How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted, so you change into your sweats and grab some pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Before you panic, consider your options. There are a few different methods to replace lost car keys, but most of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check your car's locks
When you lose keys to your car, it's best to start by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they are, particularly if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Finding lost car keys can be fairly simple in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Start with the driver's seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forward. Be sure to look around compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need go to the dealership to get a new one made.
Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith may be able to make keys for you if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.
The dealer may also offer an alternative however it will cost more. The dealer will need to pair up the computer chip with your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car's make and model.
Before you make a payment for the replacement of your car key be sure to check your insurance policy. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Additionally, it's worthwhile to ask your insurance provider if you have roadside assistance insurance that can help you in the event of an emergency. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able find one in your area.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is typically an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes, in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
It is important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. In the event that you ever lose your keys, you'll be in a position to make use of it to get a replacement key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is usually located on a label on the driver's-side dashboard at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also find it on the door jamb for the driver or on the front of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a security measure.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, model and make body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year it was made.
VINs first came into use in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until 1981, they were offered in different configurations. In that year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from most dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. In other cases, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
In the past the loss of your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply call your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than it used to be. If you're in the market to have your lost car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the most ideal option.
You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to contact an automotive lock. They are more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and will probably charge less than the dealership.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your lost keys. This is crucial because someone will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or found in your owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll be able to help you. It is dependent on your make and model, and if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and request the service manager if are unsure if they can help.
If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a certain type of key in order to function correctly and reset.
This process is much more involved than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can provide you with a duplicate backup. If you choose to go this route, be sure to have all the required information on hand, as well as a photo ID. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.
Call an expert locksmith
The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to call locksmith. A skilled locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).
Be sure to check every possible location for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you've used. You could also search for your keys in areas where you don't usually put them, like on the floor under the doorway table or under the couch. If you've done this and still cannot find your keys, it's time to contact a professional for assistance.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths is likely to be able replace them in a matter of $20. This is cheaper than the price you'd 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 keys for more sophisticated cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the VIN number of your car however an experienced locksmith has the right tools to cut and program the key right on the spot for you.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove broken or bent keys that are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this should be left to experts.
A locksmith can assist you replace lost car keys and also provide advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.