How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so you put on your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Be aware of your options prior to get in a panic. There are a few different methods to replace lost car keys however, the majority of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check Your Car's Locks
If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where we put them especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car isn't difficult if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.
Start with the driver’s seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and back and forth. Be sure to feel around compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.
Many modern cars have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. They usually include an internal chip that connects to the car to let you into the vehicle and then start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to obtain a new key fob if you've lost it.
Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith may be able create a replacement key for you if you've got proof of ownership like your registration or title.
You can also purchase an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but this will be much more expensive. The dealer must pair up an electronic chip to your car. This could cost between $200 and $250 depending on the make and model.
Before you pay for a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage you might be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of replacing a key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This could come in handy if you ever need it. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance, so you are likely to find services near you.
Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It is also used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into the form of a plate or label on your car's dashboard and driver's side door jamb, and sometimes in front of the engine block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, like your vehicle registration title, insurance and title 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 quickly and easily get new keys made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer specific to your lock that will then work with your lock.
The VIN is usually found on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver's side at the point where the windshield joins 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. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even embedded into your windshield or windows as part of a security measure to prevent theft.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth look at your vehicle's model, manufacturer of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and the year of its manufacture.
VINs were first introduced in 1954, however, until 1981, they were offered in a variety of formats. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to get new keys at most dealerships as well as automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For example, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll need to go to an auto locksmith or dealer that can replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. You can also get standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily call your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's a lot more complex than that. If you're in the market to get your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the most ideal option.
While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to contact an automotive locksmith. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road quickly and will probably charge less than the dealership would.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your lost keys . This is crucial because the person who needs it will create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or found in the owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. This is not a guarantee, however. It's contingent on the make and model of your car, as well as 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 go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a specific kind of key to be reset and function correctly.
The process is now more complicated than it used to be and you should make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is lost or damaged A dealership could offer you a similar backup. If you decide to go this route, be sure to have all the necessary information along with you, as well as a photo ID. This will help everyone to get through the process.
Call a Locksmith
Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost car keys. A locksmith with experience will be able program and cut a new car key while you wait. But, they'll need to know the year model, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).
Before you get a locksmith on the phone However, you must ensure that you've inspected every possible place where your keys might be. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places that you would not normally look like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all this but are still struggling to locate your keys, it's time for you to call someone.
For keys that are traditional, a locksmith should be able to replace keys on the spot for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport your car to a dealership to purchase a new one.
In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number of your vehicle, but locksmiths should be able to complete the task in a flash.
The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.
A locksmith can help you replace keys to your car that have been lost and provide advice on how to avoid future keys being misplaced or stolen. Taking preventative steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in making sure you never lose your car keys again.