You never think about replacing your car keys until you misplace them, or lose them altogether. If you lost your car keys, don’t worry, you have many options to get new keys, discover your options now. No one is blaming you a recent survey shows that 30% of drivers misplace or lose their car keys at some point. Car keys are notorious for disappearing, they rank 3rd on the top list of most lost items after mobile phones and home keys. Cell phones are easy to locate using GPS technology, and you probably have more than one copy for your home, but not many people have a spare car key, and if they do, they are probably not sure where they put them.
So Let’s Talk About Replacement Car Keys. Here are your options:
1. Contact the Dealership:
Your first and most expensive option. In most cases, car dealerships don’t stock parts, and it will take two weeks for your replacement keys to arrive. Can you get by without your vehicle for two weeks? Add to that bill the expense of towing because most dealerships will require that you “drive” to the nearest branch. Frankly, this is the surest way for car key replacement, but it is also the long and costly. You will also have to show them the ownership documents.
2. You Can Contact Your Breakdown Recovery Provider:
Just in case your provider is able to replace your keys, it will cost you more, especially if the case of lost keys was not covered in the policy. Plus, many recovery companies don’t have the equipment or expertise required to do it themselves, so they will probably hire locksmiths and car key specialists to do it.
3. Claim on Your Vehicle Insurance
Not all insurance companies provide the key replacement option in their policy, but it is worth checking out with them. However, they won’t consider your keys are “lost” until three days has passed, and they may not be covering the recovery cost.
So why not pick the easiest route? The quickest street between two destinations is the empty street, right?
4. Call a nearby auto locksmith:
This is the real choice. Locksmiths and car key specialists are the ones who got the best deal for you. They also don’t charge for inspection, since they usually have a fleet of vans patrolling the area. They will just start working on your car on the spot, without any delay. It is worth noting the difference between hardware stores and locksmiths. Hardware stores merely copy the keys and aren’t really equipped to create new keys. On the other hand, locksmiths usually got the skills and the advanced machines to do the job. If the car is old, the chances are higher that the locksmith will have less trouble replacing the keys.
If you lost your keys, most likely your best bet is a professional car key specialist like Co Car Keys. He will not only help you create a new one but will help you program it too. So in some way, he becomes your manual, in case you lost your manual with the keys.
5. Search Online:
This option is for you if you’re a hunter, and want to cover all grounds. Start scouring the internet for aftermarket keys. With some luck and the little prayer, you might find the factory replacement for a slice of the cost you would give to the dealership or manufacturer. This will require patience, and search skills. Search on eBay for established dealers. Search online for car keys replacement specialists. Remember, when your vehicle is old, it is more likely to find replacement keys for it, as professionals would have worked on cars similar to yours many times. Amazon is also a good source to consider.
6. Never Lose Your Keys or Forget Them:
OK, this should have been number one. To avoid losing your keys or losing them.
A) Always lock the car standing while outside the vehicle with they key fob in your hands.
B) Put the keys in your pocket immediately after taking them out of the ignition. Not the purse because you might forget it inside the car.
C) Never put the keys anywhere except the ignition or your pocket. Don’t think you will remember taking them, you won’t.
D) Never ever lock the car with anything except the car keys.
Everything you just read is useless unless you apply it.