How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so you put on your favorite sweats and order a pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Know your options before you panic. There are many methods to replace lost car keys but the majority require the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check lost key of car on your car.
When you lose car keys, it's always best to start by checking your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, especially if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Finding keys to your car may be fairly easy when your car is thoroughly searched.
Start with the driver’s seat. Examine every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forth. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse, or tote bag for the keys.
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need visit a dealership to have a new one created.
Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith might be able to make keys for you if you've got proof of ownership like your registration or title.
The dealer is also able to provide an alternative, but it will cost more. The dealership must integrate a computer chip into your vehicle, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your car.
Before you make a payment for an auto key replacement make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage, you may be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a new key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This will come in handy should you ever require it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans and you are likely to find a service close to you.
Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It is also used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb and sometimes even behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.
lost keys for car is important to keep your VIN secure because it's 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 locate the key code from the manufacturer for your specific model that will then work with your lock.
The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed on the driver's-side dashboard at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also find it on the door jamb for the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle to serve as a security measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with a complete report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year of its production.
VINs first came into use in 1954, but up to 1981, they came in a variety of configurations. In the year 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to get new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who can swap your key for one that will be able to start your car. You can also find standard 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 get a new set of keys made. Today, it's more complex than that. The dealership might not be the best option if you need to replace your car keys that have been lost.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They can to get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Before lost keys to car call someone to replace your car keys, note down the number for 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 car or could be printed in your owner's manual.
Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of car manufacturers. It is not a 100% warranty, however. It's dependent on the model and make of your car, as well as whether keys have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and inquire for an expert in service if you are unsure whether they can help.
If your smart key has been lost or stolen, it will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific type of key in order to reset and function properly.
The process is now more complicated 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 stolen or damaged the dealership will be able to provide you with a duplicate backup. If you choose to do this ensure that you have all the information needed including an identification photo. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.
Contact for a locksmith
Calling a locksmith is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost. A skilled locksmith can cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they'll need to know the year and make of your car along with evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should do it).
Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys before you call a locksmith. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, check any other bags you might have used. You can also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried this and still cannot find your keys, it's time to contact a professional for assistance.
A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is cheaper than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealership and buy a replacement 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 car, but a locksmith will be able to cut and program the key on the spot.
Many locksmiths can also take out bent or broken keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, and this should be left to experts.
In addition to helping you replace your keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can also provide advice on how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home can assist you in avoiding losing your car key ever again.