The Second Option Is To Go Call Your Local Automotive Locksmith
A lot of people don’t know that a locksmith can also make car keys. It’s a common misconception. Contacting yourlocal locksmith specialistwho offers car key services in all lost key situations can save you up to50%off your car keys expenses.
Car locksmiths can be a great alternative because usually, they offer mobile emergency service, so they’ll come to you when you need it. You won’t have to wait for too long before a technician arrives.
A competent car locksmith will usually carry the latest car key programming equipment and will be able to generate duplicate car keys or keyless entry key fobs on site, just like a local dealership.
As a rule, you would ultimately pay less to your local locksmith than what you would have paid at the dealership for your replacement key. One contributing factor is that locksmiths use cost-effective methods to replace lost car keys.
A local automotive locksmith can be a great option for you if:
- You are not willing or can’t tow your vehicle.
- You want to save on your car keys expenses.
- It is an emergency, and you need your transponder keys replaced ASAP.
Are Lost Car Keys Covered By Insurance
Lost car keys are typically not covered with a normal car insurance. However, there may be exceptions if you have a comprehensive policy that covers theft, as well as other events such as fire or vandalism. But most standard car insurance policies do not provide coverage for lost or stolen car keys.
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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What If I Don’t Have A Spare To Make A Copy Of My Lost Or Stolen Key
If you don’t have a spare key for making a copy, a car locksmith or the dealer can likely still create a copy by referencing the car’s key code or VIN. However, this may be more expensive than replacing the key from a copy.
Looking for more information about auto insurance? Our car insurance resource center has you covered.
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When You Realise You Have Lost Your Keys
According to the RAC, around 16 million drivers regularly misplace their keys. If you lose your keys or they are stolen, you may be covered by your insurer, but if a family member or friend loses them, its unlikely that your insurer will pay the costs.
If they have been stolen, you must report the crime to the police and get a crime reference number in order to make a claim with your insurer. If you leave your keys in the ignition and your car is stolen, your insurer will not cover you. Lying to your insurer and saying that they have been stolen is fraud.
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What To Do If You Lose The Keys To A Rental Car
Lost rental car keys can be a major hurdle during your trip. Even if youâre near the rental car dealership, they may not have an extra set of keys for you to use. There are a few different ways to navigate this unfortunate situation. Both will require some waiting on your part, as well as some sort of fee. But itâs totally possible to get those lost rental car keys replaced so you can move on with your day. Here are some tips on how to handle the situation and what to expect each step of the way.
What To Do If Car Keys Are Lost
If you lose your car keys, you should first search around the area where you last had them. If you cant find them, then the next step is to call a locksmith to help you get into your car. A locksmith can either make a new key for you or open your car door without a key.
If you have a modern car and your car keys are lost and have no spare, you have to contact the dealership to make new car keys and reprogram them to your cars immobilizer system. You may have to tow the car to the dealership, depending on your car model.
Here is a list of a few steps you should take if you lose your car keys. Further down in the article, you will find what to do based on the car key type for your vehicle.
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Lost Car Keys Use Donotpay To Handle The Situation Easily
If youve found yourself locked outside your car because of lost car keys, you are not alone. Losing valuable items is a nightmare, but it happens more often than youd think, especially with small objects like keys.
DoNotPay is here to explain steps you should take after youve turned your entire house upside down to find the keys and failed.
Take Action Against Intruders With A Restricted Key Andalarm System
Businesses have a specific hierarchy of employees. If youhave a vast and growing company, then you have employees that will have tomanage in your absence who will need access to the companys building orwarehouse. An alarm system is a priceless addition to any company becausesafety always comes before anything else.
At one point or another, keys upon keys will be made andgiven out, and then you will have lost count of how many are out in the world.When youre giving a duplicated key to an employee, a trust system goes intoplace. From that exchange, that person has access into your business. If theyare terminated from the company, they may pose a risk because of the key intheir possession.
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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
What To Do When You Lose Your Keys
It happens to everybody. You need to start your car or get into your house, but when you reach for your keys, theyre not where they should be.
Unfortunately, you seldom realize your keys are lost when its convenient. Whether youre rushing out the door or on your way home from work, its easy to get frustrated in this situation. Before panic sets in, take a deep breath. Follow this step-by-step list to go from lost keys to peace of mind.
1. Make sure you dont have them. Always double check to be sure youre not overlooking your keys. Purses, messenger bags and backpacks are usually big enough for keys to be covered by other contents. Dig through your bag and empty it if necessary to make sure your keys arent hiding in a secret pouch. If you dont normally keep your keys in a bag, check all your pockets to be certain your keys arent somewhere on you.
2. Think of where they could be. Since your keys arent where you expected them to be, mentally retrace your steps to determine likely places they could be. Questions like, When was the last time I used my keys? or, What did I do with my keys after I last used them? are helpful. If you share keys with someone, check if that person used them recently or left them in a different place. Also, consider any changes from your normal routine that might have caused you to leave your keys in an out-of-the-ordinary place.
If you cant check all these places yourself, call friends or family members to check for you.
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Is There Any Other Type Of Insurance That Covers Stolen Car Keys
In the case of stolen car keys, property insurance may be able to provide coverage. Property insurance policies that include personal property coverage may protect your belongings against theft even if they’re not in your home when the theft occurs. Suppose your purse or backpack gets stolen and your car keys are inside. You may be able to make a claim for the keys through your property insurance. However, a deductible could apply, and details vary from one insurer to another, so check your policy before filing a claim.
Pro tip:
Before you file a claim for stolen car keys, compare your comprehensive coverage to your property insurance coverage. One may have a significantly higher deductible or may not cover the incident at all.
I Lost My Car Keys And Have No Spare What Should I Do
Posted on January 12, 2021
Locksmith Connect gets calls every day, from people who want to know if they can replace lost car keys if they dont have a spare set. To anyone out there, saying to themselves, I lost my car keys. I dont have a spare. What do I do? My first bit of advice would be to stay calm. You are in the right place.
The expert team at Locksmith Connect has composed a list of frequently asked questions pertaining to the topic of what to do when you have lost car keys and have no spare. You can find many answers to your pressing questions below, but dont hesitate to give us a call if there is anything else you would like to know.
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Do I Have To Change My Locks Now That I Have A New Car Key
If your ignition cylinder has been changed as a result of this service, some customers may desire to change the rest of their locks as well. This may be done for the purpose of security or the convenience of using one key. In other cases, a locksmith might be able to use your existing locks, and update them so there is not a need for full replacement.
Lost Keys Dont Lose Sleep
While losing your car keys can be inconvenient and time-consuming, its important to remember that it could happen to anyone. Losing your car keys doesnt mean that you have to lose your mind! By remaining calm and following the advice in this guide, were optimistic that your problem will be solved in no time.
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What To Do If You Lost Your Car Keys And You Have Left With No Spare
Most of us carry our keychain together with our car key all the time. Sometimes we end up in an unpleasant scenario when our car keys get lost or stolen, and typically it happens precisely when you are the least prepared for it.
It is an unfortunate situation to find yourself standing in front of your car without the ability to get in or start it. At best, you can order a cab home and bring your spare car keys, get back and start your car. But not all of us are that lucky, and sometimes you do not have a spare car key. So what do you do then?
Always Check Online First
No matter which type of car key your car needs, always check for replacement keys online first. They are typically much more affordable than the ones you get at the dealership or auto shop and you can typically get them reprogrammed by a locksmith. However, if you cannot, then the dealership will be able to do it for you.
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Do You Know What To Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
Youve lost your car keys. What a pain! If youve searched high and low and still cant find your keys, it may be time to look into getting a new set.
However, getting new car keys isnt as simple as a trip to Home Depot to get a new key cut. The process is going to depend a lot on what kind of car you have and what type of key it uses.
We have laid out in this article the different ways to replace your keys for every vehicle make but generally these are the steps you would follow.
How to Get New Car Keys Made:
- Determine what type of key you have.
- Figure out the best key replacement method for your vehicle and budget.
- Gather the relevant information such as car make, model, and VIN.
- If needed, tow your vehicle to the key replacement location.
- Test new keys and any old keys to make sure everything works.
Lost All Of The Car Keys To A Modern Vehicle
Not long ago, car manufacturers did not implement any sophisticated anti-theft systems in their cars. Vehicles had just a standard traditional car key, and dealing with lost car keys was a relatively simple task.
However, times have changed, and today almost any car that drives on our streets has a built-intransponder/chip-key system, and occasionally it comes with additional security features. In our days, having a traditional car key for your car is not enough. Your car key has to be programmed to your vehicle for the car to start therefore, supplying a replacement key today requires special tools alongside comprehensive programming knowledge.
Even though replacing car keys isn’t as simple as it used to be, there are still available solutions for you! It usually just comes down to whether you want to tow your vehicle at your local dealership or rely on your local mobile automotive locksmith down the street. Both will be able to provide you with a spare key.
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Car Key Fob With Switchblade Key
If your car key fob contains a key attached to it and you lose the entire set, you will need to take a different action. The key fob contains your spring-loaded key inside of it, leaving you without a way to drive your vehicle.
Your best bet is to contact the dealership for a replacement fob. The dealership will cut the key and reprogram a new fob.
Check Your Rental Agreement
While youâre waiting for roadside assistance, check your rental agreement to see how the company handles lost keys to a rental car. You may be responsible for the fee if you donât have additional insurance that covers extra keys being made. An older key may not be as expensive to replace. But newer key fobs can cost a couple hundred dollars. And if you received a pair of keys, youâll be charged that fee for both, essentially doubling the amount of money you have to pay. Details vary depending on your rental car company and what type of extra services you paid for at the time of rental, which is why itâs important to check your agreement so you know exactly what to expect.
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Understand What Type Of Car Key You Need
Different cars require different types of car keys. Often, the type of car key you need comes down to the year your vehicle was made.
If your car was manufactured before 1981, you can likely get a standard key at a locksmith or, in some cases, a hardware store. Older vehicles generally dont have specialized electronic components, such as transponders or chips.
Vehicles made after 1981 generally have more advanced technology. A locksmith may need to create a transponder key. In this case, going to an automotive locksmith or your dealer will be your best bet. If you have a newer car, or your original car key was a key fob, you may need a smart key replacement. Key fobs communicate with your vehicles ignition and need to be close by to start your car. If you need a replacement, youll need to buy a new fob at your car dealership or an automotive store to get one programmed.
How To Get A Replacement Car Key Without The Original
Youre ready to go theres just one problem: You cant find your keys. If youre in this situation, it can be frustrating and annoying. You might wonder, Can I get a car key without the original?Heres how to get a replacement car key when youre locked out of your car and dont have the original key.
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