the numerical code, and youre inside in no time. Its as simpleas that.
FingerprintScanner
This method will also be useful except that if you have morethan one person needing access, its going to be quite tricky getting yourfingerprint scanned each time they need to enter the property. Everyone has aunique fingerprint no two people will ever share the same imprints on theirfingers. This type of scanner may be expensive initially, but over time, itwill be more than worth the money because the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
Facial andRetinal Scanners
Invest In A Lanyard Or Key Holder
A lanyard or other transportable keyholder is another simple fix to help you keep track of your keys. A long lanyard, chain or trinket on your keys can make it harder to lose because of the noise it makes, the length of the attachment and more. Adding bulk and weight to your keychain will also make it harder to lose when youre out as youll be more likely to miss the feel of the keys in your purse or pocket.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Lost Keys
Typically, the most expensive option is to replace your keys at a car dealership. However, this choice gives you the convenience of not having to do any troubleshooting yourself.
Using a locksmith will be a cheaper solution, but youll have to work with the provider to ensure he or she services the type of key technology your car has.
Consumer Reports found that replacing the keys for a 2005 Accord at the dealer cost $200. Comparatively, buying a key online and having a locksmith cut and program it costs $134. Thats a 33% savings by opting not to go to the dealership.
Here are some sample costs for dealership replacement of lost keys:
- Acura Smart Key: $400
- Audi Key: $280 to $350
- BMW Smart Key: $500
- Chrysler Key: $90 to $400
- Dodge Key: $200
- Ford Transponder Key: $160 for the key, additional $75 for the fob
- Honda Laser Key: $150 to $250
- Kia : $30 to $80
- Kia Key and Fob: $250 to $300
- Lexus Key Fob: $374
- VW Key and Fob: $300
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What Do I Do If My Car Keys Are Stolen
If your vehicle keys are stolen an auto locksmith will be able to do the following:
I Cant Find My Car Keys What Should I Do
First of all, try not to fret. Panic and stress only clouds your thinking and youre less likely to see them even if theyre under your nose.
Were not in the business of telling you how to look for things, but some sensible places to look are:
- Coat and trouser pockets dont forget the ones in the laundry basket!
- In your gym bag/handbag/weekend bag or the bag you took out last night
- Designated dumping grounds places where clutter usually builds up
- Kitchen counters
- Down the back of the sofa
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I Lost My Car Keys: What To Do
We carry around our car keys and usually dont think about the consequences of losing them until it happens. In fact, car keys are one of the most commonly lost items, causing stress, costing a lot of money, and wasting our time.
Lets discuss what to do if youve lost your car keys and how you can avoid this problem in the future.
The First Option Is To Go With Your Local Dealership
You can always contact a local car dealership if youd like new car keys made. They keep track of your vehicles security, meaning theyll be able to find this information in their database quickly. It is not difficult for them to provide you with a spare car key.
An official car dealership is a good option for getting new car keys because they’ll have the right equipment and know-how to program your new car key fob, and you’ll be able to stay relaxed knowing that you’re100%getting an OEM factory transponder key, not a cheap knockoff.
Not many people like this solution because the dealership will typically charge you more for their key fobs and transponder keys. Another thing to consider is that you will always need to schedule an appointment and bring the car in with a tow truck.
At the dealership, your car key replacement can take a few days, and the price will depend on the year and model of your car. If you want to be specific, things might vary from a few hundred dollars to a couple of thousand dollars for a new transponder key made.
A dealer can be a great option for you if:
- You do not mind spending on towing.
- You want peace of mind, knowing you will be getting genuine transponder keys.
- You do not mind spending a little extra on your car key replacement services.
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Gather Your Vehicle Information
Whether you choose to go to a locksmith or your local car dealership, you will need to have some information handy. Otherwise, they wont be able to provide the key that works with your vehicle.
You will first need to identify what type of key you use . You will also need the vehicle identification number , which can be found on the dash and the drivers side door jamb. Write down the year, make and model of your vehicle as well.
How To Avoid Losing Your Car Keys
They say prevention is the best cure so some simple steps in reducing the chances of your keys being lost or stolen can go a long way to avoiding all this hassle in the first place.
Now that you know the ins and outs of your cars key, take the final step for some peace of mind with Aviva car insurance, which comes with breakdown rescue, as standard.
We encourage our customers, where possible, to make use of our online options to access any help you need. If you have a query, you can reach us via our contact forms. MyAviva is an online self-service portal available to all our home and car insurance customers.
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Should I Get A Spare Car Key If I Want To Sell My Car
If youre selling your car and youve lost, broken, or had one of your car keys stolen it can be a good idea to have a new car key made up, as having only one set of keys can have a serious impact on your cars resale value.
However, this may require some number-crunching, as its probably only worth investing the money to get a spare key made up for your car if the cost of replacing it is likely to be covered by the higher price youll get for selling a car with two keys.
Usually, if you have a fairly new car purchased within the last decade that had a high sticker price when you bought it, it is worth investing in a new car key if you have had one lost, broken, or stolen as having two sets of keys is desirable and will generally result in a faster sale and higher sale price.
If you look at online car sales, most vehicle profiles will include the fact that they have two sets of keys as standard as it is a known selling point and buyers are often wary of profiles that dont mention the number of car keys for precisely this reason.
When it comes to selling your car, if youve only got one key for it, it can often be worthwhile having a duplicate made from that key. Its usually a quick and simple process too in fact, most auto locksmiths can do it for you while you wait.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace Lost Car Keys
The cost of replacing a car key varies wildly. More complex cars with keyless entry and other functions will typically have more expensive keys than older, simpler cars. Most cars have electronic immobilisers built into their keys, whereby a code is sent and received from the car to the key, to check authenticity this is in addition to the remote central locking function, and the physical key itself.
Programming a new key takes expert knowledge and specialist equipment, which is partly why getting a new car key made up is more expensive than getting a new house key. Think of something in the region of a £300 ballpark though you may be able to pay less, or may need to pay much more.
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Do I Need To Have My Car Towed In Order To Have A New Car Key Made
Not if you call a Locksmith Connect! Locksmith Connect can connect you with an independent mobile locksmith that can come to you and make new keys on the spot. This helps with the overall cost of service, as a dealership will almost always require towing. Because making new car keys without the original requires having the car present for the purposes of verification, programming, and any necessary decoding, you can either tow your car to the dealership or call a locksmith.
Replacing A Transponder Key
This key has an integrated security chip, or transponder, built right in. The chip emits a signal to the cars ignition and door locks. That allows the car door to unlock and lets the driver start the car. The typical cost for a basic replacement chip key is around $160. If the key is laser cut with a slightly thicker shank and fewer serrated edges you could pay a lot more.
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Go To An Automotive Locksmith
Getting a replacement key at your car dealership can work, but you could pay a lot more than if you had gone to an automotive locksmith.
An automotive locksmith can create a new key that works with your specific vehicle. On top of that, an automotive locksmith may be able to program your replacement key fob if thats the issue.
Replacing A Smart Key Fob
These can remain in your pocket when you get into and start a car. They emit an electronic code, and once the code is verified, drivers can open doors or start the car.
If you lose a smart key, be prepared to pay a hefty amount the cost can run anywhere from $220 to $500, depending on the car. Getting a replacement may be tough without a backup. Chances are, youll need to have the car towed to a dealership and show proof of ownership. If the dealer has the key in stock, they should be able to pair the new key with your car. If they order the key, you may be waiting a few days before you can get your car back.
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Pontiac Dealership Key Replacement
If you have lost or broken the key to your Pontiac vehicle, you can visit your nearest Pontiac dealership to get a replacement. At the dealership, you will be able to get a replacement key that fits your vehicle, and they will also provide you with the necessary programming instructions to make sure the key is compatible with your car. Additionally, if you need a remote starter, alarm, or any other accessories, the dealership will be able to install them for you. The dealership will also be able to answer any other questions you may have about key replacement for your Pontiac vehicle.
What If You Car Keys Fell Out Of Your Pocket
Forgetting where we have put our car keys is only a temporary problem and they will usually turn up when we remember where we put them or when we re-discover them. We dont always lose our car keys as a result of bad memory. I speak to lots of customers that lose their car keys whilst out walking the dog or leave them on a train. These type of lost key situations are slightly harder to resolve.
Once you have done everything you can to recover your keys it may be time to face the reality that they just arent coming back. Getting new car keys can be huge ordeal if you are not aware of all your options, so lets take a look at what options are available for getting replacement car keys.
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What To Consider When Picking A Locksmith
Just like any other service in your life, you need to makesure you have the right locksmith company for the job. Many factors go intomaking sure that you are hiring the right people, but often enough, we tend toforget or overlook these factors. So let us take a look at what you should dobefore hiring on someone to help change out your locks, duplicate a key, or getyou entry to your car or house after haphazardly locking yourself out.
Locked Out Of Your Car Dont Panic Theres More Than One Way To Get Back Behind The Wheel If You Lose Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be an almighty hassle and, unfortunately, it can be breathtakingly expensive to get a replacement. However, theres more than one way to regain access to your car if your keys go missing and, if youre canny with your methods, you can save yourself some money. Weve listed five methods for recovering lost or stolen keys, along with some useful hints to make the process as painless as possible.
First, write down your cars VIN number. This will be useful information for dealers and parts traders when hunting for replacement keys. In newer cars, this will be found on a plaque set into the dashboard and will be visible through the windscreen. For older cars, refer to your vehicles log book .
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Contact Your Rental Company
It is likely that when you rented your car, you were given, or emailed an information pack containing various bits of information. Within this there should be a phone number for your hire company. Call them relaying as much information as possible, key information being:
your name, your location, and a phone number with which they can contact you back. They will also more than likely ask for a reference number/booking number that you were given at the time of hiring the car.
Find Your Car Key Type
This is when things begin to get tricky, but it tends to happen to a lot of people so of course there is a solution to it. I am sure there are several articles that have been written on the importance of having a spare key. This does not only apply to car keys, but to house keys and commercial building keys as well. But each key has special considerations, so check which type of car key you lost.
Back in the day, things used to be much easier in regards to car keys. You have a key and that key corresponds to a car that is yours . These days, however, things are slightly more complicated than that because of numerous technological advancements. Not all keys are universal, so when you have a car key lost without a spare you need to pay attention to the type of key that you had, so that you know which key you need to get.
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How Much Does A Car Key Replacement Cost
Well, it depends.
Prices will usually be contingent on where you go to get your car keys replaced, but will also depend on the following factors:
- Your car brand the make, model, and age of the car
- The type of key it uses for example, if its a remote key fob, remote keyless fob, or has been made prior to 1995
Costs range from as little as £25 to many thousands of pounds, depending on how prestige your car might be. To get a replacement key made for a BMW i8, for example, will cost around £1,000. Whereas the Diamond key used in top-of-the-range Bentleys will typically cost around £8,000 to replace.
However, according to recent research by the website Checkatrade, the average cost of a car key replacement in the UK is £252.
