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. However, you discover that the keys to your car aren't to be found.
Be aware of your options prior to get in a panic. There are several methods to replace lost car keys, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check your car's locks
If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they are, particularly if we're busy or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys isn't difficult when you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.
Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and back and forth. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse or tote bag, for keys.
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices typically contain an internal chip that connects to the car to let you into the vehicle and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need go to the dealership to get a new one made.
Some older cars still use traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be able to create a new key for you as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
You can also get an entirely new replacement from the dealership, but it will be more expensive. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Make sure to verify your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you might be able to claim it to cover the cost of a replacement key. Additionally, it's important to inquire with your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance insurance that can help you in the event of an emergency. There are a variety of companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able to find one in your area.
Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle that is 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 typically a sticker or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb, or sometimes behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.
It is essential to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain new keys that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer for your specific model which can then be used with your lock.
The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label situated between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle to serve as a security measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with a complete report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size, assembly plant and the year it was manufactured.
VINs were first used in 1954, but until 1981, they were available in a variety of formats. In that year, 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 obtain new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automobiles, based on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if you car requires an ignition chip, you'll need to visit a dealer or locksmith that can replace your key with one that will start your car. You can also find standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could call your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. It's more complicated today. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.
While you may purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They will be able get you back on the way faster and charge less than a dealership.
Before calling someone to replace your lost car keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is vital as it will be required in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be found in the owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. This isn't a assurance however. It depends on the make and model of your car as well as whether keys are equipped with complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and ask for an expert in service if you are unsure if they can assist.
If your smart key has been stolen or lost it must be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features in your car require a specific kind of key in order to function correctly and reset.
This process is more complex than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra cost to restore this feature. Dealers can also give you another key that's identical to the one you have in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you opt to go this route ensure you have all of the required information including an ID photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.
Call a locksmith
Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost car keys. A locksmith with experience will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. But, they'll require the year model, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).
Make sure you check every possible location for your keys before you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets in pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places where you might not normally go, such as the floor behind the table behind the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all this and are still struggling to locate your keys, it's time for you 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 transport you car to a dealership to purchase a new key.
In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, however a locksmith is likely to be able do it in a flash.
Locksmiths are also able to capability of removing broken keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you lock them accidentally in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, and this should be left to the professionals.
A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and provide tips on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.