How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so change into your sweats and order a pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. You find that your car keys have disappeared.
Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are several methods to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check Your Car's Locks
It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. In the end, we tend to forget where they're particularly when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.
Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Move click and back as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for your car key. Also, look around compartments with zippers or small spaces to find the keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to get an alternative key fob if you've lost it.
Some older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths are able to create a new key for you, as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.
You can also purchase an upgrade from a dealer, but it will be more expensive. The dealership must integrate a computer chip into your car, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your car.
Before you purchase an auto key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of buying an additional car key. Additionally, it's worthwhile to ask your insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage that will assist you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance, so you should be able to find an option close to you.
Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)
The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb and sometimes even behind the motor block. You may also find your VIN in other places, such as the registration of your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's best to keep it in a safe place. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get new keys made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is typically located on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver's side, where the windshield meets it. You can also look for 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 as a theft prevention measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size, assembly plant and the year it was manufactured.
VINs first came into use in 1954. However, until 1981, they were available in a variety of configurations. In that year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from most dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order 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 an issue. You could just contact your local dealer to have new keys made. It's more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best option for replacing your car keys that have been lost.
You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership, but it is better to contact an auto lock. They can to get you back on your faster and for less than a dealership.
Before you contact anyone to replace your car keys, write down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important because someone will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be printed in the owner's manual.
Dealerships are able replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll be able help you. It is dependent on your model and make, as well as whether the keys are intelligent or have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.
If your smart key has been stolen or lost it must be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car's security features require a specific kind of key to be reset and function properly.
This process is more complex than it used to, so make sure you're willing to pay a higher price to restore this feature. A dealer can also provide you with another key that's identical to the original one in the event that the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you choose to do this, make sure you have all of the required information, including a photo ID. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.
Call a locksmith
The most important step in replacing lost car keys is to call an experienced locksmith. A skilled locksmith will be able cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).
Before you call a locksmith over the phone, though, make sure that you have checked all possible places where your keys could be. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you might have used. You may also search for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, such as on the floor in front of the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all this and are still not able to locate your keys, it's time to call someone.
A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport your car to a dealership to buy a new key.
In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more advanced models of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the VIN number of the car however, an experienced locksmith has the right tools to do this in a flash for you.
click can also take out bent or broken keys that are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own could cause more damage, so this should be left to the experts.
A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and give advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car key ever again.