How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You’re exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and watch your favorite 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 many ways to replace a lost car key however the majority of these require a locksmith or dealer.
Check your car’s locks
If you’ve lost your car keys, it’s always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where we’ve put them particularly when we’re in a rush or distracted. Finding keys to your car may be relatively easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Begin by putting your feet on the driver’s side. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forth. Also, look around small compartments or zippered areas to locate the keys. Also, be sure to check your purse, backpack, or tote bag for the keys.
Many modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from the distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. You’ll need to visit your dealer to get the new key lost in car fob in case you’ve lost it.
Some older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it’s possible that a locksmith will be in a position to make a replacement key for you, as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
The dealer may also offer a replacement, but it will cost more. The dealer must connect an electronic chip to your car. It could cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car’s make and model.
Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Additionally, it’s important to inquire with your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage that will aid you in the case of an emergency. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages. You should be able to find one in your area.
Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)
The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle that is on the road. It’s used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or plate that’s attached to your dashboard, the driver’s side door jamb, and sometimes on the motor block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, including your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
It is important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. This way, should you lose your keys, you’ll be in a position to make use of it to get a replacement key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN and get the manufacturer’s code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is usually found on a label on the driver’s-side dashboard at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also look for it on the door jamb on the driver’s side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some instances there are instances where the VIN is even written into your windows or windshields to provide an security measure against theft.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year it was manufactured.
VINs first appeared in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, up to 1981, they were offered in various configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip you’ll need to go to a dealer or locksmith that can replace your key with one that will be able to start your car. You can also find standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
In the past, losing your car keys wasn’t an issue. You could simply contact your local dealer to get new keys made. It’s a lot more difficult today. If you’re in the market to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn’t always the best option.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They’re more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and likely to charge less than the dealership would.
Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because the person who needs it will create a replacement car key for you. The VIN can be found on the driver’s dashboard, or it may be printed inside of your owner’s manual.
Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. It is not a 100% guarantee, however. It is dependent on your model and make, as well as if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you’re not sure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.
If your smart key was stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key in order to reset and function properly.
The process is more complicated than it was previously be, so make sure you’re prepared to pay a higher cost 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 decide to go this route, make sure you have all the required information along with you and an identification photo. This will help everyone to get through the process.
Contact a locksmith
Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A skilled locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they’ll require the year, make and model of your car along with proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will do it).
Before you call a locksmith’s number, though, make sure that you’ve inspected every possible place where your keys could be. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets or purses, as well as any other bags you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you would not normally look for them, how to replace lost Car key like the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you’ve tried this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.
For keys that are traditional, a locksmith is likely to be able replace them on the spot for around $20. This is cheaper than what you would pay to have roadside assistance tow your car to the dealership and buy a replacement key.
Locksmiths often program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number for your car, but a locksmith will be able to cut and program the key on the spot.
Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.
In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can also offer advice on How To Replace Lost Car Key to stop future keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.