How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweats take a bite of pizza and watch the latest TV show. However, you realize the keys to your car aren't to be found.
Before you panic, consider your options. There are several methods to replace lost car keys, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the locks on your car.
If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they are, particularly when we're distracted or in a rush. Finding keys to your car may be relatively easy when your car is thoroughly searched.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Also, look around zippered areas or small compartments to locate keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that can communicate to the car to allow you into the vehicle and then start the motor. You'll have to visit your dealer to obtain the new key fob in case you've lost it.
Certain older cars still have keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths are capable of creating a new key for you, as long as you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
The dealer is also able to provide an alternative, but it will cost more. The dealer must pair up an electronic chip to your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's model and make.
Before you make a payment for the replacement of your car key make sure you check your insurance policy. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car 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. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one in your area.
Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).
The vehicle identification number is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes behind the motor block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, such as your registration for your vehicle, title and insurance documents.
It is important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain a new one made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and locate the key code from the manufacturer specific to your lock which can then be used with your lock.
The VIN is usually located on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also find it on the door jamb for the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a security measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size assembly plant, and the year it was made.
VINs first came into use in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 1981, they were offered in various configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from many locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also get basic keys at hardware stores.
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In the past, losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could easily call your local dealer to purchase a new set. Today, it's more complicated than that. If you're in the market to get 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 call an automotive lock. They can get you back on your faster and for less than a dealership.
Before you contact anyone to replace your car keys, make a note of the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be required to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your vehicle, or may be printed in your owner's guide.
Dealerships are able to replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. This is not a assurance, however. It's contingent on the model and make of your vehicle as well as whether or not the keys have complex programming. If you're unsure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your vehicle into the store and speak with the service manager.
If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security features require a particular type of key to be reset and function correctly.
The process is now more complex than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional cost to restore this feature. If your original key is lost or damaged the dealership will be able to provide you with an identical backup. If you decide to go this route, make sure you have all the required information on hand along with a photo ID. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.
Contact a locksmith
The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to call a locksmith. A locksmith with experience will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a copy your registration or title).
Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets in pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you might have used. You can also look for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've done this and still cannot find your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.
For traditional keys, a locksmith should be able to replace keys in a matter of $20. This is less expensive than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance take your car to the dealership and buy a replacement key.
In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced models of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder 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 do it on the spot.
Many locksmiths can also remove broken or bent keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to experts.
In addition to helping you replace your keys that were lost in your car locksmiths can also provide advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys again.