How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your latest TV show. However, you discover that your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Know your options before you panic. There are many ways to replace the car key that was lost, but the majority of them require a locksmith or dealer.
Check the locks on your car.
It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. We often don't know where they are, especially if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy if you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.
Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forward. Make sure you check small compartments and zippered areas for keys, too. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag with care 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 can communicate with the car to allow you into the vehicle and start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to get the new key fob in case you've lost it.
Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths are able to create a new key for you as provided you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.
You can also get a new replacement from a dealer, but it will be more expensive. The dealership will have to integrate a computer chip into your car, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Before you pay for a car key replacement make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of a replacement key. It's also worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage that will aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance plans which means you are likely to find services near you.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle that is on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report crashes and thefts. In lost key replacement car United States, the VIN is typically the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your vehicle and the driver's side door jamb and sometimes on 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 It's a good idea to keep it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new key made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label located where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or in front the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even written into your windows or windshields to provide an anti-theft measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year of its production.
VINs first appeared 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 valid, then you'll be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automotive, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you'll 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 wasn't an issue. You could just call your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership might not be the best place to go for replacing the keys to your car that you lost.
You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They will be able to get you back on your way faster and charge less than the dealership.
Before you call anyone to replace your lost car keys, make a note of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important because the person who needs it will create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be found in your owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. This is not a assurance however. It is all dependent on the model and make, and whether the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a service manager if you aren't sure if they can assist.
If your smart key has been lost or stolen, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a particular type of key to reset and work properly.
The process is more complicated than it was in the past be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged, a dealership can offer you a similar backup. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have all the necessary information on hand and an identification photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.
Contact a locksmith
A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing lost car keys. A skilled locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a copy your registration or title).
Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. Check pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places you wouldn't normally look, such as the floor behind the table behind the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are struggling 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 much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport your car to a dealership to purchase a new one.
In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more sophisticated automobiles, including 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, however a locksmith is likely to be able complete the task in a flash.
Many locksmiths can also remove broken or bent keys that are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key on your own could cause more damage, so this should be left to experts.
A locksmith can help you replace lost car keys and also offer tips on how to prevent the possibility of keys 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 keys ever again.