How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so you change into your sweats and grab some pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.
Before you panic, consider your options. There are a variety of ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost, but the majority of they require a locksmith or dealer.
Check Your Car's Locks
It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget where they are, particularly if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Finding keys to your car may be fairly easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Also, feel around compartments with zippers or small spaces to find keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag with care for keys.
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need to go to the dealership to get a new one made.
Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith could be able to make a replacement key for you, if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
You can also get a new replacement at the dealership, however this will be much more expensive. The dealer will have to pair up a computer chip for your car. This can cost between $200 and $250 depending on the model and make.
Before you pay for the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage, you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a new key. Moreover, it's also worth asking your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance insurance that can help you in the event of an emergency. There are a variety of companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one near you.
Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. lost keys to car is used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It is also used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically the form of a plate or label on your car's dashboard and the driver's side door jamb and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other documents such as your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your car, so it's recommended to store it in a safe place. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly obtain a new key that is based on the VIN. 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 typically located on a label that is placed on the driver's-side dashboard, where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even written into your windows or windshields as part of an anti-theft measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with a complete report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year of its production.
VINs first came into use in 1954. However, until 1981 they were available in a variety of configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.
If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to purchase new keys at most dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will require a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also find standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily call your local dealer and request a new set. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than it used to be. The dealership may not be the best option if you need to replace your car keys that have been lost.
While you may obtain a traditional key from the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They will be able get you back on the faster and for less than the dealership.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost keys. This is crucial because it will be needed in order for someone to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be printed in your owner's guide.
Dealerships are able replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance however. It's contingent on the make and model of your car and whether keys are equipped with complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and ask for the service manager if are unsure if they can help.
If your smart key has been lost or stolen the key will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features in your car require a certain type of key to reset and function properly.
This process is much more involved than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. If your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can provide you with an identical backup. If you choose to go this way ensure that you have all the necessary information, including an identification photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.
Call a Locksmith
The most crucial step to take in replacing lost car keys is to contact an experienced locksmith. An experienced locksmith can cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. However, they'll need to know the year model, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should do it).
Be sure to check every possible location for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags that you might have used. You can also search for your keys in places you might not normally go, such as the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried this and still cannot find your keys, it's time to call for help.
A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is less expensive than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.
In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more sophisticated automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. lost key of car that are more complicated may require that you provide the VIN number of your car, but professional locksmiths will have the tools to do this right on the spot for you.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove keys that are bent or broken, which are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. If you attempt to do it yourself could cause more damage.
A locksmith can help you replace lost car keys and also provide guidance on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards making sure you never lose your car keys again.