How to Replace Lost car key Car Keys
You’re exhausted, so you change into your sweats and grab some pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Be aware of your options before you get in a panic. There are several ways to replace lost car keys but the majority require the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check your car’s locks
If you’ve lost your car keys, it’s always best to start by checking your vehicle. We often don’t know where they are, particularly when we’re busy or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy if you take the time to do an exhaustive search of your vehicle.
Begin by putting your feet on the driver’s side. Check every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Be sure to look around compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually contain an internal chip that communicates to the car to let you into the vehicle and start the engine. You’ll need to visit your dealer to purchase a new key fob if you’ve lost it.
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 are capable of creating a new key for you, as long as you can provide proof of ownership such as your registration or title.
You can also get an upgrade from the dealership, but it will be more expensive. The dealership must pair a computer chip with your car, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your car.
Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase a new car key. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of buying an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could come in handy in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance and you will be able to locate services near you.
Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle on the road. It’s used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into the form of a plate or label on your car’s dashboard and the driver’s side door jamb and sometimes, in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places such as your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.
It is essential to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your vehicle. 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 quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer specific to your lock that will then work with your lock.
The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that’s located at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver’s side. You can also locate it on the driver’s side door jamb or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even written into your windshield or windows to provide an security measure to prevent theft.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle, including the model, manufacturer of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and year of manufacture.
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 their format to the current one of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from most dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you’ll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also get basic keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn’t that long ago that losing your car keys weren’t an issue. You could contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. It’s a lot more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best option in case you want to replace your lost key to my car car keys.
You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership, but it is better to contact an auto lock. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road fast and will probably charge less than the dealership.
Before calling someone to replace lost key your car keys, write down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is crucial because it will be required to create a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is located on the driver’s dashboard or printed inside of the owner’s manual.
Dealerships can replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance, however. It’s dependent on the make and model of your car, as well as whether keys have complicated programming. If you’re unsure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.
If your smart key has been lost or stolen it must be replaced by a dealership. This is because your car’s security functions require a specific type of key to be reset and function correctly.
The process is now more complicated than it was in the past so make sure you’re willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. A dealer will also be able to provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original one in the event that your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, be sure you have all the required information along with you and an identification photo. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.
Contact for a locksmith
The most important step in replacing lost car keys is to call an experienced locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. However, they’ll need to know the year and make of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will do it).
Before you call a locksmith on the phone, though, make sure that you’ve checked every possible place where your keys could be. Check the pockets of jackets, pants and purses. Also, Lost Car Key look through any other bags that you might have used. You may also search for your keys in places that you wouldn’t normally place them, such as on the floor in front of a doorway table or under the couch. If you’ve tried all of this and are still not able to locate your keys, it’s time for you to contact someone.
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 purchase a new key.
In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program the new key for more advanced types of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, however locksmiths is likely to be able cut and program the key on the spot.
Many locksmiths can also remove bent or broken keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, and this should be left to experts.
In addition to helping you replace lost car keys, a locksmith can offer advice on how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can help you to never lose your car key again.