How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You’re tired, so change into your sweats and order a pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. You find that your car keys have disappeared.
Before you panic, know your options. There are many ways to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check your car’s locks
It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget where we’ve put them especially when we’re rushing or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is fairly easy when you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.
Start with the driver’s seat. Move the seats back and forwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for your car key. Make sure you check small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse, or tote bag for keys.
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices usually contain an internal chip that communicates to the car in order to allow you into the vehicle and then start the engine. If you’ve lost the keys to my car your car’s key fob, you’ll have to visit a dealership to have a new one made.
Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of keys, it’s likely that locksmiths will be in a position to make a replacement key for you, as long as you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
You can also get an upgrade at the dealership, however it will be more expensive. The dealership will need to integrate a computer chip into your car key lost what to do, which could be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the model and make of your car.
Before you purchase an auto key replacement make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage, you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a new key. Ask your insurance company whether they have roadside service coverage. This could help in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance which means you are likely to find a service close to you.
Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)
The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle that is on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States, the VIN is typically an image or a plate on the dashboard of your vehicle and the driver’s side door jamb and sometimes on the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, such as your registration for your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.
It is important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. In the event that you lose your keys, you’ll be able to make use of it to get the replacement key made quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer specific to your lock which can then be used with your lock.
The VIN is typically located on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver’s side, where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the driver-side door jamb or on the side of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. In some instances there are instances where the VIN is even embedded into your windows or windshields to provide an anti-theft measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle, including the model, manufacturer body type, engine size, assembly facility, and year of manufacture.
VINs first came into use in 1954. However, until 1981, they were available in different configurations. In the year 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN is valid, then you’ll be able to get new keys at most dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also purchase standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
A few years ago, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer to purchase a new set. It’s a lot more difficult today. The dealership may not be the best option for replacing the keys to your car that you lost.
While you may obtain a traditional key from the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They are more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership.
Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your lost keys. This is important as someone will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver’s side, or it may be printed inside of your owner’s manual.
Dealerships are able replace cars keys for most manufacturers. This is not a guarantee, however. It is dependent on your model and make, and whether the keys are smart or have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and ask for a service manager if you are unsure if they can help.
If your smart key has been lost or stolen, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car’s security functions require a specific type of key to reset and function correctly.
This process is much more complex than it was in the past, so be sure that you’re willing to pay the additional cost to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can provide you with a duplicate backup. If you choose to do this, make sure you have all the necessary information, including an identification photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.
Contact an expert locksmith
A locksmith’s call is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A skilled locksmith can cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they will need to know the year, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).
Before calling a locksmith on the phone, though, make sure that you’ve inspected every possible place 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 search for your keys in areas where you don’t usually put them, such as on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you’ve tried all of this and are still struggling to locate your keys, then it’s time to contact someone.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths will be able to repair keys on the spot for around $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance transport your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new key.
Locksmiths often cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number of your vehicle, but locksmiths should be able to complete the task in a flash.
Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, and this task should be left to professionals.
A locksmith can assist you replace keys that are lost in your car and give tips on how to prevent the possibility of keys being i lost my car keys or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in ensuring that you don’t lose your car keys again.