How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so change into your sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. However, you realize your car keys aren't to be found.
Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are a few different ways to replace lost car keys however, the majority of them 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. In the end, we tend to forget where we've put them particularly when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is fairly easy when you take the time to do an exhaustive search of your vehicle.
Start with the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Also, look around compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate the keys. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need to visit a dealership to have an alternative one created.
Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith could be able to create an alternative key for you if you've got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
The dealer can also provide an alternative, but it will cost more. The dealer will have to pair up the computer chip with your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car's make and model.
Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This can help if you ever need it. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance plans. You should be able to 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 each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, track 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's side door jamb, or sometimes in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places such as your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.
It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get a new key made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and get the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's located between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb on the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even written on your windows or windshields to provide an security measure against theft.
You can check your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.
VINs first came into use in 1954, but up to 1981, they were offered in a variety of formats. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from most dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you'll require an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. In other cases, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
Not long ago, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could just contact your local dealer to have new keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're in the market to get your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your most ideal option.
You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an automotive lock. They're more likely be capable of getting you back on the road quickly and likely to charge less than the dealership would.
Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because it will be needed to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or found in your owner's manual.
Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of car manufacturers. It is not a 100% guarantee however. It all depends on your model and make, and if the keys are smart or have complex programming. If you're not sure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.
If your smart key has been stolen or lost it must be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features in your car require a specific kind of key to function correctly and reset.
The process is more complicated than it used to be, so you should be prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen the dealership will be able to offer you a similar backup. If you choose to go this route, be sure you have all the information needed on hand, as well as an ID photo. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.
Call g28carkeys
Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. A locksmith with experience will be able program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. However, they will need to know 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).
Before you get a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you've inspected every possible spot where your keys might be. This includes checking pockets in jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you've used. You may also search for your keys in areas where you don't usually put them, like on the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for help.
For traditional keys locksmiths should be able to replace keys in a matter of $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance take your vehicle to a dealer to buy a new key.
In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more advanced types of automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the car's VIN number however a professional locksmith has the right tools to cut and program the key in a flash for you.
Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken or bent keys that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. It is best to leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. Trying to do it yourself could cause more damage.
In addition to helping you replace your keys that were lost in your car locksmiths can also give you advice about how to stop future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in ensuring that you never lose your car keys ever again.