How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted, so you put on your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your latest TV show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.
Be aware of your options prior to get in a panic. There are many ways to replace a lost car key, but the majority of these require a locksmith or a dealership.
Check the Locks on Your Car
When you lose keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget where they're especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for the car key. Also, feel around compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate keys. You should also carefully check your purse, backpack, or tote bag for the keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need to visit a dealership to have a new one made.
Some older cars still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths are capable of creating a new key for you, as long as you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
The dealer is also able to provide a replacement however it will cost more. The dealership will need to integrate a computer chip into your car, which can be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.
Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This will help should you ever require it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one near you.
Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).
The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle 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 a label or plate on the dashboard of your car, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, such as the registration of your vehicle, title and insurance documents.
It is essential to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly obtain a new key that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the driver-side door jamb or on the side of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even written into your windshield or windows to provide an security measure against theft.
You can check your VIN by entering it into a 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 production.
VINs were first used in 1954, but until 1981, they were available in a variety of formats. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from many dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your car requires an ignition chip, you'll need to visit a dealer or locksmith that can replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. You can also purchase standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could simply call your local dealer and request a new set. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best place to go in case you want to replace your lost car keys.
Although you could purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They can get you back on the way faster and charge less than the dealership.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost keys. This is crucial because someone will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or found in your owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. This isn't a guarantee, however. car keys lost no spare on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as whether keys have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.
If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a particular type of key to reset and function properly.
This process is much more complex than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged A dealership could provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to go this route, make sure to have all the required information on hand and an ID photo. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.
Call a locksmith
A locksmith's call is the first step to replace lost keys to your car. A locksmith with experience will be able program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).
Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys before you contact a locksmith. Check the pockets of the pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places you might not normally go for them, like the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you've done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should seek help.
For traditional keys, a locksmith is likely to be able replace keys in a matter of $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow your vehicle to a dealer to buy a new key.
Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, such as transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, however a locksmith will be able to cut and program the key immediately.
Most locksmiths also have the capability of removing broken or bent keys, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this task should be left to the professionals.
A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and offer tips on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car keys again.