How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweats take a bite of pizza and watch the latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Be aware of your options prior to get in a panic. There are a variety of ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost however the majority of them require a locksmith or a dealership.
Check your car's locks
If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, particularly if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is fairly easy if you make the effort to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Also, look around compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate the keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices typically include an internal chip that communicates to the car to allow you into the vehicle and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll have to visit the dealership to have a new one created.
Some older cars still use traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be capable of creating a new key for you as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.
You can also purchase an upgrade from the dealership, but this will be more expensive. The dealership will have to pair a computer chip with your car, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
Be sure to check your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a new key. It's also worthwhile to ask your insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage to aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans and you are likely to find a service near you.
Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).
The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the motor block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, such as your vehicle registration, title and insurance documents.
It is essential to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your vehicle. That way, if you lose your keys, you'll be able to make use of it to get an alternative key quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer specific to your lock which can then be used with your lock.
The VIN is usually found on a label on the dashboard of the driver's side, where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the driver's side door jamb or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a security measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size assembly plant, and the year it was manufactured.
VINs were first introduced in 1954, but until 1981, they were available 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 is valid, then you'll be able to get new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automobiles, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also purchase basic keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply call your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's a lot more complicated than it used to be. The dealership might not be the best option in case you want to replace your car keys that have been lost.
While you may purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and will probably charge less than the dealership.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is vital as it will be needed to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car, or may be printed in your owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a assurance however. It's contingent on the make and model of your vehicle as well as whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and request an expert in service if you are unsure whether they can assist.
If you have a smart key that's lost Keys To my car or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because your car's security features require a specific type of key to be reset and function correctly.
This process is more complex than it was previously be, so you should be prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. If your original key lost car is damaged or stolen, a dealership can offer you a similar backup. If you opt to do this, make sure you have all of the required information including a photo ID. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.
Contact a locksmith
The most important step in replacing lost car key lost car keys with no spare car keys is to contact an experienced locksmith. A locksmith with experience will be able program and cut a new car key while you wait. However, they will need to know the year, make and model 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 however, ensure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys could be. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also check any other bags that you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places you might not normally go, such as the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you'i ve lost my car keys tried this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.
For keys that are traditional, a locksmith will be able to repair keys on the spot for around $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance take you car to a dealership to buy a new key.
Locksmiths often program and cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, such as smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, however locksmiths will be able to cut and program the key in a flash.
The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken or bent keys that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own could cause more damage, so this task should be left to the experts.
In addition to helping you replace your keys to your car that have been lost car key near me, a locksmith can give you advice about how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Taking preventative steps, like keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can help in ensuring that you never lose your car keys ever again.