How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and want to change into your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys have disappeared.
Before you panic, know your options. There are several methods to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the Locks on Your Car
If you lose your keys to your car, it's best to start by checking your vehicle. After all, we often forget where we put them particularly when we're in a hurry or distracted. Finding keys to your car may be relatively easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Make sure you check small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse or tote bag for the keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually contain an internal chip that connects to the car in order to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll have to go to the dealership to get a new one made.
Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith could be able to make a replacement key for you if you've got proof of ownership like your registration or title.
You can also get an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but it will be more expensive. The dealer will have to connect the computer chip with your car. This could cost between $200 and $250, depending on the model and make.
Be sure to check your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This can be useful in the event that you need it. There are many companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able find one near you.
Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, and sometimes in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your car, so it's best to keep it in a safe place. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get a new key made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and get the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.
The majority of 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 driver-side door jamb or on the front of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even written into your windows or windshields as part of an anti-theft measure.
You can check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, including 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. However, until 1981, they were offered in different configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.
If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to purchase new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will 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
A few years ago the loss of your car keys was not a huge deal. You could easily contact your local dealer to get a new set. Today, it's more complicated than that. If you're in the market to have your lost car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the most ideal option.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They will be able get you back on your way faster and charge less than a dealership.
Before you call someone to replace your lost car keys, make a note of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important because you will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car or it could be found in the owner's guide.
Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll be able help you. It is all dependent on the make and model, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.
If you have an electronic key that's been lost car keys near me or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key to function correctly and reset.
The process is now more complicated than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to restore this feature. A dealer can also provide you with another key that's identical to the original one in the event that the lost car key with no spare key was damaged or stolen. If you opt to go this way ensure you have all of the necessary information, including a photo ID. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.
Contact an expert locksmith
Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost spare car key. A locksmith with expertise will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. However, they'll require the year and make of your car along with evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should do it).
Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets in pants and jackets or purses, as well as any other bags you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places that you might not normally go like the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are 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 much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport your car to a dealership to purchase a new key.
In many instances, a locksmith 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. These more complex keys might require you to provide the VIN number of your car however, an experienced locksmith should have the right tools to cut and program the key right on the spot for you.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove keys that are bent or broken, which are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. It is best to leave the removal of a damaged key lost in car to professionals. Trying to do it yourself can cause further damage.
In addition to helping you replace lost keys for car no spare car keys locksmiths can also give you advice about How to replace lost car key to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could help you to never lose your car keys once more.