You’re tired, so change into your sweats and order a pizza to watch your latest TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.
Be aware of your options prior to panic. There are many ways to replace the car key that was lost however the majority of they require a locksmith or dealer.
Check Your Car’s Locks
It’s best to check your car first when you lose your keys. After all, we often forget where we put them especially when we’re rushing or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is fairly easy if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.
Start with the driver’s seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your car for the car key. Also, how to Replace lost car keys feel around zippered areas or small compartments to locate the keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for the keys.
A lot of modern cars have key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually contain an internal chip that communicates to the car to allow you into the vehicle and then start the engine. If you’ve lost your car’s keys fob, you’ll have to visit the dealership to have a new one made.
Some older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of keys, it’s likely that locksmiths will be in a position to make a replacement key for you as provided you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
You can also get an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but this will be much more expensive. The dealership will have to pair a computer chip with your car keys lost what to do, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your car.
Before you pay for the replacement of your car key 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 could come in handy in the event that you need it. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able to locate one close to you.
Check Your Vehicle’s Identification Number (VIN)
The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for each vehicle on the road. It’s used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and more. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or plate that’s attached to your dashboard, the driver’s side door jamb and sometimes even in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your car It’s best to keep it safe. In the event that you should ever 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 and retrieve the manufacturer’s key code for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label situated between the windshield and the dash on the driver’s side. It can also be found on the door jamb of the driver or on the front of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft security measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year it was made.
VINs first came into use in 1954, however, until 1981, they were available in a variety of formats. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN is valid, then you’ll be able to get new keys at the majority of dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip you’ll need to go to a dealer or locksmith that will replace your key with one that will be able to start your car. You can also get basic keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
In the past the loss of your car keys wasn’t an issue. You could simply contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. It’s more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best place to go in case you want to replace the keys to your car that you lost.
While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Before you contact anyone to replace your lost 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 new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car or it could be found in the owner’s guide.
Dealerships are able replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, it’s not a guarantee that they’ll be able help you. It is dependent on your model and make, as well as whether the keys are intelligent or are complex in their programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and inquire for the service manager if are unsure if they can help.
If you have an electronic key that’s been lost or stolen, you’ll have to visit your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind 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 cost to restore this feature. A dealership can also give you a backup key that’s similar to the original one in the event that the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this way ensure you have all of the necessary information including an identification photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.
Call a locksmith
The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to contact locksmith. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).
Before calling a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you’ve inspected every possible place where your keys may be. This includes checking pockets in jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you’ve used. You can also look for your keys in places that you would not normally put them, like on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you’ve done this and still cannot find your keys, it’s time to seek help.
A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance take you car to a dealership to buy a new key.
In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more advanced models of automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number for your vehicle, but locksmiths will be able to complete the task immediately.
Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is best to leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. Trying to do it yourself could result in further damage.
A locksmith can help replace keys to your car that have been lost and offer advice on how to avoid future keys being misplaced or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home can assist you in avoiding losing your car keys ever again.