How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so change into your favorite sweats and order a pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.
Know your options before you get in a panic. There are several ways to replace the car key that was lost however the majority of these require a locksmith or dealership.
Check the locks on your car.
It's best to inspect your car first if you lose your keys. Learn Alot more forget the location of our keys, especially when we're busy or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy when you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.
Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as up and down to search every inch of your car for the car key. Also, check the zippered areas or small compartments to find the keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag for keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. These devices typically include an internal chip that communicates with the car to let you into the vehicle and to start the motor. You'll need to go to your dealer to purchase the new key fob in case you've lost it.
Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith may be able create a replacement key for you if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
You can also purchase an entirely new replacement at the dealership, however it will be more expensive. The dealership must pair a computer chip with your car, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Make sure to verify your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you might be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a replacement key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This will be useful should you ever require it. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one in your area.
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 crashes and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into a label or plate on the dashboard of your car and the driver's side door jamb and sometimes in front of the engine block. You may also find your VIN in other places, such as your vehicle registration, title and insurance documents.
It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get new keys that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and get 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 located between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for 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. Some VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a prevention measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model, body type, engine size, assembly facility, and year of manufacture.
VINs were first used in 1954, but up to 1981, they came in a variety of formats. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from many locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll need to go to an authorized locksmith or dealer who can replace your key with one that will start your car. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could simply contact your local dealer to have new keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're in the market to have your lost car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the most ideal option.
While you may get 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 quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.
Before you contact someone to replace your car keys, make a note of the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important as the person who needs it will create an alternative car key for you. The VIN can be found on the driver's dashboard or printed inside of the owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll be able help you. It's dependent on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. If you're not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.
If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security features require a specific type of key to reset and function correctly.
The process is now more involved than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged, a dealership can provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to do this, make sure you have all of the necessary information including an identification photo. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.
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 car while you wait. But, they'll require the year, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).
Before calling a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you've inspected every possible spot where your keys could be. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you might have used. You can also look for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, such as on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you have done this but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for help.
For traditional keys locksmiths is likely to be able replace keys in a matter of $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance take your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new one.
Locksmiths often cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require that you provide the VIN number of the car however an experienced locksmith has the right tools to complete this in a flash for you.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove bent or broken keys that are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own could cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to professionals.
A locksmith can assist you replace keys that are lost in your car and offer guidance on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can help in making sure you never lose your car keys again.