How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweats take a bite of pizza and binge your latest TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.
Before you panic, consider your options. There are a variety of ways to replace a lost car key however the majority of they require a locksmith or dealer.
Check your car's locks
If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget where we've put them especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy when you take the time to do an exhaustive search in your vehicle.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your car for the car key. Also, look around small compartments or zippered areas to locate the keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag with care for keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need to go to the dealership to get a new one made.
Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be capable of creating a new key for you, as provided you have 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 dealership will have to connect a computer chip to your car, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.
Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to purchase a new car key. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Moreover, it's also worth asking your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage to aid you in the case of an emergency. There are many companies that offer roadside assistance packages. You should be able to find one in your area.
Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb and sometimes even in front of the motor block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like the registration of your vehicle, title and insurance documents.
It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. In the event that you lose your keys, you'll be able to utilize it to have an alternative key quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer for your specific model which can then be used with your lock.
The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label situated between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb of the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle to serve as a prevention measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle including the model, manufacturer of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility, and the year of its manufacturing.
VINs first came into use in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, up to 1981, they were offered in different configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from a variety of locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll need to go to an auto locksmith or dealer that can replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. If not, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could easily call your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's a lot more complex than that. If you're in the market to have your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the most ideal option.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an automotive lock. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership would.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost keys. This is crucial because someone will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN can be found on the driver's side dashboard, or it may be included in your owner's manual.
Dealerships can repair keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll be able to assist you. It is dependent on your model and make, and whether the keys are intelligent or are complex in their programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and ask for an expert in service if you aren't sure if they can assist.
If your smart key has been stolen or lost the key will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car's security features require a specific type of key to reset and function properly.
The process is now more complex than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional price to have this feature restored. A dealership can also give you an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, make sure to carry all the required information with you and an identification photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.
Call a Locksmith
The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact an experienced locksmith. A skilled locksmith can cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. But, they'll need to know the year and make of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).
Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets or purses, as well as any other bags you've used. You can also look for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, like on the floor in front of a doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to seek help.
A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is cheaper than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance take your car to a dealership and buy a replacement key.
In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number of your vehicle, but locksmiths should be able to do it immediately.
Many locksmiths can also remove keys that are bent or broken, which are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. If you attempt to do it yourself could result in further damage.
A locksmith can help replace lost car key s and also provide advice on how to avoid future keys from being lost or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could aid you in never losing your car keys once more.