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There are several reasons why you may want to have your car key replaced, but most of the times it’s because we lose them; other reasons include getting broken, worn or even getting locked out of your car. It is quite fascinating how our car keys get lost in the most unusual ways, for instance, you could remember placing the keys in your coat pocket, and not finding it there, and then finding it months later underneath your couch, or in your closet, or someplace you never imagined it would be — inside the freezer. Sometimes you are left wondering how the car key walks away from where you think you left it.
Before the 1980s, when the electronic era began, lost car keys were not a challenge. Since you could easily walk into any locksmith shop or hardware store to get a replacement, or better still you could go to the car dealership for a replacement. However, because the keys could be duplicated easily, it also made it very easy for car theft to thrive. With the advancement in security technologies, even car key technology evolved, and thus, made it more difficult for cars to get stolen, this does not mean that cars don’t get stolen though, it only means that it’s not as easy as it was back before the 80s. It is also important to note that the innovative technologies used on the keys have made their replacement costlier than it was years ago. With that in mind, car theft is still an issue. And unfortunately, with thief getting more and more tech-savvy, and more vehicles added on a road throughout the year — the Vehicle Theft in the US is on a steady rise. You can see the vehicle theft statistic in the US in the past few years for more details.
You need a plan B for your car keys, so you do not get stranded when it gets missing, or when you are locked out. Here are some tips to help you ease the locksmith services procedure if you decide that dealership prices are too high, or if it’s an emergency.
• Inform the locksmith about the make, model and year of your vehicle, because locksmiths are good with making basic car keys, but transponder car keys would need a piece of different equipment, hence, it is good to ascertain they can do the job.
• It is also important to know whether the locksmith is insured, licensed, and bonded.
• Give a detailed explanation of the problem.
• Be sure that the locksmith actually serves the area you are in, so you do not have to wait for long
• Perhaps you got locked out of your car and do not own a spare car key, it is important to allow your locksmith to know, in order for them to expedite their services, knowing that it is an emergency situation.
• If you have changed your ignition before the car key got lost, you should let the locksmith know about it, as it will give them more insight about how to go replacing your car key for you.
The recent trend in technological innovations prevents you from just walking up to any hardware store to have your keys replaced, and this has contributed to the high cost of replacing car keys. However, there are some ways you can replace your car keys without breaking the bank:
• Automotive Locksmiths
As opposed to going to the dealership to have your lost car keys replaced, the locksmith is a much cheaper option, and even for transponder keys, some locksmiths have the equipment needed to program the keys, all at a cheaper cost than visiting the dealership.
• Car Insurance Claim
This is one option a lot of people do not use, either because they do not know about it, or they think the process would be tedious. But you can lodge a complaint with your insurance company about your stolen or lost car key; however, it is imperative that you ensure that the stolen or lost car keys are in line with the time requirements, stipulated by the policy defining lost car keys. There are several other criteria to consider; hence, it is important to pay attention to the agreement before opting for the insurance for your car key replacement.
• Have Spare Keys
When buying a car from a dealer, it is a good practice to request for spare keys, because some dealers also offer that service. When you get the spare keys, it is imperative to check them there to ascertain that they are working perfectly. Having spare keys saves you a lot of time and money in case your car keys get missing, or you get locked out while the car is running.
• Use Shockproof and Waterproof Car Keys
If you are the type who is really active and are always on the move or partying, then it is a safe practice to request for car keys that are waterproof and shockproof, as they increase the lifespan of the car keys, especially in the prevention of wear. You can get a good automotive locksmith to do this for you at a cheaper rate than the car dealers will offer you.
• Key Locator Devices
This is handy for people who misplace their keys often. It is designed in such a way that it can be connected to your smartphone, and gives a ring when you begin to look for it.
We cannot deny the fact that modern car keys are expensive to replace; hence, it is always a good practice to have a spare before the main one gets missing. You will spend more time and money when it becomes an emergency situation.
Bottom Line
Losing a key is a common scenario, especially in a high paced world we live today, and dealing with locksmith issues doesn’t need to be stressful and complicated if you are prepared!
Everybody wants their car to be safe and secure. Our cars are not just a means of transportation but also act as our private gateways. Unfortunately, the increasing crime rates including theft and burglary have made this one of the difficult tasks to be accomplished. One of the best ways to protect your vehicle from possible future robberies is to change the manual lock to something automatic or technologically advanced or to have a skilled and trustworthy locksmith on your speed dial for any emergency.
Car Key Replacement LLC
4747 E Thomas rd Suit C
Phoenix, AZ 85018
One Response
Nice Post!!