Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Replace Lost Car Keys?
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so put on your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. But, you realize that the keys to your car aren't to be found.
Be aware of your options before you panic. There are a variety of ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost, but the majority of them require a locksmith or dealer.
Check Your Car's Locks
If you lose your keys to your car, it's best to start by checking your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, particularly if we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy when you take the time to do an exhaustive search of your vehicle.
Start with the driver's seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and back and forth. Be sure to feel around small compartments and zippered areas for keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. Usually, these devices have 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 an alternative key fob if you've lost it.
Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith may be able to make a replacement key for you if you've got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
The dealer is also able to provide a replacement however it will cost more. The dealership must integrate a computer chip into your car, which can be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the make and model of your car.
Be sure to check your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. It's also important to inquire with your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance insurance that can aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance plans which means you are likely to find a service close to you.
Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It is also used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into an image or a plate on your car's dashboard or driver's side door jamb, and sometimes, in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other documents such as your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's best to keep it in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new key that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and get the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is usually located on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the door jamb of the driver or in front the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a security measure.
You can check your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model and make body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was made.
VINs first appeared 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 most dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. For example, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll need to go to an auto locksmith or dealer that will replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. You can also get regular keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
Not long ago, losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could simply contact your local dealership to have new keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership may not be the best option if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost.
While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to call an auto locksmith. They can get you back on the faster and for less than a dealership.
Before calling someone to replace your car keys, make a note of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important as the person who needs it will create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN can be found on the driver's side dashboard, or it may be found in your owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a warranty, however. It is all dependent on the model and make, as well as whether the keys are intelligent or have complex programming. If you're unsure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.
If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because your car's security features require a particular type of key to be reset and function correctly.
This process is more complex than it used to be, so make sure you're willing to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is lost or damaged A dealership could offer you a similar backup. If you choose to do this, make sure you have all the required information including an identification photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.
Call a locksmith
Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost car keys. A locksmith who has experience will be able program and cut a new car key while you wait. www.g28carkeys.co.uk/replace-lost-car-keys-near-me/ will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).
Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets in pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, such as on the floor under the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried this but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to contact a professional for assistance.
For keys that are traditional, a locksmith is likely to be able replace them on the spot for around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance tow you car to a dealership to buy a new key.
Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, such as smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, but locksmiths is likely to be able do it immediately.
The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this task should be left to professionals.
In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can offer advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can help in ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.