How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and are ready to change into your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and binge your latest TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.
Be aware of your options before you get in a panic. There are many methods to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the locks on your car.
It's best to check your car first when you lose your keys. After all, we often forget where they're particularly when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is fairly easy when you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved back and forwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your car for the car key. Also, look around zippered areas or small compartments to find keys. Examine 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 an extended 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 need to visit your dealer to get the new key fob in case you've lost it.
Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith may be able to make an alternative key for you if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.
You can also get a new replacement at the dealership, however this will be much more expensive. The dealership must pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.
Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to purchase a new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage you might be able to claim it to cover the cost of a new key. It's also important to inquire with your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage to aid you in the case of an emergency. There are a variety of companies that provide 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 an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb and sometimes even behind the motor block. You may also find your VIN in other places, like your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's best to keep it safe. That way, if you lose your keys, you'll be in a position to use it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your specific model, which will then work with your lock.
The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver, where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the driver-side door jamb or on the side of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even etched into your windshield or windows to provide an security measure to prevent theft.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model and make body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year it was manufactured.
VINs first came into use in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, up to 1981, they were available in various configurations. 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 many dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your car requires an ignition chip, you'll need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer that can replace your key with one that will be able to start your car. You can also find basic keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could just call your local dealership to have new keys made. It's more complicated today. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your best option.
While you can certainly still purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They are more likely to be able to get you back on the road fast and will probably charge less than the dealership.
Before you contact anyone to replace your lost car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). lost the keys to my car is important because the person who needs it will create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your vehicle, or may be printed in the owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll help you. It depends on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as whether or not the keys have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.
If your smart key was lost or stolen the key will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features in your car require a specific kind of key in order to reset and function properly.
This process is more involved than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the additional price to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen the dealership will be able to provide you with a duplicate backup. If you choose to go this way, make sure you have all of the required information including an identification photo. This will help all to complete the process.
Call a locksmith
The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to call locksmith. A skilled locksmith can cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle, with evidence of ownership (a copy your registration or title).
Before calling a locksmith on the phone However, you must ensure that you've inspected every possible spot where your keys may be. Check pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, check any other bags you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you would not normally look, 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, then it's time to contact someone.
For traditional keys, a locksmith is likely to be able replace them on the spot for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance take your car to a dealership to buy a new key.
Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the VIN number of the car, but a professional locksmith has the right tools to do this on the spot for you.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove bent or broken keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to the professionals.
A locksmith can help replace lost car keys and also offer guidance on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car key once more.