How Easy are Car Keys to Replace?
Losing or having a malfunctioning car key can be an incredibly stressful experience. You literally feel immobilized even as you have an important trip to make. Like the best things in life, you realize its worth only when it’s gone. But what could you possibly do to get your car keys back once you have lost it?
Remember, a lost car key is not just an inconvenience but also a security threat. Someone else might be in possession of your car key and might leave you without your car if you do not take adequate steps to have your car key replaced. But how does some one get his or her car key replaced after having misplaced the same? Read on to find out that losing your car key should not necessarily leave you stressed. Armed with the right information, you will learn that replacing your car keys is a breeze.
Choosing a locksmith to replace your car keys
The first step should be find out whether you have any car insurance coverage for the lost key. Typically, a car insurance does not provide for lost keys and the individual will have to pay out of his or her pocket. If, like most Americans, you car insurance does not provide for lost keys, then you have to determine if you want to have your key replaced by a dealership or an auto locksmith.
Remember, having your car keys replaced from a dealership is an expensive proposition. It is not uncommon to be charged $200 for the whole exercise which includes cutting your car key as well as programming it. If your car is newer or a luxury model then expect this bill to shoot up to as high as $500. If this sounds too high a price to you, as it does to us, then there is a cheaper and equally effective option. Buy them from a reputed local auto locksmith.
Choosing a local locksmith to replace your car key is an economical and safe option when it comes to replacing your car keys. The local locksmith would do the exact same thing as the dealership when it comes to replacing the car keys except charging significantly less.
Resources:
www.sunlakeslocksmith.com
Angieslist.com
www.locksmiths-search.com
How to choose the right locksmith?
As mentioned above, being locked out of your car is not only not fun, but also a huge safety risk. It makes sense, therefore, that you do your proper homework and diligence check before hiring a locksmith. For example, an auto locksmith would require your vehicle’s make, its vehicle identification number, and the model in order to program the chip in the replacement key. However, this is sensitive information and handing out such details to unscrupulous operators might risk the safety of your car itself.
In particular, you should check for the following when choosing your locksmith.
1) Licenses and industry accreditation: One of the first thing you should make sure is that your locksmith has all the right and current licenses to ply his or her trade. Making sure that your locksmith has all the necessary certification and licenses in place means that you insure yourself against fly by night and unscrupulous operators who are only in it to make a quick buck.
2) Look for experience: Besides all the licenses and certification, you would want your locksmith to have adequate industry experience. Ask them about their experience in the industry so that you get an exemplary standard of service and care.
3) Check their reviews: Websites such as Angies List and other review websites should provide you a good clue about the quality of service provided by a locksmith. Ask their previous customers about their experience with a particular locksmith so that you know what you would be getting for your money.
4) Availability: It is often the case that you lose your car keys at the worst possible time when there is no help available on hand. This is where a locksmith who can make himself available at a short notice is so immensely valuable. Choose a locksmith who is both reliable and ready to provide help at all hours.
5) Fair pricing: Let us face it. A lot of us who have lost our car keys find ourselves in a desperate situation with a diminished power of negotiation. A lot of locksmiths take benefit of such a situation by charging unreasonably high prices. On the other hand, a reliable and experienced locksmith would offer you an upfront and transparent pricing. Choose a locksmith who is consistent, honest and fair in his prices.