How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted, so you put on your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your latest TV show. You find that the keys to your car have disappeared.
Know your options before you get in a panic. There are a few different methods to replace lost car key s, but most of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check your car's locks
If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget the location of our keys, especially when we're busy or distracted. Finding keys to your car may be fairly easy when your car is thoroughly searched.
Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Make sure you check zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for keys.
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices typically include an internal chip that can communicate with the car to allow you into the vehicle and start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to obtain the new key fob in case you've lost it.
Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you as provided you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
The dealer may also offer an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealership will have to connect a computer chip to your car, which can cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Before you purchase the replacement of your car key be sure to check your insurance policy. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance policy to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. Additionally, it's important to inquire with your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able find one near you.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It is also used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car, the driver's side door jamb and sometimes in front of the engine block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, including your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your car It's best to keep it somewhere safe. This way, should you lose your keys, you'll be in a position to utilize it to have an alternative key quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is typically located on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also look for it on the driver's side door jamb, or in front 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 into your windows or windshields as part of an security measure against theft.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility, and year of manufacturing.
VINs first came into use in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, until 1981, they were offered in different configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from many dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you will require an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. If not, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could contact your local dealer to have new keys made. Today, it's a lot more complex than that. The dealership might not be the best place to go in case you want to replace your lost car keys.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it is better to call an automotive lock. They're more likely to be able to get you back on the road quickly and likely to charge less than the dealership would.
Before you call anyone to replace your lost car keys, note 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 is located on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be found in the owner's manual.
Dealerships can repair keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, it's not a guarantee that they'll help you. It's dependent on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as whether keys have complicated programming. If you're unsure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.
If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealer for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security features require a specific kind of key to reset and work correctly.
This process is more complicated than it used to be, so make sure you're willing to pay a higher price to restore this feature. A dealer can also give you an alternative key that is similar to the original in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you opt to go this way ensure you have all of the information needed including an identification photo. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.
Call for a locksmith
The most important step in replacing lost car keys is to call locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. However, they will 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 do it).
Make sure you check 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 could also search for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, like on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've done this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.
A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance take your car to a dealership to buy a new key.
Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, such as smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number of your car, but a locksmith should be able to cut and program the key immediately.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove broken or bent keys that are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. If you attempt to do it yourself can cause further damage.
In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can also provide advice on how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in ensuring that you don't lose your car keys ever again.