How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys aren't to be found.
Before you panic, know your options. There are a few different ways to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the locks on your car.
It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. We often don't know where they are, particularly if we're distracted or in a rush. Finding keys to your car may be fairly easy when your car is thoroughly searched.
Start with the driver’s seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and back and forth. Also, check the zippered areas or small compartments to find keys. You should also carefully check your purse, backpack, or tote bag, for keys.
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually have an internal chip that connects to the car to allow you access to the vehicle and start the motor. You'll have to visit your dealer to obtain an alternative key fob if you've lost it.
Some older cars still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be in a position to make a replacement key for you as provided you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.
The dealer may also offer the replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer will need to pair up the computer chip with your car. This can cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car's model and make.
Before you pay for the replacement of your car key be sure to check your insurance policy. You could be able to claim your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This can be useful in the event that you need it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able find one in your area.
Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)
The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, and sometimes behind 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 a good idea to keep it safe. That way, if you should ever lose your keys, you'll be able to utilize it to have a replacement key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer for your specific model that will then work with your lock.
The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's placed between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle to serve as a security measure.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth analysis of your vehicle including the manufacturer, model body type, engine size, assembly facility and year of manufacturing.
VINs first appeared in 1954. However, until 1981 they were available in various configurations. In that year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from many locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also purchase regular keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
In the past, losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could just 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 option if you need to replace your lost car keys.
You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an automotive lock. They will be able get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Before you call someone to replace your car keys, note down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is crucial because someone will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN can be found on the driver's dashboard or found in the owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll be able assist you. It depends on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as whether keys have complex programming. If you're not sure whether the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.
If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a particular type of key to be reset and function properly.
This process is more complicated than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional price to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is lost or damaged the dealership will be able to provide you with an identical backup. If you decide to do this 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
The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call locksmith. An experienced locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. However, they will 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 should do it).
Before you call a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you have checked all possible places where your keys could be. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look, such as the floor behind the doorway table 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 lost car key replacement is likely to be able replace them on the spot for about $20. This is less than what you would pay to have roadside assistance take your vehicle to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.
In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more sophisticated automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. These more complex keys may require that you provide the VIN number of your car however, professional locksmiths will have the tools to complete this on the spot for you.
The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, and this should be left to the professionals.
A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and offer advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car keys ever again.