How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch the latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys aren't to be found.
Before you panic, consider your options. There are several ways to replace lost car keys however, the majority of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the locks on your car.
When you lose car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where we put them particularly when we're in a hurry or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly simple if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Make sure you check zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to obtain an alternative key fob if you've lost it.
Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths are capable of creating a new key for you, as provided you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.
The dealer is also able to provide a replacement, but it will cost more. The dealer must pair up an electronic chip to your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car's make and model.
Make sure to verify your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you might be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Moreover, it's also worth asking your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. There are many companies that offer roadside assistance packages. You should be able to find one in your area.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
The vehicle identification number is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is typically an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, like your vehicle registration title, insurance and title documents.
It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get a new key made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer specific to your lock that will then work with your lock.
The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label situated at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the driver's side door jamb or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a prevention measure.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. sneak a peek at this web-site will give you the complete information about your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year of its production.
VINs first came into use in 1954. However, until 1981 they were available in various configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to get new keys at most dealerships as well as automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will require an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also purchase basic keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could easily call your local dealer and request a new set. It's more complicated today. If you're in the market to have your lost car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the most ideal option.
You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership, but it is better to call an automotive lock. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road quickly and will probably charge less than the dealership would.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is important because you will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your car or could be found in the owner's manual.
Dealerships can repair keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll assist you. It is dependent on your model and make, and if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and ask for an expert in service if you are unsure if they can help.
If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealer for it to be replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific type of key in order to function correctly and reset.
This process is more complex than it used to be, so you should be prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. If your original key is lost or damaged the dealership will be able to offer you a similar backup. If you opt to go this route ensure you have all the necessary information including an identification photo. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.
Call a locksmith
The most crucial step to take in replacing lost car keys is to call a locksmith. A skilled locksmith will be able to cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. However, they will require the year model, make and model of your car along with proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).
Be sure to check every possible location for your keys prior to you contact a locksmith. Check pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags you might have used. You can also look for your keys in places where you don't usually put them, like on the floor in front of a doorway table or under the couch. If you've done this and still cannot find your keys, it's time to call for help.
For keys that are traditional, a locksmith will be able to repair keys on the spot for about $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance transport you car to a dealership to purchase a new one.
Locksmiths often cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, like smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require you to provide the VIN number of your vehicle, but locksmiths will be able to do it immediately.
Locksmiths are also able to capability of removing broken or bent keys that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this task should be left to the experts.
In addition to helping you replace your keys that were lost in your car locksmiths can also provide advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Taking preventative steps, like keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.