How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You’re tired, so change into your sweats and order a pizza to watch your latest TV show. You discover that your car keys are missing.
Before you panic, know your options. There are several methods to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check Your Car’s Locks
It’s best to check your car first if you lose your keys. In the end, we tend to forget where we put them, especially when we’re in a hurry or distracted. Finding keys to your car may be relatively easy when your car is thoroughly searched.
Start by sitting in the driver’s seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and back and forth. Make sure you check compartments with zippers and small spaces for keys, too. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices typically include an internal chip that can communicate to the car in order to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the engine. You’ll need to go to your dealer to obtain an alternative key fob if you’ve lost key in car it.
Some older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith may be able to make an alternative key for you, if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
You can also get an entirely new replacement from the dealership, but this will be more expensive. The dealer will need to connect 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 the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. Moreover, it’s also worthwhile to ask your insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage that will assist you in the event of an emergency. There are a variety of companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able find one in your area.
Check your vehicle’s identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that’s unique to each vehicle on the road. It’s used to identify vehicles as well as keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into a label or plate on the dashboard of your vehicle and driver’s side door jamb, and sometimes, in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.
It’s important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your vehicle. 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 the model you have. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is typically located on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver, where the windshield meets it. You can also look for 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, the VIN is even embedded on 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 its production.
VINs first came into use in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, up to 1981, they were offered in different configurations. In that year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN is valid, then you’ll be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with 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
Not long ago, losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could contact your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. It’s a lot more difficult today. The dealership might not be the best option if you need to replace your lost car keys.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it is better to contact an automotive lock. They’re more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and probably cost less than the dealership would.
Before you call anyone to replace your car keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is crucial because someone will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the driver’s dashboard, or it may be found in the owner’s manual.
Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of car manufacturers. This isn’t a assurance, however. It’s dependent on the model and make of your car and whether or not the keys have complicated programming. If you’re not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.
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 specific type of key to reset and function correctly.
This process is more complex than it was previously, so make sure you’re prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged the dealership will be able to provide you with an identical backup. If you decide to do this ensure you have all of the information needed, including a photo ID. This will help everyone to go through the process.
Call a locksmith
The most crucial step to take in replacing lost car keys is to contact an experienced locksmith. An experienced locksmith can cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).
Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys before you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you’ve used. You may also look for your keys in places you wouldn’t normally look like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or under the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it’s time to seek help.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths will be able to repair them on the spot for around $20. This is less expensive than what you would pay for roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the dealership and buy a replacement key.
In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program keys for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. These more complex keys may require that you provide the VIN number of your car however, professional locksmiths has the right tools to do this right on the spot for you.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove broken or bent keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this task should be left to the experts.
A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and provide advice on how to avoid future keys being misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could assist you in avoiding losing your car keys ever again.
