Seven Explanations On Why Replace Lost Car Keys Is So Important
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted, so you change into your sweats and grab some pizza to watch your latest TV show. You find that the keys to your car have disappeared.
Know your options before you panic. There are several methods to replace lost car keys however, the majority of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check your car's locks
It's best to inspect your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget the location of our keys, especially when we're busy or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy when you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.
Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for the car key. Also, feel around zippered areas or small compartments to locate the keys. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse, or tote bag, for keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices typically contain an internal chip that can communicate to the car in order to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the engine. You'll have 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 into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith might be able to create keys for you if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.
You can also get an upgrade from the dealership, but this will be more expensive. The dealer will need to connect the computer chip with your car. This can cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's model and make.
Before you purchase the replacement of your car key be sure to check your insurance policy. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance policy to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Ask your insurance company whether they have roadside service coverage. This will be useful if you ever need it. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages. You should be able to find one in your area.
Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to each 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 typically a sticker or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb and sometimes even behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your registration for your vehicle, title, and insurance documents.
It is essential to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. This way, should you ever lose your keys, you'll be in a position to use it to get a replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the driver-side door jamb or on the front of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. In some instances there are instances where the VIN is even embedded into your windows or windshields as part of an anti-theft measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model and make, body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was made.
VINs first came into use in 1954, however, until 1981, they were offered in a variety. 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 will be able to obtain new keys at the majority of dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer that can replace your key with one that can start your vehicle. You can also purchase standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
In the past the loss of your car keys was not an issue. You could simply contact your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. Today, it's a lot more complex than that. The dealership may not be the best place to go in case you want to replace the keys to your car that you lost.
While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, your best bet is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership.
Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your lost keys. This is important because someone 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 found in the owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll assist you. It's dependent 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 or your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle 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 visit your dealer in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key to reset and function properly.
The process is now more complicated than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra cost to restore this feature. A dealer can also provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original one in the event that the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this way, make sure you have all of the required information, including a photo ID. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.
Call a locksmith
Contacting a locksmith is the first step to replace lost car keys. An experienced locksmith will be able to cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).
Before you call a locksmith's number however, ensure that you've inspected all possible places where your keys could be. Check pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you might have used. You can also search for your keys in places you might not normally go, such as the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should seek help.
For traditional keys, a locksmith should be able to replace them in a matter of $20. This is cheaper than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance take your car to a dealership and buy a replacement key.
In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more sophisticated cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the car's VIN number, but a professional locksmith has the right tools to cut and program the key in a flash for you.
Many locksmiths can also take out keys that are bent or broken, which are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Trying to do it yourself could result in further damage.
In addition to helping you replace lost car keys locksmiths can also give you advice about how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet can go a long way towards ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.