15 Things You Didn't Know About Replace Lost Car Keys
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. However, you realize your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Know your options before you panic. There are a few different methods to replace lost car keys but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the Locks on Your Car
If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where we put them especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.
Start with the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for your car key. Be sure to feel around small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag, for keys.
Many modern cars have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from the 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 key fob, you'll need to visit a dealership to have a new one created.
Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be capable of creating a new key for you, as provided you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
The dealer is also able to provide a replacement however it will cost more. The dealer will have to connect the computer chip with your car. This could cost between $200 and $250, depending on the make and model.
Before you purchase a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance policy to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Ask your insurance company whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could come in handy if you ever need it. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance plans and you will be able to locate a service close to you.
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's used to identify vehicles, track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into a label or plate on the dashboard of your vehicle and driver's side door jamb, and sometimes, in front of the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like your registration for your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.
It's important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your car. In the event that you ever lose your keys, you can make use of it to get a replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.
Click Link of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label that's located between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb of the driver or on the front of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a prevention measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.
VINs were first used in 1954, but until 1981, they came in a variety. 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 get new keys from most dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you car requires an ignition chip you'll need to go to a dealer or locksmith that can swap your key for one that will be able to start your car. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could simply contact your local dealership to get new keys made. It's more complicated today. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your best option.
Although you could get a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road quickly and probably cost less than the dealership.
Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is important because you will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be printed in your owner's guide.
Dealerships are able to replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. This is not a assurance however. It all depends on your make and model, and whether the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. If you're unsure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.
If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a particular type of key to reset and work properly.
This process is more complicated than it used to be, so you should be prepared to pay a greater cost to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged A dealership could provide you with an identical backup. If you opt to go this way ensure that you have all the required information including a photo ID. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.
Call a locksmith
The most important step in replacing lost car keys is to contact an experienced locksmith. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. However, they will need to know the year and make of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).
Before you get a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you've inspected every possible spot where your keys could be. This includes checking pockets in jackets and pants as well as purses and other bags you might have used. You can also look for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor behind a doorway table or under the couch. If you've done this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should seek help.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths should be able to replace them on the spot for around $20. This is cheaper than the cost for roadside assistance to tow your car to a dealership and buy a replacement key.
Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, like smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require you to provide the VIN number of your vehicle, but locksmiths will be able to complete the task in a flash.
Many locksmiths can also remove keys that are bent or broken, which are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own could cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to experts.
In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys, a locksmith can also provide advice on how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can aid you in never losing your car keys again.