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 find that your car keys are missing.
Be aware of your options before you get in a panic. There are several ways to replace a lost car key however the majority of them require a locksmith or dealer.
Check Your Car's Locks
If you've lost your keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they are, particularly if we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.
Start with the driver’s seat. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your car for your car keys. Be sure to feel around compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag for keys.
Many modern cars have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need visit a dealership to have a new one made.
Some older cars still use traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths will be able to create a new key for you as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
You can also get a new replacement from a dealer, but this will be more expensive. The dealer will have to pair up the computer chip with your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250 depending on the make and model.
Before you make a payment for a car key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. Ask your insurance company whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This will come in handy in the event that you need it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance plans. You should be able to find one near you.
Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It can also be used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your vehicle, the driver's side door jamb and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your car It's a good idea to keep it somewhere safe. In the event that you should ever lose your keys, you'll be able to make use of it to get an alternative key quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is usually found on a sticker on the driver's-side dashboard, where the windshield meets it. redirected here can also locate it on the driver's side door jamb or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even written into your windows or windshields as part of a anti-theft measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle including the model, manufacturer, body type, engine size, assembly facility, and the year of production.
VINs first appeared in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, until 1981 they were available in different configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.
If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to get new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will require a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. In other cases, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could simply call your local dealership to have new keys made. Today, it's a lot more complex than it used to be. The dealership may not be the best place to go if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to call an automotive lock. They are more likely to be able to get you back on the road quickly 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 important because you will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN can be found on the driver's side dashboard, or it may be printed inside of the owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace cars keys for most manufacturers. This isn't a guarantee however. It is all dependent on the make and model, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and request an expert in service if you aren't sure if they can assist.
If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealer for it to be replaced. This is because the security features in your car require a specific type of key to be reset and function properly.
This process is more complex than it was in the past be, so you should be prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen the dealership will be able to provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to go this route, make sure to carry all the information needed on hand and a photo ID. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.
Call a locksmith
A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A locksmith with experience will be able to program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. However, they will require the year model, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).
Before you get a locksmith's number however, ensure that you've checked every possible place where your keys might be. This includes checking pockets in jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places you might not normally go for them, like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all of these methods and still are struggling to locate your keys, it's time to call someone.
For keys that are traditional, a locksmith is likely to be able replace them on the spot for about $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance transport your vehicle to a dealer to buy a new key.
In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program the new key for more sophisticated automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the VIN number of the car however, a professional locksmith has the right tools to complete this on the spot for you.
Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove broken or bent keys, which can occur when you accidentally lock them in your car. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to the experts.
In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost locksmiths can also provide advice on how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home could aid you in never losing your car key once more.