Losing your car keys is almost like Superman losing his ability to fly. In as much as you can board a bus or call a cab, you know there’s still that sense of comfort with you driving yourself anywhere. If your keychain fell into a dark abyss or unexplainably disappears, you need a replacement pronto. Fortunately, there are different ways to go about it.
An Automotive Locksmith
The shoe fits commercial locksmiths, but there are automotive-focused key system service providers. More often than not, this is the cheapest way to get the problem solved, as the locksmith will have all the needed equipment to replace the lost key. They are conversant with all key types for most vehicle manufacturer models in the market.
Case in point, some key replacement services charge a fee to use their diagnostic software to program the keys. This is likely the fastest option because they can locate you wherever you are with the needed tools as quickly as they can.
Car Dealership Franchise
Calling on your vehicle dealership company may be the longest and most expensive way to replace your car keys. That’s because the franchise may not have all the necessary equipment to get the job done. More so, most of them are not willing to visit you, so you have to find a way to get to them.
Nevertheless, it is worth a try. Some of them have partnerships with auto locksmith service providers and might do you a quick solid. Nevertheless, they may have to order the key blank, which takes time. Not all car dealerships have the means to resort to key programming, so having the diagnostic equipment on site is unlikely.
Call Your Insurance Provider
If your car keys go missing or become faulty, you can apply for a replacement under a car insurance policy. Such policies often cover car keys replacements, but it can vary with the type of loss. Case in point, some insurance schemes do not offer replacement on damages or theft.
Go through your car insurance policy to find out more about what kind of replacement your agreement covers and which it doesn’t. In some cases, there are chances for extra pay. Also, bear in mind that claiming on your insurance may affect your no claims bonus, which could cost you in the long run.
Using A Breakdown Service
In the case where you accidentally locked your car keys inside the vehicle itself, a breakdown service should be able to get you back into your car. It comes with no extra cost, as long as you have a valid policy with them. But if they can’t find a way into the four-wheeler, they ought to arrange for an auto locksmith to have a go.
Should a locksmith become a much-need part of the equation, you will then have to worry about paying extra. If this does not work either, taking your car to a nearby garage is the next option. Depending on your policy with a car breakdown service, you won’t have to pay for recovering your spare key.
Be as it may, calling in an auto locksmith remains the easiest, fastest, and most cost-effective way to get your car keys replaced or retrieved from within your four-wheel drive.
