How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You’re exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and binge your latest TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.
Know your options before you be in a panic. There are several methods to replace lost car keys however, the majority of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check Your Car’s Locks
If you lose your keys to your car, it’s best to start by checking your vehicle. We often don’t know the location of our keys, especially if we’re busy or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy when you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.
Start by sitting in the driver’s seat. The seats can be moved back and forwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Also, look around zippered areas or small compartments to locate the keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for the keys.
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. You’ll need to go to your dealer to obtain an alternative key fob if you’ve lost it.
Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith might be able to create an alternative key for you, if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.
You can also purchase a 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 car.
Before you make a payment for the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of replacing a key. Ask your insurance company whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could help should you ever require it. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able to locate one close to you.
Check your vehicle’s identification number (VIN).
The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for each vehicle that is on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that’s affixed to your dashboard, driver’s side door jamb, and sometimes on the motor block. You may also find your VIN in other places, including your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
It is essential to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. This way, should you ever lose your keys, you’ll be able to utilize it to have a replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer’s code for your model. This will work with your lock.
The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that’s located at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver’s side. You can also find it on the door jamb for the driver’s side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even embedded on your windows or windshields as part of a security measure to prevent theft.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth report on your vehicle including the manufacturer, model of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and year of manufacture.
VINs first came into use in 1954, but up to 1981, they came in a variety. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from a variety of dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you’ll require a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also get basic keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn’t too long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer to purchase a new set. It’s a lot more difficult today. The dealership might not be the best option for replacing lost car key your lost car keys.
Although you could obtain a traditional key from the dealership, your best bet is to contact an automotive locksmith. They’re more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road in a hurry and probably cost less than the dealership would.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your lost keys. This is vital as it will be needed to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the driver’s side dashboard, or it may be found in the owner’s manual.
Dealerships can replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, this doesn’t assurance that they’ll be able to assist you. It’s dependent on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as whether keys are equipped with complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and inquire for a service manager if you are unsure if they can help.
If your smart key was stolen or lost the key will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key to function correctly and reset.
The process is more complicated than it was in the past be, so you should be prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. A dealership can also provide you with a backup key that’s similar to the original one in the event that the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route ensure that you have all of the information needed including a photo ID. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.
Contact a locksmith
Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. An experienced locksmith will be able cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle with proof of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).
Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys before you contact a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you’ve used. You may also look for your keys in places you wouldn’t normally look, such as the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you’ve tried all of these methods and still are struggling to locate your keys, it’s time to contact someone.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths should be able to replace keys on the spot for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport you car to a dealership to purchase a new key.
In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more sophisticated automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the VIN number of the car however professional locksmiths will have the tools to complete this right on the spot for you.
The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys, which can occur when you accidentally lock them in your car. It is best to leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. If you attempt to do it yourself could cause more damage.
In addition to helping you replace keys that were lost in your car locksmiths can also offer advice on how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car key ever again.
