How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Before you panic, consider your options. There are lost key of car of ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost however the majority of they require a locksmith or a dealership.
Check the locks on your car.
It's best to inspect your car first when you lose your keys. In the end, we tend to forget where we've put them, especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Finding lost car keys can be relatively easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Start with the driver’s seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forth. Also, feel around zippered areas or small compartments to find keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car remotely. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll have to visit the dealership to have a new one made.
Certain older cars still have keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths are able to create a new key for you as provided you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
The dealer can also provide the replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer must connect a computer chip for your car. This could cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car's model and make.
Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. You could be able to claim your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This can help should you ever require it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance and you will be able to locate an option near you.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is typically the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your vehicle, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like your registration for your vehicle, title and insurance documents.
It is important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain a new key that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer for your particular model that will then work with your lock.
The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's situated at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even etched on your windows or windshields as part of an security measure to prevent theft.
You can check your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth look at your vehicle including the manufacturer, model of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and year of manufacture.
VINs first came into use in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until 1981 they were available in a variety of configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.
If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to get new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll need to go to an authorized locksmith or dealer who can replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. You can also find basic keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily call your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's more complex than it used to be. If you're looking to get your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.
While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely be able to get you back on the road in a hurry and likely to charge less than the dealership would.
Before you call anyone to replace your lost car keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important because the person who needs it will create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or found in the owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. However, it's not a guarantee that they'll be able to help you. It depends on the make and model of your car and whether keys are equipped with complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and inquire for a service manager if you are unsure whether they can assist.
If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealership to get it replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a specific kind of key to reset and work correctly.
This process is more complex than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged the dealership will be able to provide you with an identical backup. If you decide to take this route, be sure to have all the necessary information on hand, as well as a photo ID. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.
Call an expert locksmith
Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A locksmith with expertise will be able to program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a copy your registration or title).
Before you get a locksmith on the phone however, ensure that you have checked every possible place where your keys may be. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets or purses, as well as any other bags you may have used. You can also look for your keys in areas where you don't usually put them, like on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried all this but are still not able to locate your keys, it's time for you to contact someone.
For keys that are traditional, a locksmith should be able to replace keys on the spot for about $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance take you car to a dealership to buy a new key.
In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program a new key for more advanced types of automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your car, however a locksmith should be able to do it immediately.
Many locksmiths can also take out keys that are bent or broken, which are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, and this should be left to professionals.
A locksmith can assist you replace keys to your car that have been lost and offer advice on how to avoid future keys being misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home can assist you in avoiding losing your car key again.