Why Replace Lost Car Keys Is A Must At Least Once In Your Lifetime
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so change into your sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.
Know your options before you panic. There are a few different methods to replace lost car keys, 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 forget where we've put them, especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Finding keys to your car may be fairly easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats back and forwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for the car key. Also, feel around small compartments or zippered areas to locate keys. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll have to visit the dealership to have an alternative one created.
Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If lost car key replacement have lost one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths are in a position to make a replacement key for you as provided you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
You can also purchase a new replacement from a dealer, but this will be more expensive. The dealership must connect a computer chip to your car, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.
Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to purchase a new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage you might be able to claim it to pay for the cost of replacing a key. Additionally, it's worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance packages and you are likely to find a service near you.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into a label or plate on your car's dashboard or the driver's side door jamb and sometimes, in front of the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, including your vehicle registration title, insurance and title documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's best to keep it in a safe place. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get a new key that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code specific to your lock, which will then work with your lock.
The VIN is typically located on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver's side at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a security measure.
You can check your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with a complete report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, model and make body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year it was made.
VINs were first introduced in 1954, but up to 1981, they were available in a variety of configurations. In that year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from a variety of locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will require an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also find standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
In the past losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could simply call your local dealer to purchase a new set. It's a lot more difficult today. If you're looking to get your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the best option.
While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership would.
Before calling someone to replace your car keys, note down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important as the person who needs it will create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be printed in the owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll help you. It depends on the model and make of your car as well as whether keys have complicated programming. Bring your car to the dealership and request the service manager if are unsure if they can assist.
If your smart key was lost or stolen, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a certain type of key in order to reset and function properly.
This process is more complicated than it was previously be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater cost to restore this feature. A dealer can also give you another key that's identical to the original one in the event that your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you opt to go this way ensure that you have all of the information needed, including an ID photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.
Contact a locksmith
Contacting a locksmith is the first step to replace lost car keys. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they will require the year, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).
Before you call a locksmith's number However, you must ensure that you've inspected all possible places where your keys may be. Check the pockets of the pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags that you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally place them, such as on the floor under the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried all this and are still struggling to locate your keys, then it's time to contact someone.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths is likely to be able replace them on the spot for around $20. This is cheaper than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the dealership and buy a replacement key.
Locksmiths often cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the car's VIN number however professional locksmiths has the right tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.
Many locksmiths can also remove broken or bent keys that are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. Doing it yourself could cause more damage.
A locksmith can help you replace keys to your car that have been lost and give guidance on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will aid you in never losing your car key once more.