How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and want to change into your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You discover that your car keys have disappeared.
Know your options before you get in a panic. There are several ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost however the majority of them require a locksmith or dealer.
Check Your Car's Locks
It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. After all, we often forget where they're especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Finding keys to your car may be relatively easy when your car is thoroughly searched.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Be sure to feel around zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your purse, backpack, or tote bag for keys.
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to get the new key fob in case you've lost it.
Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you, as provided you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
The dealer is also able to provide a replacement, but it will cost more. The dealer must pair up a computer chip for your car. It could cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car's make and model.
Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you may 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 if you ever need it. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance plans and you are likely to find an option close to you.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)
The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into the form of a plate or label on your car's dashboard and driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's recommended to store it safe. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get a new one made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is typically located on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver's side, where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the door jamb of the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a security measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year it was made.
VINs were first used in 1954, but up to 1981, they were available 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 is correct, then you should be able to get new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll need to go to an authorized locksmith or dealer who can replace your key with one that can start your vehicle. In other cases, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact keys lost for car
In the past, losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could just contact your local dealership to have new keys made. Today, it's a lot more complex than it used to be. If you're looking to get your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your most ideal option.
Although you could get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Before calling someone to replace your car keys, note down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important because the person who needs it will create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be found in the owner's guide.
Dealerships are able replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. This isn't a guarantee, however. It is dependent on your make and model, and whether the keys are intelligent or are complex in their programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a service manager if you are unsure whether they can help.
If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership to get it replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific type of key in order to be reset and function properly.
This process is more complex than it was previously be, so you should be prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is lost or damaged A dealership could provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to take this route, be sure to have all the required information along with you, as well as a photo ID. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.
Call a Locksmith
Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. A reputable locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. However, they will need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should do it).
Before you call a locksmith on the phone However, you must ensure that you've checked every possible place where your keys may be. Examine the pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags you may have used. You may also search for your keys in places that you would not normally put them, like on the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are not able to locate your keys, it's time to call someone.
A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance tow you car to a dealership to purchase a new key.
Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, such as transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the VIN number of the car, but a professional locksmith will have the tools to cut and program the key in a flash for you.
Most locksmiths also have the capability of removing broken keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is recommended to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.
A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and provide advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet can help in ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.