How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so change into your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. However, you discover that your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Before you panic, consider your options. There are several ways to replace a lost car key however, the majority of they require a locksmith or a dealership.
Check the Locks on Your Car
It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially if we're busy or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be relatively easy when your car is thoroughly searched.
Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forth. Be sure to look around small compartments and zippered areas for keys, too. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for keys.
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices usually contain an internal chip that can communicate with the car to let you into the vehicle and to start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to obtain a new key fob if you've lost it.
Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be in a position to make a replacement key for you, as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
You can also purchase an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but this will be more expensive. The dealer will have to pair up the computer chip with your car. It could cost between $200 and $250, depending on the make and model.
Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Moreover, it's also worth asking your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance insurance that can help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance plans which means you should be able to find an option near you.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car and the driver's side door jamb and sometimes, in front of the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, such as the registration of your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.
It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. In the event that you ever lose your keys, you'll be able to utilize it to have a replacement key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN and locate the key code from the manufacturer for your specific model that will then work with your lock.
The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's placed where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the driver-side door jamb or on the side of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth analysis of your vehicle's manufacturer, model of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility, and the year of manufacturing.
VINs first came into use in 1954, but until 1981, they came in a variety. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from most dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your car requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who can swap your key for one that will start your car. You can also get regular keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply contact your local dealership to get new keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. If you're in the market to get your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your best option.
While you may obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They can get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Before you contact anyone to replace your lost car keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is crucial because it will be required in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be printed in the owner's guide.
Dealerships are able replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll be able to help you. It is dependent on your make and model, and whether the keys are intelligent or are complex in their programming. If you're not sure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle into the store and speak with the service manager.
If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealership to get it replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific type of key in order to be reset and function properly.
This process is more complicated than it was previously be, so you should be willing to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. A dealership will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the original in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, make sure you have all the necessary information on hand, as well as an ID photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.
Contact an expert locksmith
Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A skilled locksmith can cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. They will require the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a copy your registration or title).
Before calling a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys might be. Check More Information and facts on pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places where you would not normally look for them, like the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried this but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to contact a professional for assistance.
For traditional keys, a locksmith is likely to be able replace keys on the spot for around $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance take you car to a dealership to purchase a new key.
Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, like smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the VIN number of the car, but an experienced locksmith has the right tools to complete this on the spot for you.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove bent or broken keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own could cause more damage, and this task should be left to the professionals.
In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can also offer advice on how to stop future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will aid you in never losing your car keys again.