How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and want to change into your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You discover that your car keys have disappeared.
Be aware of your options before you panic. There are many ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost, but the majority of they require a locksmith or dealership.
Check your car's locks
If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget where they are, particularly if we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy when you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.
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 car for the car key. Also, check the small compartments or zippered areas to find the keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse, or tote bag, for keys.
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need visit a dealership to have a new one made.
Some older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith may be able to create an alternative key for you, if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.
You can also get an upgrade from a dealer, but this will be more expensive. The dealership will need to integrate a computer chip into your car, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your car.
Before you purchase a car key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage, you may 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 will help should you ever require it. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance plans and you are likely to find a service near you.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places such as your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's best to keep it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get a new one that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and 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 sticker that's located between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the door jamb of the driver or on the side of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some instances there are instances where the VIN is even etched into your windshield or windows to provide an anti-theft measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and the year of manufacturing.
VINs first came into use in 1954, but up to 1981, they were available in a variety of configurations. In the year 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from a variety of dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will require a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also find standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could contact your local dealer to get a new set of keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership may not be the best option for replacing the keys to your car that you lost.
You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They will be able get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.
Before you call anyone to replace your lost car keys, note down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important because someone will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side or found in your owner's manual.
Dealerships are able replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, it's not a assurance that they'll help you. It depends on the model and make of your vehicle and whether or not the keys have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and inquire for a service manager if you aren't sure if they can help.
If your smart key has been lost or stolen it must be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key to be reset and function correctly.
This process is more complex than it was in the past be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. A dealership will also be able to provide you with another key that's identical to the original in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, be sure to have all the necessary information along with you along with an identification photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.
Call for a locksmith
A locksmith's call is the first step to replace lost car keys. my company will be able to cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. But, they'll need to know the year model, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will do it).
Before you get a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you have checked every possible spot where your keys may be. This includes checking pockets in pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you would not normally look for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all of this and are still struggling to locate your keys, it's time for you to call someone.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths will be able to repair them on the spot for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance tow you car to a dealership to purchase a new key.
Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, such as smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number of your car, but locksmiths is likely to be able cut and program the key on the spot.
Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. Doing it yourself could cause more damage.
In addition to helping you replace lost car keys, a locksmith can also give you advice about how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will aid you in never losing your car keys ever again.