How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweatshirt Grab a pizza and watch the latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Be aware of your options prior to get in a panic. There are several ways to replace a lost car key, but the majority of them require a locksmith or dealership.
Check Your Car's Locks
It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget where we've put them particularly when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy when you take the time to do an exhaustive search of your vehicle.
Start with the driver's seat. Move the seats back and forwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Also, look around zippered areas or small compartments to find the keys. Also, you should carefully search your purse, backpack, or tote bag for keys.
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your 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 motor. You'll need to go to your dealer to obtain the new key fob in case you've lost it.
Some older vehicles still use traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith might be able create a replacement key for you if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
The dealer may also offer a replacement however it will cost more. The dealer must connect the computer chip with your car. It could cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car's model and make.
Before you purchase an auto key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you may be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Moreover, it's also worth asking your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage to assist you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance and you should be able to find a service near you.
Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It can also be used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into a label or plate on the dashboard of your car, jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your registration for your vehicle, title, and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's best to keep it safe. If lost key for car lose your keys you can quickly and easily get a new one made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label located at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the driver's side door jamb or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle to serve as a 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 assembly plant, and the year it was made.
VINs were first used in 1954, however, until 1981, they came in a variety of configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from many dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type key your vehicle requires. For example, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who can swap your key for one that will start your car. You can also purchase basic keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
Not long ago, losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could simply call your local dealership to get new keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than that. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your best option.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to call an automotive lock. They will be able get you back on your way faster and charge less than the dealership.
Before calling anyone to replace your lost car keys, make a note of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important as someone will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be included in the owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. This is not a guarantee however. It's contingent on the model and make of your vehicle and whether keys have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and request the service manager if are unsure whether they can help.
If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This is because your car's security features require a particular type of key to reset and work correctly.
This process is more involved than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra price to restore this feature. Dealers will also be able to provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this way ensure that you have all the required information including a photo ID. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.
Contact a locksmith
A locksmith's call is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost. A locksmith who has experience will be able program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. However, they'll require the year and make of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should do it).
Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. Check the pockets of the pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags that you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places you wouldn't normally look, such as the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you've tried all of this but are still struggling to locate your keys, then it's time for you to contact someone.
A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is less expensive than what you would pay to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealership and purchase a new key.
Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the car's VIN number, but professional locksmiths will have the tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove bent or broken keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Trying to do it yourself could result in further damage.
A locksmith can assist you replace keys to your car that have been lost and offer guidance on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will assist you in avoiding losing your car key once more.