How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweatshirt Grab a pizza and watch your favorite TV show. But, you realize that the keys to your car aren't to be found.
Before you panic, know your options. There are many ways to replace the car key that was lost, but the majority of them require a locksmith or a dealership.
Check the locks on your car.
It's best to inspect your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget the location of our keys, especially when we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy when you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.
Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Also, feel around compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate the keys. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices typically contain an internal chip that can communicate to the car to allow you access to the vehicle and start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to obtain a new key fob if you've lost it.
Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith could be able to make a replacement key for you if you have 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 vehicle, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Before you pay for a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Additionally, it's important to inquire with your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance plans, so you are likely to find services near you.
Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as 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-side door jamb, and sometimes on the motor block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, like the registration of your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.
Your VIN is unique to your car and it's recommended to store it safe. This way, should you lose your keys, you can use it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and get the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.
The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's situated at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate 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 etched into your windows or windshields as part of an security measure against theft.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with a complete report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model and make body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year it was made.
VINs were first introduced in 1954, however, until 1981, they were available in a variety of formats. In i ve lost my car keys what can i do , the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from most dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could simply contact your local dealer to get a new set of keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complex than it used to be. The dealership might not be the best option in case you want to replace your lost car keys.
Although you could purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able to get you back on your way faster and charge less than a dealership.
Before calling anyone to replace your car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important because you will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard or included in your owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. However, it's not a assurance that they'll be able to help you. It's contingent on the model and make of your car and whether keys have complicated programming. If you're unsure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your vehicle into the store and speak with the service manager.
If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key to be reset and function properly.
This process is more complicated than it was previously, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. Dealers can also give you an alternative key that is similar to the original one in the event that the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this way ensure you have all of the necessary information including a photo ID. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.
Call a locksmith
Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. A skilled locksmith can cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).
Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places you might not normally go like the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of these methods and still are struggling to locate your keys, then it's time for you to contact someone.
A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, for about $20. This is cheaper than what you would pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to a dealer and purchase a replacement key.
In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced models of automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number of your vehicle, but a locksmith will be able to complete the task in a flash.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove bent or broken keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them in your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to professionals.
In addition to helping you replace your keys to your car that have been lost locksmiths can also give you advice about how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys again.