Dos And Don'ts Of Replacing Lost Car Keys During Holiday Season

Online, November 24, 2011 (Newswire.com) - While it's true that many people misplace or lose their car keys throughout the year, the tension, rushing around and partying that accompany the holiday season can increase the odds of losing them - and make replacing them costly.

That's where the expertise of veteran locksmith Jose Hernandez Jr., owner of Chicago-based Omega Locksmith, comes in handy this holiday season. Here are Hernandez's answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from consumers who have lost their car keys during the season to be jolly:

What should you do when you realize you've lost your keys?

"First, you should keep looking," says Hernandez. "But If hopelessly lost -- flushed down the toilet, airline lost your bags, fell out of the boat into the lake -- it's probably best to figure out if you have a car that requires a key with electronic anti-theft components "

If not, Hernandez. recommends calling the dealer to find out if a key code is still available for your vehicle, and what they require to produce a new key and - or course -- how long it'll take.

"If replacement keys will require programming at the vehicle, your best bet in most cases is to call an automotive locksmith," he advises.

Where can I find an auto locksmith?

"If you can't find one via the usual searches -- Google, yellow pages, etc. --, call AAA, even if you're not a member," Hernandez suggests.
"Just ask who they'd use for that job in your area."

He adds that if AAA can't help and you're too far away from a dealer that supports your vehicle -- ask some of the larger car dealers if they have an automotive locksmith that they use regularly.

What kind of locksmiths should I avoid? Are there any telltale signs?

"A locksmith should be familiar with the area and with the vehicle in question," Hernandez says.

However, he cautions that if they balk at giving you a price quote for lost keys, or instead give you a vague quote such as "it's x amount of dollars for the trip - but the technician will tell you how much it is once he gets there," it's probably time to try someone else!

What should I expect to pay for the service? How can I avoid getting ripped off?

Prices vary drastically based on the type of vehicle, time of day and your geographical location, according to Hernandez.

"Vehicles without transponders and with easy-to-decode locks are the least expensive to replace," Hernandez says.

During regular hours, for a non-transponder key replacement -- you can expect to pay about $100, according to Hernandez. ,

What are some of the strangest ways people lose their car keys?
"I've had customers who have accidentally flushed their keys down the toilet," Hernandez says. "I've even had several customers tell me their dogs ate their car keys

For more of the dos and don'ts of replacing lost car keys during the holiday season, or any other locksmith questions, contact:

Jose Hernandez Jr.,
4329 W 26th St.
Chicago, IL. 60623
773-277-5625
Omega Locksmith
Jose@OmegaLocksmith.com