How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and watch the latest TV show. You find that your car keys have disappeared.
Before you panic, consider your options. There are a few different methods to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them require a 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 don't know the location of our keys, especially if we're busy or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy when you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and forth. Also, look around zippered areas or small compartments to locate keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse, or tote bag, for keys.
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. These devices typically contain 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 have to visit your dealer to purchase a new key fob if you've lost it.
Some older cars still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith could be able create a replacement key for you, if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.
The dealer may also offer an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealership will have to integrate a computer chip into your car, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.
Be sure to check your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you might be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of replacing a key. 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. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages, so you will be able to locate services close to you.
Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 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 stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb and sometimes even on the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your registration for your vehicle, 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 obtain new keys made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is usually located on a label that is placed on the driver's-side dashboard at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also locate it on the driver's side door jamb or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle to serve as a prevention measure.
You can check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth analysis of your vehicle including the model, manufacturer body type, engine size, assembly facility and the year of manufacture.
VINs were first used in 1954, however, until 1981, they came in a variety of formats. In that year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from many dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also get standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could just contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best option in case you want to replace your car keys that have been lost.
You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to call an automotive lock. They're more likely to be able to get you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership would.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because someone will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or included in your owner's manual.
Dealerships are able replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll assist you. It depends on the model and make of your car and whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. Bring your car to the dealership and inquire for the service manager if aren't sure if they can assist.
If your smart key was stolen or lost the key will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because your car's security functions require a specific type of key to reset and work correctly.
The process is now more complex than it was in the past 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, a dealership can offer you a similar backup. If you decide to do this, make sure you have all of the necessary information including an ID photo. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.
Contact for a locksmith
A locksmith's call is the first step to replace lost car keys . A reputable locksmith will be able to cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. However, they'll need to know the year model, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).
Before calling a locksmith over the phone However, you must ensure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys may be. Check the pockets of jackets, pants and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you might have used. You can also search for your keys in places where you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all of this but are still unable to find your keys, it's time for you to call someone.
A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is less than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to a dealer and purchase a replacement key.
Locksmiths often cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, like smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your car, however a locksmith is likely to be able complete the task immediately.
Many locksmiths can also remove bent or broken keys that are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. It is best to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Trying to do it yourself could cause more damage.
A locksmith can assist you replace lost car keys and also offer advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys 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 never lose your car keys again.