This Is How Replace Lost Car Keys Will Look Like In 10 Years
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your latest TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.
Know your options before you be in a panic. There are many ways to replace car keys that have been lost, but most of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the locks on your car.
It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. We often don't know where they are, particularly if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately, finding lost car keys isn't difficult when you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.
Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forth. Be sure to look around compartments with zippers and small spaces for keys, too. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need to visit a dealership to have a new one made.
Some older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you, as provided you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.
You can also purchase a new replacement at the dealership, however this will be more expensive. The dealer will have to pair up the computer chip with your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250, depending on the model and make.
Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Ask your insurance company whether they have roadside service coverage. This could help should you ever require it. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able find one near you.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes on the motor block. You may also find your VIN in other places, such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
It's important 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 able to use it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code specific to your lock, which will then work with your lock.
The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's situated at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the driver's side door jamb or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a prevention measure.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year it was made.
VINs first came into use in 1954, however, until 1981, they were available in a variety of formats. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from most locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll need to go to a dealer or locksmith that can swap your key for one that will start your car. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
A few years ago the loss of your car keys was not an issue. You could simply call your local dealer to purchase a new set. It's more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best place to go for replacing the keys to your car that you lost.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They will be able to get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.
Before calling anyone to replace your car keys, write down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important because it will be needed in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard, or it may be found in your owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, it's not a guarantee that they'll assist you. It all depends on your make and model, and whether the keys are intelligent or are complex in their programming. Bring your car to the dealership and ask for a service manager if you are unsure if they can assist.
If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because your car's security features require a specific kind of key to be reset and function properly.
This process is more complex than it was in the past be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater cost to restore this feature. If your original key is lost or damaged A dealership could offer you a similar backup. If you opt to go this route, make sure you have all of the necessary information including an identification photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.
Call for a locksmith
A locksmith's call is the first step to replace lost car keys. A locksmith who has experience will be able program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a copy your registration or title).
Before you get a locksmith on the phone however, ensure that you have checked all possible places where your keys may be. Check pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags that you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places where you wouldn't normally look, such as the floor behind the table behind the doorway or underneath the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for help.
For read the full info here is likely to be able replace them in a matter of $20. This is cheaper than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to a dealer and purchase a replacement key.
Locksmiths often program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, but a locksmith will be able to do it in a flash.
Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this task 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 being misplaced or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet can help in ensuring that you never lose your car keys ever again.