How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.
Be aware of your options before you be in a panic. There are several ways to replace a lost car key however the majority of them require a locksmith or a dealership.
Check the Locks on Your Car
It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. In the end, we tend to forget where we've put them especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.
Start with the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Also, check the compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate the keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag with care for keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll have to go to the dealership to get a new one made.
Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith might be able create a replacement key for you, if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.
The dealer can also provide an alternative however it will cost more. The dealer must connect a computer chip for your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car's model and make.
Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase a new car key. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. It's also important to inquire with your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance insurance that can help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages which means you will be able to locate services near you.
Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).
The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your vehicle and driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your car It's best to keep it in a safe place. That way, if you ever lose your keys, you can make use of it to get a replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed on the driver's-side dashboard in the area where the windshield meets it. It can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or on the front of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft security measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle's model, manufacturer of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and the year of its manufacturing.
VINs were first used in 1954, however, until 1981, they came in a variety of formats. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from most dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll have to visit a dealer or locksmith that can replace your key with one that can start your car. Otherwise, you can simply get standard keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply contact your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best option in case you want to replace your car keys that have been lost.
While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They will be able get you back on the quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Write down Get More (VIN) number before you call 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 located on the dashboard of your vehicle, or may be printed in the owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace cars keys for most manufacturers. This isn't a warranty, however. It depends on the make and model of your vehicle as well as whether or not the keys have complex programming. If you're not sure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.
If your smart key was lost or stolen it must be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features in your car require a specific type of key in order to reset and function properly.
This process is more complex than it used to be, so you should be prepared to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. If your original key is damaged or stolen A dealership could provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to take this route, be sure to have all the information needed along with you, as well as an identification photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.
Call a Locksmith
A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing lost car keys. A locksmith who has experience will be able program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a copy your registration or title).
Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. Check pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, check any other bags that you may have used. You may also search for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor under the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried all this and are still struggling to locate your keys, then it's time to contact someone.
A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is cheaper than the cost to have roadside assistance take your car to the dealership and purchase a new key.
Locksmiths often cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your vehicle, but a locksmith will be able to cut and program the key immediately.
Many locksmiths can also remove broken or bent keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to the experts.
A locksmith can help replace keys to your car that have been lost and provide advice on how to avoid future keys being misplaced or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as 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.
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