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 the keys to your car have disappeared.
Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are a few different ways to replace lost car keys, but most of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check Your Car's Locks
If you've lost your keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget where we put them, especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys isn't difficult when you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.
Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and back and forth. Be sure to look around small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for the keys.
Many modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from the distance. Usually, these devices 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 visit the dealership to have a new one made.
Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
You can also get an upgrade from a dealer, but it will be more expensive. The dealer will need to pair up a computer chip for your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250, depending on the make and model.
Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. It's also worth asking your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage that will assist you in the event of an emergency. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance plans. You should be able to find one in your area.
Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)
The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It is also used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into an image or a plate on your car's dashboard and driver's side door jamb, and sometimes, in front of the engine block. You may also find your VIN in other places, such as the registration of your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.
It is important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain new keys made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer specific to your lock, which will then work with your lock.
The VIN is typically located on a label on the dashboard of the driver's side in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some instances there are instances where the VIN is even embedded into your windows or windshields as part of an security measure against theft.
You can check your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size assembly plant, and the year it was manufactured.
VINs were first introduced in 1954, but up to 1981, they were available in a variety of configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from a variety of dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll need to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
In the past, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could simply contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership might not be the best place to go for replacing your lost car keys.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership, but it is better to call an automotive lock. They will be able get you back on the faster and for less than the dealership.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your lost keys. This is important because someone will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle, or may be printed in the owner's manual.
Dealerships are able replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. This is not a assurance however. lost vehicle keys on the make and model of your vehicle as well as whether keys have complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and request an expert in service if you are unsure if they can help.
If your smart key was lost or stolen, it will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a certain type of key in order to reset and function properly.
This process is more complex than it was in the past be, so you should be willing to pay a higher price to restore this feature. If your original key is stolen or damaged, a dealership can offer you a similar backup. If you opt to do this ensure that you have all of the required information including an ID photo. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.
Contact for a locksmith
A locksmith's call is the first step to replace lost car keys. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. However, they will require the year, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).
Be sure to check every possible location for your keys prior to you contact a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you've used. You can also look for your keys in places that you would not normally put them, such as on the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of this and are still unable to find your keys, then it's time to contact someone.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths should be able to replace keys on the spot for around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance take your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new key.
In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more sophisticated cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number for your car, however a locksmith should be able to do it on the spot.
The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. It is recommended to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Trying to do it yourself can cause further damage.
In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys, a locksmith can provide advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Taking preventative steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in making sure you never lose your car keys again.