How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.
Be aware of your options prior to panic. There are a few different methods 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 lose your car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget where they are, especially when we're busy or distracted. Finding keys to your car may be relatively easy when your car is thoroughly searched.
Start with the driver’s seat. The seats can be moved forward and backwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Make sure you check compartments with zippers and small spaces for keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. They usually contain an internal chip that communicates with the car to allow you into the vehicle and then start the motor. You'll have to visit your dealer to obtain a new key fob if you've lost it.
Certain older cars still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith might be able create a replacement key for you if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.
The dealer may also offer the replacement, but it will cost more. The dealer must connect the computer chip with your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's make and model.
Before you make a payment for an auto key replacement make sure you check your insurance policy. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of buying an additional car key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This can help should you ever require it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able to locate one close to you.
Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb and sometimes even in front of the motor block. visit the following post can be found in other places such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your car It's best to keep it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly obtain a new one that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer specific to your lock that will then work with your lock.
The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's placed between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft security measure.
You can check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year of its production.
VINs were first introduced in 1954, but up to 1981, they were available in a variety of formats. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from a variety of locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. For example, if your car requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer that can replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. In other cases, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
In the past the loss of your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply call your local dealer to purchase a new set. It's more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best place to go for replacing your car keys that have been lost.
While you may purchase a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to contact an automotive locksmith. They can get you back on the quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Before calling anyone to replace your lost car keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is vital as it will be needed to make 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. It is not a 100% guarantee, however. It is dependent on your make and model, and whether the keys are smart or have complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and ask for the service manager if are unsure if they can assist.
If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because the security features in your car require a certain type of key to function correctly and reset.
This process is more involved than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. If your original key is stolen or damaged, a dealership can offer you a similar backup. If you choose to do this ensure that you have all the required information, including an identification photo. This will help everyone to go through the process.
Contact a locksmith
The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact locksmith. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. However, they will need to know the year model, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).
Before calling a locksmith on the phone however, ensure that you have checked all possible places where your keys might be. This includes checking pockets in pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you've used. You could also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all of these methods and still are not able to locate your keys, then it's time for you to call someone.
A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance transport you car to a dealership to purchase a new one.
In visit the following post , locksmiths can also cut and program the new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, but locksmiths should be able to do it in a flash.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove bent or broken keys that are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. If you attempt to do it yourself can cause further damage.
A locksmith can help replace lost car keys and also give tips on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car key again.