How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. However, you discover that your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are many methods to replace lost car keys but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check your car's locks
It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. After all, we often forget where we put them especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Finding keys to your car may be fairly easy when your car is thoroughly searched.
Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved forward and backwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your car for your car key. Also, feel around compartments with zippers or small spaces to find keys. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for keys.
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices usually include an internal chip that communicates to the car in order to allow you into the vehicle and then start the motor. You'll have to visit your dealer to purchase an alternative key fob if you've lost it.
Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be in a position to make a replacement key for you as provided you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.
The dealer is also able to provide a replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer must connect the computer chip with your car. This could cost between $200 and $250, depending on the model and make.
Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Moreover, it's also worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage to aid you in the case of an emergency. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able find one near you.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for every vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into an image or a plate on your car's dashboard, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other documents such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your car It's best to keep it in a safe place. That way, if you lose your keys, you can utilize it to have an alternative key quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is usually located on a label on the driver's-side dashboard at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also find it on the driver's side door jamb, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even etched into your windows or windshields as part of a security measure to prevent theft.
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 appeared in 1954. However, up to 1981, they were offered in various configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them 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 automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also get basic keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
Not long ago losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could easily contact your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's more complex than that. If you're in the market to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.
Although you could get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They can get you back on the way faster and charge less than the dealership.
Before you contact anyone 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 can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be printed inside of the owner's manual.
Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a assurance, however. It's contingent on the make and model of your car as well as whether or not the keys have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and request the service manager if are unsure if they can assist.
If your smart key has been stolen or lost the key will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key to reset and function correctly.
The process is now more involved than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional cost to have this feature restored. A dealership can also give you another key that's identical to the original in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have all of the required information including an ID photo. This will help all to complete the process.
Contact a locksmith
A locksmith's call is the first step to replace lost keys to your car. A skilled locksmith will be able to cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a copy your registration or title).
Before calling a locksmith over the phone, though, make sure that you have checked every possible place where your keys may be. This includes checking pockets in pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places you would not normally look like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all this and are still struggling to locate your keys, it's time to contact someone.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths should be able to replace keys on the spot for around $20. This is less expensive than the cost to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.
Locksmiths often cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, such as transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the VIN number of the car however, professional locksmiths has the right tools to complete this in a flash for you.
Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. key lost car is recommended that you leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. Doing it yourself could cause more damage.
A locksmith can help replace lost car keys and also give guidance on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in making sure you never lose your car keys again.