How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so you change into your sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your favorite TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Know your options before you get in a panic. There are many ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost however, the majority of these require a locksmith or dealer.
Check Your Car's Locks
It's best to inspect your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget where we put them particularly when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy if you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved back and forwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Be sure to look around small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your purse, backpack, or tote bag for the keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll have to visit the dealership to have an alternative one created.
Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be capable of creating a new key for you, as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
You can also purchase a new replacement at the dealership, however it will be more expensive. The dealer will need to pair up the computer chip with your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250 depending on the model and make.
Before you make a payment for a car key replacement make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you might be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a replacement key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This can be useful if you ever need it. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able locate one close to you.
Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In lost key what to do United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb and sometimes even behind the motor block. You can also find your VIN in other places, such as the registration of your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's recommended to store it safe. This way, should you lose your keys, you'll be able to utilize it to have an alternative key quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.
The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label located at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the driver's side door jamb, or in 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 check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth look at your vehicle including the manufacturer, model body type, engine size, assembly facility and the year of production.
VINs first came into use in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 1981, they were offered in a variety of configurations. 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 purchase new keys from most dealerships or locksmiths for automotive 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 replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. You can also get standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
In the past the loss of your car keys was not an issue. You could simply call your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. Today, it's more complicated than that. If you're in the market to have your lost car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the most ideal option.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to call an automotive lock. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership.
Before calling someone to replace your lost car keys, write down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be needed in order for someone to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle, or may be found in the owner's manual.
Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. It is not a 100% warranty, however. It all depends on your make and model, and if the keys are smart or have complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and ask for a service manager if you aren't sure if they can assist.
If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a certain type of key to function correctly and reset.
The process is more complicated than it was in the past be, so you should be prepared to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. Dealers will also be able to provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you choose to do this ensure that you have all of the information needed including an ID photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.
Contact for a locksmith
The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact a locksmith. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).
Before you get a locksmith over the phone, though, make sure that you've inspected all possible places where your keys may be. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you've used. You may also look for your keys in places where you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all this but are still not able to locate your keys, then it's time for you to call someone.
A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is cheaper than what you would pay to have roadside assistance tow your car to a dealer and purchase a replacement key.
Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, like smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require that you provide the car's VIN number, but an experienced locksmith will have the tools to do this in a flash for you.
Most locksmiths also have the capability of removing broken keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is recommended to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Trying to do it yourself could result in further damage.
In addition to helping you replace your keys to your car that have been lost locksmiths can also offer advice on how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can aid you in never losing your car keys again.