How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweatshirt Grab a pizza and watch the latest TV show. You discover that your car keys are missing.
Before you panic, consider your options. There are many ways to replace the car key that was lost however the majority of these require a locksmith or a dealership.
Check the locks on your car.
It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget where they are, particularly when we're busy or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.
Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved back and forwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for the car key. Be sure to look around compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag for the keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from the distance. They usually contain an internal chip that connects to the car in order to allow you access to the vehicle and then start the motor. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need to go to the dealership to get a new one created.
Some older cars still use traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be capable of creating a new key for you as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
The dealer may also offer the replacement however it will cost more. The dealership will need to integrate a computer chip into your vehicle, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.
Before you pay for a car key replacement make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a replacement key. Moreover, it's also worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance insurance that can assist you in the event of an emergency. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able to find one near you.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car or the driver's side door jamb and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other documents such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
It's important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. That way, if you lose your keys, you'll be able to use it to get a replacement key made quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's situated between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some instances there are instances where the VIN is even written into your windows or windshields as part of an security measure against theft.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. lost car key will give you a complete report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.
VINs first came into use in 1954, but until 1981, they were offered in a variety. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from a variety of dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply get standard keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer to purchase a new set. Today, it's more complicated than it used to be. The dealership may not be the best option in case you want to replace your car keys that have been lost.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it is better to contact an auto lock. They're more likely be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and probably cost less than the dealership would.
Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is important as the person who needs it will create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard or included in your owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, it's not a guarantee that they'll be able assist you. It all depends on your model and make, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and ask for the service manager if are unsure whether they can help.
If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a certain type of key to function correctly and reset.
The process is more complicated than it was previously be, so you should be prepared to pay a greater cost to restore this feature. If your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can provide you with an identical backup. If you decide to go this route, make sure to have all the required information along with you along with an ID photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.
Contact a locksmith
A locksmith's call is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost. A reputable locksmith can cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. However, they will need to know the year model, make and model of your vehicle, as well as proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).
Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys before you contact a locksmith. Check the pockets of the pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places you wouldn't normally look, such as the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you've tried all of these methods and still are not able to locate your keys, then it's time to call someone.
For keys that are traditional, a locksmith will be able to repair keys on the spot for around $20. This is cheaper than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance tow your car to a dealership and purchase a new key.
In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program keys for more advanced models of automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the VIN number of your car however, professional locksmiths should have the right tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.
Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to the 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. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could help you to never lose your car key once more.