How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweatshirt Grab a pizza and watch the latest TV show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.
Before you panic, know your options. There are a variety of ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost however the majority of they require a locksmith or a dealership.
Check the Locks on Your Car
It's best to inspect your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget where we put them particularly when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.
Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Be sure to feel around zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse, or tote bag, for keys.
A lot of modern cars have key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices usually contain an internal chip that connects with the car to allow you into the vehicle and to start the motor. You'll have to visit your dealer to obtain a new key fob if you've lost it.
Some older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be capable of creating a new key for you, as long as you can provide proof of ownership such as your registration or title.
The dealer is also able to provide a replacement however it will cost more. The dealership must integrate a computer chip into your vehicle, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your car.
Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase a new car key. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Moreover, it's also important to inquire with your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage to aid you in the case of an emergency. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able find one in your area.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, or sometimes on the motor block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, including your vehicle registration title, insurance and title documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's best to keep it safe. This way, should you should ever lose your keys, you can use it to get the replacement key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.
The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label placed between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the driver's side door jamb, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some instances there are instances where the VIN is even etched into your windshield or windows to provide an anti-theft measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth analysis of your vehicle's manufacturer, model of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and the year of manufacturing.
VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until what to do if lost car keys were available in different configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from many dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll have to visit a dealer or locksmith that will replace your key with one that will start your car. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer to get a new set. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best place to go in case you want to replace your lost car keys.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to contact an auto lock. They will be able get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because someone will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be found in the owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance, however. It depends on the model and make of your vehicle, as well as whether or not the keys have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager.
If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership to get it replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific kind of key in order to reset and function properly.
The process is more complicated than it used to be, so you should be willing to pay a higher price to restore this feature. A dealership will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the original in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, be sure to carry all the necessary information along with you and a photo ID. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.
Call a Locksmith
The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call a locksmith. An experienced locksmith will be able to cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).
Before you get a locksmith on the phone however, ensure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys might be. This includes checking pockets in pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places where you would not normally look, such as the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are not able to locate your keys, then it's time for you to contact someone.
A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, for about $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new one.
Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require you to provide the VIN number of the car, but an experienced locksmith has the right tools to do this in a flash for you.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove broken or bent keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own can cause more damage, so this should be left to the experts.
In addition to helping you replace keys that were lost in your car locksmiths can also give you advice about how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will assist you in avoiding losing your car key again.