What Do You Know About Replace Lost Car Keys?
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and want to change into your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch the latest TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.
Before you panic, know your options. There are a few different ways to replace lost car keys however, the majority of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the Locks on Your Car
If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where they're, especially when we're rushing or distracted. Finding lost car key with no spare to your car may be relatively easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Start with the driver’s seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forward. Be sure to feel around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your purse, backpack, 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. They usually include an internal chip that communicates to the car in order to allow you into the vehicle and start the motor. You'll need to go to your dealer to obtain an alternative key fob if you've lost it.
Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith might be able create an alternative key for you if you've got evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.
The dealer may also offer the replacement however, it will cost more. The dealership will have to connect a computer chip to your car, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your car.
Before you pay for an auto key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This will be useful in the event that you need it. There are a variety of companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one near you.
Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle on the road. It's 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 is attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, and sometimes in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your registration for your vehicle and title as well as insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's a good idea to keep it safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new one made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.
The VIN is typically located on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver, where the windshield meets it. It can also be found on the door jamb for the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even written on your windows or windshields as part of an security measure against theft.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.
VINs were first introduced in 1954, however, until 1981, they were available in a variety. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll require a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. In other cases, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply contact your local dealer to have new keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than that. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your most ideal option.
You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to contact an automotive lock. They are more likely to be able to get you back on the road fast and probably cost less than the dealership.
Before calling anyone to replace your lost car keys, make a note of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is vital as it will be required to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard, or it may be printed inside of the owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. This isn't a guarantee, however. It depends on the make and model of your vehicle as well as whether or not the keys have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and ask for a service manager if you aren't sure if they can help.
If your smart key was lost or stolen the key will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car's security functions require a specific kind of key to be reset and function properly.
This process is much more complicated than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged, a dealership can offer you a similar backup. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have all the information needed on hand, as well as an ID photo. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.
Contact an expert locksmith
A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. A reputable locksmith will be able to cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).
Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys before you call a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you've used. You may also search for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should seek help.
For traditional keys, a locksmith 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 dealer and purchase a replacement key.
Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, such as transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the VIN number of your car, but professional locksmiths will have the tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.
Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove broken or bent keys that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. Trying to remove a broken key on your own could cause more damage, so this task should be left to the experts.
In addition to helping you replace lost car keys locksmiths can also provide advice on how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home can aid you in never losing your car key again.