Why You Should Be Working With This Replace Lost Car Keys
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so change into your sweats and grab some pizza to watch your latest TV show. However, you discover that the keys to your car aren't to be found.
Before you panic, know your options. There are a few different ways to replace lost car keys, but most of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the locks on your car.
It's best to inspect your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget where they are, especially when we're busy or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys isn't difficult if you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.
Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and back and forth. Also, look around compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate the keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag for keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices typically include an internal chip that can communicate to the car in order to allow you into the vehicle and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll have to visit a dealership to have a new one created.
Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith may be able to make an alternative key for you if you've got proof of ownership like your registration or title.
The dealer is also able to provide the replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer must pair up a computer chip for your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car's model and make.
Before you purchase an auto key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. Additionally, it's important to inquire with your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance which means you will be able to locate services close to you.
Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. 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, or sometimes on the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your registration for your vehicle, title, and insurance documents.
It is essential to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your car. This way, should you ever lose your keys, you can make use of it to get a replacement key made quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and get the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.
The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the door jamb for the driver or in front the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even embedded into your windows or windshields as part of a anti-theft measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on 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, but until 1981, they came in a variety of configurations. In that year 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 of key your vehicle 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 will start your vehicle. You can also get basic keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could contact your local dealership to have new keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. If you're in the market to get your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the best option.
While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and likely to charge less than the dealership would.
Before you contact anyone to replace your lost car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be required in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or found in your owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll be able to help you. It is all dependent on the model and make, and whether the keys are intelligent or are complex in their programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and ask for an expert in service if you are unsure if they can help.
If your smart key was stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a particular type of key to be reset and function properly.
This process is more complex than it was in the past, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged A dealership could offer you a similar backup. If you decide to take this route, make sure to have all the required information along with you, as well as an ID photo. This will help all to complete the process.
Call a locksmith
The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call locksmith. A locksmith with experience will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).
Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. Check pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags that you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places where you might not normally go for them, like 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, it's time to call for help.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths should be able to replace them in a matter of $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance transport you car to a dealership to buy a new key.
In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Some of these more complex keys require you to provide the VIN number of your vehicle, but locksmiths will be able to do it on the spot.
Many locksmiths can also take out keys that are bent or broken, which are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. i loved this is best to leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. If you attempt to do it yourself can cause further damage.
In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can also offer advice on how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could help you to never lose your car keys once more.