How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweats take a bite of pizza and binge your latest TV show. You find that your car keys have disappeared.
Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are several ways to replace a lost car key, but the majority of they require a locksmith or a dealership.
Check your car's locks
If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget the location of our keys, especially if we're busy or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats back and forwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your car for your car key. Also, check the zippered areas or small compartments to locate the keys. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from the distance. These devices typically include an internal chip that communicates to the car in order to let you into the vehicle and then start the motor. You'll have to visit your dealer to purchase the new key fob in case you've lost it.
Some older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith might be able to create keys for you if you've got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
The dealer is also able to provide an alternative however it will cost more. The dealership will need to connect a computer chip to your car, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Before you pay for the replacement of your car key make sure you check your insurance policy. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. Ask your insurance company whether they have roadside service coverage. This could be useful if you ever need it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance, so you are likely to find an option near you.
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 and monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your registration for your vehicle, title, and insurance documents.
It is important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. If on the main page lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get a new key that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer specific to your lock which can then be used with your lock.
The VIN is usually found on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver's side at the point where the windshield joins it. It can also be found on the door jamb for the driver or on the side of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even written on your windows or windshields as part of an anti-theft measure.
You can check your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year of its production.
VINs first came into use in 1954, but until 1981, they were available in a variety. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to purchase new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also find regular keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could simply contact your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best place to go for replacing your car keys that have been lost.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an automotive lock. They're more likely be in a position to get you back on the road fast and will probably charge less than the dealership would.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your lost keys. This is crucial because the person who needs it will create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car or it could be found in the owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. It is not a 100% guarantee however. It is dependent on your model and make, and whether the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. Bring your car to the dealership and request a service manager if you aren't sure if they can help.
If your smart key has been lost or stolen it must be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car's security features require a specific kind of key to be reset and function properly.
The process is more complicated than it used to be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. A dealership will also be able to provide you with another key that's identical to the original one in the event that your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, be sure to carry all the necessary information on hand along with a photo ID. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.
Call a locksmith
Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost car keys. A skilled locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).
Before you call a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you've inspected every possible place where your keys may be. Check the pockets of jackets, pants and purses. Also, check any other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places where you would not normally look like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are unable to find your keys, then it's time to contact someone.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths will be able to repair them on the spot for about $20. This is cheaper than the cost 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 sophisticated automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. These keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the VIN number of the car, but a professional locksmith should have the right tools to do this in a flash for you.
Locksmiths are also able to capability of removing broken or bent keys that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. It is best to leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.
A locksmith can assist you replace lost car keys and also offer 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 can help you to never lose your car key once more.