How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so put on your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Know 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 dealer.
Check the Locks on Your Car
If you've lost your car keys, it's always best to start by checking your vehicle. We often forget the location of our keys, especially when we're busy or distracted. Finding keys to your car may be fairly simple when your car is thoroughly searched.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forth. Also, look around small compartments or zippered areas to find the keys. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that connects with the car to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the engine. You'll need 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 inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths are capable of creating a new key for you, as long as you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
You can also get a new replacement from the dealership, but this will be much more expensive. The dealer must pair up the computer chip with your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's make and model.
Before you make a payment for a car key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Ask your insurance company whether they have roadside service coverage. view can be useful in the event that you need it. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages. You should be able to find one in your area.
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 as well as track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes on the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your car It's recommended to store it somewhere safe. This way, should you should ever lose your keys, you'll be in a position to utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.
The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the door jamb of the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even written on your windows or windshields as part of a anti-theft measure.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.
VINs first came into use in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, until 1981 they were available in various configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to purchase new keys at most dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For example, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit a dealer or locksmith that will replace your key with one that will start your car. In other cases, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
Not long ago the loss of your car keys was not an issue. You could simply contact your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. If you're looking to get your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your best option.
You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to call an automotive lock. They will be able to get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is important as someone will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or printed inside of your owner's manual.
Dealerships are able replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, it's not a assurance that they'll be able help you. It is all dependent on the make and model, and whether the keys are intelligent or are complex in their programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and ask for 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 at the dealership. This is because your car's security features require a specific kind of key to reset and function correctly.
This process is more complicated than it used to be, so you should be prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged A dealership could offer you a similar backup. If you choose to go this way, make sure you have all the necessary information, including an identification photo. This will help all to complete the process.
Call a locksmith
The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle, with evidence of ownership (a copy your registration or title).
Before you call a locksmith over the phone, though, make sure that you've inspected every possible spot where your keys may be. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you might have used. You can also search for your keys in places that you would not normally look like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all of this and are still not able to locate your keys, then it's time to contact someone.
For traditional keys, a locksmith will be able to repair them on the spot for around $20. This is less expensive than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance tow your car to a dealership and purchase a new key.
Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars that have more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, however a locksmith should be able to do it in a flash.
Locksmiths are also able to capability of removing broken keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you lock them accidentally in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own could cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to the experts.
In addition to helping you replace lost car keys locksmiths can also offer advice on how to avoid keys from being lost or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could assist you in avoiding losing your car key ever again.