Why Do So Many People Are Attracted To Replace Lost Car Keys?
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and binge your latest TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.
Be aware of your options prior to be in a panic. There are many methods to replace car keys that have been lost, but most of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check your car's locks
If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy if you make the effort to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for the car key. Also, look around compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate the keys. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually include an internal chip that connects to the car to allow you into the vehicle and then start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to obtain a new key fob if you've lost it.
Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith may be able create keys for you, if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.
The dealer can also provide an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealership will have to pair a computer chip with your car, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance policy to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. Moreover, it's also important to inquire with your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage to aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance which means you are likely to find an option close to you.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into a label or plate on the dashboard of your vehicle, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes, in front of the engine block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, such as your registration for your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.
It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get a new one made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.
The VIN is usually found on a sticker on the driver's-side dashboard 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 commercial and larger vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even written into 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 an in-depth look at your vehicle's manufacturer, model of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and year of manufacture.
VINs were first introduced in 1954, but up to 1981, they were offered in a variety of formats. In lost key to car no spare standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.
If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to get new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will require a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also find basic keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
Not long ago losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could easily contact your local dealer to get a new set. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership may not be the best option in case you want to replace your lost car keys.
While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able to get you back on your faster and for less than the dealership.
Before you call anyone to replace your lost car keys, write down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important as the person who needs it will create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be printed in your owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll be able assist you. It's contingent on the make and model of your vehicle as well as whether keys have complex programming. If you're not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.
If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security features require a specific kind of key to reset and work properly.
This process is much more involved than it used to be and you should make sure you're willing to pay the extra cost to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen A dealership could provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to go this way ensure you have all the required information, including a photo ID. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.
Contact for a locksmith
Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they will need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).
Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants as well as purses and other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor under the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are struggling to locate your keys, it's time to contact someone.
For keys that are traditional, a locksmith should be able to replace keys on the spot for about $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance take your vehicle to a dealer to buy a new key.
In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program a new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your vehicle, but a locksmith is likely to be able do it immediately.
The majority of locksmiths also have the capability of removing broken keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, and this should be left to professionals.
A locksmith can assist you replace keys to your car that have been lost and offer guidance on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will aid you in never losing your car keys once more.