How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so change into your sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your favorite TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Be aware of your options before you panic. There are a few different methods to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check Your Car's Locks
It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget where they are, especially when we're distracted or are in a hurry. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly simple in the event that 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 back and forth. Also, check the compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate the keys. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for keys.
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually 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 to go to the dealership to get 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 may be able to create keys for you if you've got proof of ownership like your registration or title.
You can also get a new replacement from the dealership, but this will be more expensive. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your car, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Before you make a payment for a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. You could be able to claim your comprehensive insurance policy to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This could be useful if you ever need it. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one in your area.
Check your vehicle's identification (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 as well as monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into a label or plate on the dashboard of your vehicle and jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes on the engine block. You may also find your VIN in other places, like the registration of your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.
It is important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get new keys that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and get the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also look for it on the driver's side door jamb, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a security measure.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an entire report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year it was made.
VINs first came into use in 1954. However, until 1981, they were offered in a variety of configurations. In that year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN is correct, then you should 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 example, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit a dealer or locksmith that can replace your key with one that can start your car. You can also get basic keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could easily call your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's more complex than it used to be. The dealership might not be the best place to go in case you want to replace your lost car keys.
While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They can get you back on the quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Before you call anyone to replace your car keys, write down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important as you will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your car, or may be printed in the owner's manual.
Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. This is not a assurance however. It depends on the make and model of your car, as well as whether keys are equipped with complex programming. If you're not sure whether your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.
If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key to be reset and function properly.
This process is more complex than it was previously be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen the dealership will be able to provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to go this route, make sure to have all the information needed along with you, as well as an ID photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.
Call a Locksmith
Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost car keys. An experienced locksmith can cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they'll need to know the year and make of your car along with proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will do it).
Before you get a locksmith over the phone However, you must ensure that you've inspected all possible places where your keys may be. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you would not normally put them, like on the floor behind the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for help.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths is likely to be able replace them on the spot for around $20. This is less expensive than the cost for roadside assistance to tow your car to a dealership and buy a replacement key.
Locksmiths often program and cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the VIN number of your car however a professional locksmith should have the right tools to complete this right on the spot for you.
Locksmiths are also able to capability of removing broken keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own could cause more damage, so this task should be left to the professionals.
In Our Site to helping you replace your keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can also give you advice about how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys again.