How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.
Be aware of your options prior to panic. There are several ways to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the locks on your car.
If you lose your car keys, it's always best to start by checking your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, particularly when we're distracted or in a rush. Finding lost car keys can be fairly simple in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forth. Make sure you check zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for the keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from the distance. They usually include an internal chip that connects to the car in order to let you into the vehicle and to start the motor. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need to visit the dealership to have a new one made.
Some older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith could be able create a replacement key for you if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.
You can also get an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but this will be more expensive. The dealer must pair up the computer chip with your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car's model and make.
Before you purchase the replacement of your car key make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a new key. Moreover, it's also worthwhile to ask your insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. There are a variety of companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able find one in your area.
Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)
The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It is also used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically an image or a plate on your car's dashboard, jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes in front of the engine block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, like your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.
It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. That way, if you should ever lose your keys, you'll be able to use it to get an alternative key quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN and locate the key code from the manufacturer for your particular model, which will then work with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's placed where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft security measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an entire report on your vehicle, including 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 VINs to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from most dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could contact your local dealership to get new keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're looking to get your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the best option.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership, but it is better to contact an automotive lock. They're more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road fast and will probably charge less than the dealership.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because it will be required in order for someone to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard, or it may be printed inside of your owner's manual.
Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a warranty, however. It's contingent on the model and make of your vehicle and whether keys have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and ask for the service manager if are unsure whether they can help.
If over here have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features in your car require a specific kind of key in order to reset and function properly.
This process is more complex than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional cost to have this feature restored. A dealer can also provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this way, make sure you have all the required information, including an identification photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.
Call a locksmith
A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing lost car keys. A reputable locksmith will be able to cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will require the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).
Before you call a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you've inspected every possible spot where your keys may be. Examine the pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you might have used. You can also look for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this and still cannot find your keys, it's time to contact a professional for assistance.
A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot for around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance take your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new key.
Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the VIN number of the car however a professional locksmith will have the tools to cut and program the key right on the spot for you.
Most locksmiths also have the capability of removing broken keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you accidentally lock them in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to the professionals.
A locksmith can help replace lost car keys and also give advice on how to avoid future keys being 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.