How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so you 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, consider your options. There are a few different ways to replace lost car keys, but most of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check your car's locks
If you lose your car keys, it's always best to start by checking your vehicle. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately, finding lost car keys isn't difficult when you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.
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 your car keys. Be sure to feel around small compartments and zippered areas for keys, too. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for the keys.
Many modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to purchase the new key fob in case you've lost it.
Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith may be able to make keys for you, if you have evidence 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 integrate a computer chip into your car, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your car.
Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. You could be able to claim your comprehensive insurance to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. Additionally, it's worthwhile to ask your insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage that will help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages, so you should be able to find an option near you.
Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb and sometimes even in front of the motor block. You may also find your VIN in other places, including your vehicle registration title, insurance and title documents.
It is essential to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. This way, should you lose your keys, you'll be able to make use of it to get a replacement key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode the 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 that's placed between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the door jamb for the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even written into your windshield or windows as part of an security measure against theft.
You can check your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with a complete report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, model and make body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year it was manufactured.
VINs first appeared in 1954. 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 correct, you can purchase new keys from most locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also find regular keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
In the past, losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could easily call your local dealer to get a new set. Today, it's a lot more complicated than that. If you're in the market to have your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your best option.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to contact an auto lock. They can get you back on your faster and for less than the dealership.
Before you call anyone to replace your car keys, write down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be required to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your vehicle, or may be printed in the owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. This is not a assurance however. It is dependent on your model and make, as well as whether the keys are intelligent or have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager.
If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security features require a specific type of key to reset and work properly.
This process is more complicated than it was in the past be, so you should be prepared to pay a greater cost to restore this feature. If your original key is stolen or damaged, a dealership can provide you with a duplicate backup. If you choose to go this way ensure that you have all the information needed including an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.
Contact a locksmith
The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to call locksmith. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. But, they'll require the year, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should do it).
Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places you might not normally go, such as the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If car key lost no spare tried all of these methods and still are unable to find your keys, it's time to call someone.
A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is less expensive than the cost to have roadside assistance take your vehicle to the dealership and purchase a new key.
In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. These more complex keys might require you to provide the car's VIN number however, professional locksmiths should have the right tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.
Many locksmiths can also take out broken or bent keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this should be left to experts.
A locksmith can assist you replace lost car keys and also give advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost 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.