How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and watch the latest TV show. You find that the keys to your car have disappeared.
Know your options before you be in a panic. There are a variety of ways to replace the car key that was lost, but the majority of these require a locksmith or a dealership.
Check Your Car's Locks
If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they are, particularly if we're busy or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly easy when your car is thoroughly searched.
Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forth. Also, feel around small compartments or zippered areas to find keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that can communicate with the car to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to purchase a new key fob if you've lost it.
Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths will be in a position to make a replacement key for you as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
You can also purchase a new replacement from a dealer, but it will be more expensive. The dealership will need to integrate a computer chip into your car, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.
Before you make a payment for an auto key replacement make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you might be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of replacing a key. Ask your insurance company whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This can help if you ever need it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able find one near you.
Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car, jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other places such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
It is important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get a new key that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and get the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth analysis of your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and year of production.
VINs first came into use in 1954, but until 1981, they were offered in a variety. 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 and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll need to go to an authorized locksmith or dealer who can swap your key for one that will be able to start your vehicle. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
Not long ago, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could contact your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best place to go if you need to replace your lost car keys.
While you may obtain a traditional key from the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They can get you back on the quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Before you contact someone to replace your lost car keys, note down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is crucial because someone will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car or it could be printed in the owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance however. It is dependent on your model and make, and whether the keys are smart or have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and inquire for an expert in service if you are unsure whether they can help.
If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealer for it to be replaced. Link Website is because your car's security functions require a specific type of key to be reset and function properly.
This process is more complicated than it was in the past, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater cost to restore this feature. A dealer can also provide you with a backup key that's similar to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you opt to go this route ensure that you have all of the necessary information including an ID photo. This will help everyone to go through the process.
Call a Locksmith
A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. An experienced locksmith can cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a copy your registration or title).
Be sure to check every possible location for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you might not normally go like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all this but are still struggling to locate your keys, it's time for you to call someone.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths is likely to be able replace them in a matter of $20. This is cheaper than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance tow your car to the dealership and buy a replacement key.
Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, such as transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, however locksmiths is likely to be able do it in a flash.
Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own could cause more damage, so this should be left to experts.
A locksmith can help you replace keys to your car that have been lost and provide advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in ensuring that you never lose your car keys ever again.