How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and binge your latest TV show. However, you discover that your car keys aren't to be found.
Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are a few different ways to replace car keys that have been lost, but most of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the locks on your car.
It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget where we've put them especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car key s is fairly easy when you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forth. Be sure to look around small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. They usually contain an internal chip that communicates to the car to allow you into the vehicle and start the motor. You'll need to go to your dealer to get a new key fob if you've lost it.
Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths are able to create a new key for you, as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
The dealer may also offer the replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer must connect the computer chip with your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car's make and model.
Before you make a payment for a car key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance plan to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Moreover, it's also worth asking your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage to help 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.
Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, or sometimes in front of the motor block. You may also find your VIN in other places, like the registration of your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.
It is essential to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly obtain a new key made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.
The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the door jamb of the driver or in front the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. In some instances there are instances where the VIN is even written on your windows or windshields to provide an anti-theft measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth look at your vehicle including the manufacturer, model body type, engine size, assembly facility and the year of its manufacture.
VINs first came into use in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, up to 1981 they were available in various configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.
If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to get new keys at most dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will require a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply purchase standard keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could easily contact your local dealer and request a new set. It's more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best option for replacing the keys to your car that you lost.
You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership, but it's best to call an automotive lock. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road fast and will probably charge less than the dealership would.
Before you contact anyone to replace your car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important as the person who needs it will create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or found in your owner's manual.
Dealerships are able replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance, however. It is all dependent on the make and model, and if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and ask for the service manager if are unsure if they can assist.
If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features in your car require a specific kind of key in order to function correctly and reset.
This process is much more complex than it used to be and you should make sure you're willing to pay the additional price to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is lost 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 required information including a photo ID. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.
Call a locksmith
The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact a locksmith. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle, with evidence of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).
Before you get a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you have checked every possible place where your keys might be. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you might have used. You may also search for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor in front of the doorway table or under the couch. If you've done this and still cannot find your keys, it's time to call for help.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths should be able to replace them on the spot for around $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 cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, but a locksmith will be able to cut and program the key in a flash.
The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken or bent keys, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, and this should be left to experts.
In addition to helping you replace keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can provide advice on how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards making sure you never lose your car keys again.