How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You’re exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. However, you discover that your car keys aren’t to be found.
Before you panic, know your options. There are several ways to replace a lost car key however, the majority of them 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 don’t know the location of our keys, especially if we’re busy or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys isn’t difficult when you make the effort to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.
Begin by sitting in the driver’s seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as up and down to check every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. You’ll have to visit your dealer to obtain the new key fob in case you’ve lost car keys replaced it.
Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it’s possible that locksmiths will be in a position to make a replacement key for you, as long as you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
You can also get a new replacement at the dealership, however it will be more expensive. The dealership will have to integrate a computer chip into your car, which can be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the make and model of your car.
Before you purchase a car key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of a replacement key. Moreover, it’s also worthwhile to ask your insurance company if they have roadside assistance insurance that can help you in the event of an emergency. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one near you.
Check Your Vehicle’s Identification Number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It’s used to identify vehicles, monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is typically the form of a plate or label on your car’s dashboard or driver’s side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. You may also find your VIN in other places, like your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it’s recommended to store it in a safe place. That way, if you lose your keys, you’ll be in a position to make use of it to get a replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.
The VIN is typically located on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver’s side 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 commercial and truck vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a prevention measure.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was made.
VINs first came into use in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 1981, they were available in different configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN is valid, then you’ll be able to obtain 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’ll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn’t too long ago that losing your car keys wasn’t a big deal. You could contact your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. It’s a lot more difficult today. The dealership may not be the best option for replacing the keys to your car that you lost.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership, but it is better to contact an automotive lock. They will be able get you back on the quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Before calling someone to replace your car keys, write 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 dashboard of the driver’s side, or it may be included in your owner’s manual.
Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance however. It’s contingent on the make and model of your vehicle as well as whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and inquire for the service manager if are unsure if they can assist.
If you have a smart key that’s been lost or stolen, you’ll need to visit your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key in order to be reset and function properly.
This process is more complex than it used to be, so you should be prepared to pay a greater cost to restore this feature. A dealership will also be able to provide you with another key that’s identical to the one you have in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, make sure to carry all the necessary information with you, as well as an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.
Call a Locksmith
Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A locksmith with expertise will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. But, they’ll require the year model, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will do it).
Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets in pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you’ve used. You may also look for your keys in places you might not normally go for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you’ve tried this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.
A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is less than the price you’d pay for roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the dealership and buy a replacement key.
In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program keys for more advanced types of automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, but locksmiths is likely to be able complete the task immediately.
Locksmiths are also able to capability of removing broken keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. Trying to do it yourself could cause more damage.
A locksmith can help you replace lost car keys and also give tips 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 help you to never lose your car keys ever again.