How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch the latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Be aware of your options prior to get in a panic. There are a few different ways to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the locks on your car.
It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. In the end, we tend to forget where we've put them particularly when we're rushing or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved back and forwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for the car key. Also, check the small compartments or zippered areas to find keys. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse or tote bag for the keys.
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need visit the dealership to have a new one made.
Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you, as long as you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
You can also purchase an entirely new replacement from the dealership, but this will be more expensive. The dealership must connect a computer chip to your car, which can cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Make sure to verify your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. It's also worth asking your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage that will aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance plans, so you will be able to locate an option close to you.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)
The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle that is 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 typically a sticker or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb and sometimes even in front of the motor block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, such as your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your car, so it's best to keep it safe. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get a new one made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is typically located on a label on the driver's-side dashboard at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also find it on the driver's side door jamb or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some cases it is possible that the VIN is even embedded into your windshield or windows as part of a security measure against theft.
You can check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle's model, manufacturer, body type, engine size, assembly facility, and the year of manufacturing.
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 their format to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from most dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type key your vehicle requires. For example, if your 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. In other cases, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
In the past losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could just call your local dealership to have new keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than that. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the best option.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They are more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and likely to charge less than the dealership would.
Before you call anyone to replace your car keys, make a note of the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important because it will be required to create a replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be printed inside of your owner's manual.
Dealerships are able replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. This isn't a warranty however. It's dependent on the model and make of your car, as well as whether keys have complex programming. If you're unsure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.
If you have an electronic 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 of your car require a certain type of key to function correctly and reset.
This process is more complex than it was previously be, so you should be prepared to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. A dealership can also give you another key that's identical to the original in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, be sure to have all the required information on hand, as well as an identification photo. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.
Contact a locksmith
The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact an experienced locksmith. A skilled locksmith can cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. But, they'll need to know 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 call a locksmith over the phone However, you must ensure that you've inspected every possible place where your keys could be. car key lost no spare includes checking the pockets of jackets and pants as well as purses and other bags you might have used. You can also search for your keys in places that you might not normally go, such as the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you've tried all of this and are still unable to find your keys, then it's time to contact someone.
For keys that are traditional, a locksmith should be able to replace keys on the spot for about $20. This is less expensive than what you would pay for roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.
In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more advanced models of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, however locksmiths is likely to be able cut and program the key immediately.
Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken or bent keys that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. Trying to remove a broken key on your own could cause more damage, and this should be left to the 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. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.