How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You’re tired, so change into your sweats and order a pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.
Before you panic, know your options. There are several methods to replace lost car keys but the majority require the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the locks on your car.
If you’ve lost your car key lost no spare keys, it’s always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget the location of our keys, Log in especially when we’re busy or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is fairly easy if you take the time to do an exhaustive search in your vehicle.
Start with the driver’s seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and forward. Also, feel around zippered areas or small compartments to locate keys. Also, you should carefully search your purse, backpack, or tote bag for the keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from the distance. Most of the time, these devices come with 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 to go to the dealership to get a new one created.
Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith may be able to create a replacement key for you if you’ve got evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.
You can also purchase an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but this will be much more expensive. The dealer will need to connect a computer chip for your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car’s model and make.
Before you purchase a car key replacement make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of a new key. Ask your insurance company whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could help in the event that you need it. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able to find one near you.
Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle that is on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It can also be used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver’s side door jamb, or sometimes on the motor block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, like your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it’s best to keep it somewhere safe. In the event that you lose your keys, you can utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer for your specific model that will then work with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label that’s placed between the windshield and the dash on the driver’s side. You can also locate 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 etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft security measure.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size assembly plant, and the year it was made.
VINs first came into use in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, until 1981, they were offered in a variety of configurations. 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 locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to Replace Lost Car Key your key. You can also purchase basic keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
In the past the loss of your car keys wasn’t a huge deal. You could contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. It’s a lot more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best place to go for replacing the keys to your car that you lost.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership, but it’s best to call an automotive lock. They will be able get you back on the way faster and charge less than the dealership.
Before you contact anyone to replace your lost car keys, note down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is crucial because someone will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN can be found on the driver’s side dashboard or included in your owner’s manual.
Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. This isn’t a warranty however. It is dependent on your model and make, and if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and inquire for an expert in service if you aren’t sure if they can help.
If you have a smart key that’s lost or stolen, you’ll need to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key to reset and function properly.
This process is much more involved than it was in the past so make sure you’re willing to pay the additional cost to have this feature restored. A dealer can also give you another key that’s identical to the one you have in case your lost car keys replaced one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, make sure to carry all the information needed with you, as well as a photo ID. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.
Contact for < Back to shopping a locksmith
The most crucial step to take in replacing lost car keys is to contact an experienced locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they will require the year and make of your vehicle as well as proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).
Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys before you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you’ve used. You may also look for your keys in places where you might not normally go, such as the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you have done this but are still unable to locate your keys, it’s time to call for help.
A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance transport your car to a dealership to purchase a new key.
Locksmiths often program and cut new keys for cars that have more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the car’s VIN number however, a professional locksmith will have the tools to complete this right on the spot for you.
Many locksmiths can also take out keys that are bent or broken, which are usually the result of accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Trying to do it yourself could cause more damage.
A locksmith can help replace keys to your car that have been lost and provide guidance on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in making sure you never lose your car keys again.