How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and want to change into your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and watch your favorite TV show. But, you realize that the keys to your car aren't to be found.
Be aware of your options prior to get in a panic. There are many ways to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check Your Car's Locks
When you lose keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where they're, especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys isn't difficult when you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.
Start with the driver’s seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Also, check the zippered areas or small compartments to locate the keys. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car remotely. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need visit a dealership to have a new one made.
Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith could be able create keys for you if you've got proof of ownership like your registration or title.
The dealer is also able to provide an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealer will have to connect the computer chip with your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car's make and model.
Before you pay for the replacement of your car key make sure you check your insurance policy. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. Ask your insurance company whether they have roadside service coverage. This will help in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance which means you are likely to find services close to you.
Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. 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 behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's a good idea to keep it safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new one that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's located between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the driver-side door jamb or on the front of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft security measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was made.
VINs first came into use in 1954. 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 format of 17 characters.
If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to get new keys at most dealerships as well as automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also purchase standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could just contact your local dealer to get a new set of keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. If you're looking to get your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the best option.
While you may obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road fast and likely to charge less than the dealership.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because it will be needed to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be included in the owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. It is not a 100% guarantee however. It depends on the make and model of your car as well as whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. Bring your car to the dealership and inquire for the service manager if are unsure whether they can help.
If your smart key has been lost or stolen, it will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because your car's security functions require a specific type of key to be reset and function correctly.
This process is more complicated than it was in the past be, so you should be prepared to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to do this, make sure you have all the information needed, including an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.
Call an expert locksmith
The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to contact an experienced locksmith. A locksmith with experience will be able program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. But, they'll require the year and make of your car along with evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will do it).
Make sure you check every possible location for your keys prior to you contact a locksmith. Check the pockets of the pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places you might not normally go for them, like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all of this but are still not able to locate your keys, then it's time to contact someone.
A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is less than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.
In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the car's VIN number however, a professional locksmith has the right tools to do this in a flash for you.
replace lost car key are also able to ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to the professionals.
In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys, a locksmith can give you advice about how to avoid keys from being lost or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can aid you in never losing your car key ever again.