How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and binge your latest TV show. However, you discover that the keys to your car aren't to be found.
Be aware of your options before you be in a panic. There are a few different ways to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the locks on your car.
If you've lost your keys to your car, it's best to start by checking your vehicle. After all, we often forget where we put them especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys isn't difficult when you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.
Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Move the seats back and forwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your car for your car key. Be sure to feel around zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Also, be lost vehicle key to check your backpack, purse, or tote bag, for keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually include an internal chip that connects with the car to let you into the vehicle and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to obtain the new key fob in case you've lost it.
Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith could be able to create an alternative key for you if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
You can also purchase a new replacement from a dealer, but this will be more expensive. The dealership will have to integrate a computer chip into your car, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Before you purchase a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you might be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a new key. It's also important to inquire with your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage that will help you in the event of an emergency. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able find one in your area.
Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your vehicle and jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other documents such as your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your car and it's recommended to store it in a safe place. In the event that you should ever lose your keys, you'll be in a position to utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label situated between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb of the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.
You can check your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will provide you with 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 appeared in 1954. However, until 1981, they were available in various configurations. In the year 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from a variety of locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who will replace your key with one that will be able to start your car. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could simply call your local dealer to purchase a new set. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than that. The dealership might not be the best place to go if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost.
Although you could obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best choice is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely to be able to get you back on the road in a hurry and likely to charge less than the dealership.
Before you contact someone to replace your car keys, make a note of the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be required to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your car or it could be printed in your owner's guide.
Dealerships can replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll be able to help you. It is dependent on your make and model, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complicated programming. Bring your car to the dealership and request the service manager if are unsure if they can help.
If your smart key has been stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because your car's security functions require a specific kind of key to reset and function correctly.
This process is more complex than it was in the past, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. A dealership can also give you an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have all the necessary information, including an ID photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.
Contact a locksmith
The most crucial step to take in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they'll require 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).
Be sure to check every possible location for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags that you may have used. You may also search for your keys in areas where you don't usually put them, such as on the floor in front of the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried this but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to seek help.
For traditional keys, a locksmith is likely to be able replace them on the spot for about $20. This is cheaper than what you would pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to a dealership and buy a replacement key.
In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced models of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number for your vehicle, but a locksmith should be able to cut and program the key immediately.
Many locksmiths can also take out bent or broken keys that are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. The attempt to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this should be left to the experts.
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. Preventive measures, such as keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can help in ensuring that you never lose your car keys ever again.
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