How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and watch the latest TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.
Before you panic, know your options. There are many ways to replace a lost car key, but the majority of they require a locksmith or dealer.
Check your car's locks
It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget where they are, especially if we're busy or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car isn't difficult when you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Be sure to feel around small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag for keys.
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. 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 visit a dealership to have a new one created.
Some older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith might be able to create an alternative key for you if you've got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
The dealer can also provide the replacement however it will cost more. The dealership will need to integrate a computer chip into your vehicle, which could be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the model and make of your car.
Make sure to verify your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage, you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of a new key. It's also important to inquire with your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance and you are likely to find an option close to you.
Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).
The vehicle identification number is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into an image or a plate on your car's dashboard or the driver's side door jamb and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other places such as your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your car and it's best to keep it in a safe place. In the event that you ever lose your keys, you can use it to get an alternative key quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is usually located on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver's side in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields 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, including manufacturer, model and make, body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year it was made.
VINs first came into use in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until 1981, they were offered in various 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 purchase new keys from most dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. For example, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll need to go to an auto locksmith or dealer that will replace your key with one that can start your car. Otherwise, you can simply purchase standard keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. Today, it's a lot more complex than that. The dealership may not be the best option in case you want to replace the keys to your car that you lost.
Although replacing lost car keys could get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to call an auto locksmith. They will be able get you back on the way faster and charge less than a dealership.
Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your keys. This is vital as it will be required in order for someone to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be found in the owner's guide.
Dealerships are able replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll be able to assist you. It's dependent on the model and make of your car and whether keys have complex programming. If you're not sure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager.
If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because the security features in your car require a certain type of key to function correctly and reset.
The process is more complicated than it was in the past be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. Dealers will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the original one in the event that the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, be sure you have all the necessary information along with you and a photo ID. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.
Call 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. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle, with evidence of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).
Before you get a locksmith on the phone, though, make sure that you have checked all possible places where your keys could be. This includes checking pockets in jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places where you might not normally go, such as the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you've tried this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths will be able to repair them on the spot for around $20. This is less than the cost to have roadside assistance take your car to a dealership and buy a replacement key.
In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more sophisticated automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require that you provide the car's VIN number however a professional locksmith will have the tools to complete this in a flash for you.
Many locksmiths can also take out bent or broken keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. It is best to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.
A locksmith can assist you replace keys to your car that have been lost and provide advice on how to avoid future keys being misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home could aid you in never losing your car key ever again.