How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so you put on your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your latest TV show. However, hop over to these guys realize your car keys aren't to be found.
Be aware of your options before you get in a panic. There are a few different ways to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check Your Car's Locks
It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. In the end, we tend to forget where we've put them particularly when we're in a hurry or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly simple when your car is thoroughly searched.
Start with the driver’s seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Be sure to feel around zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your purse, backpack, or tote bag for keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. They usually contain an internal chip that connects with the car to allow you into the vehicle and to start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to obtain a new key fob if you've lost it.
Some older vehicles still use traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths are capable of creating a new key for you, as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
You can also purchase an upgrade from the dealership, but it will be more expensive. The dealership will have to pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your car.
Before you purchase the replacement of your car key be sure to check your insurance policy. You could be able to claim your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could be useful if you ever need it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able find one near you.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. 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 on the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your registration for your vehicle and title as well as insurance documents.
It is important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get a new key made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer for your particular model, which will then work with your lock.
The VIN is usually located on a label that is placed on the driver's-side dashboard, where the windshield meets it. It can also be found on the door jamb for the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a security measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size, assembly plant and the year it was made.
VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until 1981, they were offered in different configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from many dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also find basic keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
Not long ago, losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could simply call your local dealership to have new keys made. Today, it's more complex than that. The dealership might not be the best option if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost.
While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They can get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.
Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because it will be needed to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN can be found on the driver's dashboard, or it may be included in the owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. It is not a 100% guarantee, however. It's contingent on the make and model of your car as well as whether keys are equipped with complex programming. If you're unsure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.
If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features in your car require a specific type of key to reset and function properly.
This process is more complex than it was previously be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. If your original key is lost or damaged, a dealership can provide you with an identical backup. If you choose to do this ensure you have all of the necessary information including an identification photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.
Call a Locksmith
The most crucial step to take in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call an experienced locksmith. A skilled locksmith will be able cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they'll need to know the year and make of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will do it).
Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to you contact a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you might have used. You may also search for your keys in places where you don't usually put them, such as on the floor under the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are struggling to locate your keys, then it's time for you to contact someone.
For traditional keys, a locksmith is likely to be able replace them on the spot for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance take your car to a dealership to buy a new key.
Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your car, but a locksmith is likely to be able cut and program the key on the spot.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove keys that are bent or broken, which are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. Trying to do it yourself could result in further damage.
A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and provide advice on how to avoid future keys being misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will assist you in avoiding losing your car keys ever again.