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 favorite TV show. However, you realize the keys to your car aren't to be found.
Be aware of your options prior to panic. There are many ways to replace lost car keys, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check your car's locks
If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget where we put them especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy if you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for the car key. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. You should also carefully check your purse, backpack, or tote bag for keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs which allow 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 let you in and start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to obtain a new key fob if you've lost it.
Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith may be able to make keys for you if you've got evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.
You can also purchase an upgrade from the dealership, but it will be more expensive. The dealer will need to connect the computer chip with your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car's model and make.
Before you pay for a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. Moreover, it's also worth asking your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage that will assist you in the event of an emergency. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able find one near you.
Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)
The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States, the VIN is typically 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 can also locate your VIN in other places, such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's best to keep it safe. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly obtain a new key made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and get the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.
The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label that's situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even embedded into your windows or windshields to provide an security measure to prevent theft.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth look at your vehicle including the model, manufacturer, body type, engine size, assembly facility and the year of its production.
VINs were first introduced in 1954, but up to 1981, they came in a variety of configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.
If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to purchase new keys at most dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will require a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also purchase standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
In the past losing your car keys was not an issue. You could just call your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership may not be the best place to go if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost.
You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership, but it's best to call an automotive lock. They're more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and probably cost less than the dealership.
Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because it will be required in order for someone to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle, or may be found in the owner's guide.
Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll be able help you. It's contingent on the model and make of your car and whether keys have complicated programming. Bring your car to the dealership and request an expert in service if you are unsure whether they can assist.
If your smart key was stolen or lost it must be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key to reset and function properly.
The process is more complicated than it was previously, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. If your original key is lost or damaged A dealership could provide you with an identical backup. If you choose to go this way ensure you have all the required information including an identification photo. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.
Call an expert locksmith
Contacting a locksmith is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. However, they will need to know the year and make of your car along with evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should do it).
Before you call a locksmith's number however, ensure that you've inspected every possible place where your keys could be. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you might have used. You may also search for your keys in areas where you don't usually put them, such as on the floor under a doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this and still cannot find your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.
A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is less expensive than what you would pay to have roadside assistance tow your car to a dealership and buy a replacement key.
In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program a new key for more advanced types of automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, but a locksmith will be able to cut and program the key in a flash.
Many locksmiths can also remove bent or broken keys that are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. G28 Car Keys is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. Trying to do it yourself can cause further damage.
In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost locksmiths can also provide advice on how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home can assist you in avoiding losing your car keys once more.