How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.
Know your options before you get in a panic. There are a few different methods to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the locks on your car.
When you lose keys to your car, it's best to start by checking your vehicle. We often forget the location of our keys, especially if we're busy 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. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Make sure you check small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag with care for keys.
Many modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from the distance. These devices usually contain an internal chip that connects with the car to allow you access to the vehicle and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll have to go to the dealership to get a new one made.
Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths will be able to create a new key for you, as provided you have proof of ownership such as 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 vehicle, which could be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the make and model of your car.
Before you pay for a car key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a replacement key. It's also worth asking your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able find one near you.
Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and more. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your vehicle or the driver's side door jamb and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.
It's important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. That way, if you should ever lose your keys, you'll be in a position to utilize it to have an alternative key quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle to serve as a security measure.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an entire report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size, assembly plant and the year it was made.
VINs were first used in 1954, but up to 1981, they came in a variety of formats. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to purchase new keys at most dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll require a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also get regular keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could contact your local dealership to get new keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complex than that. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced , the dealership isn't always the best option.
While you may get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely be able to get you back on the road in a hurry and probably cost less than the dealership.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost keys. This is important because it will be required in order for someone to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car, or may be printed in your owner's guide.
Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. This is not a assurance however. It all depends on your model and make, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and ask for an expert in service if you aren't sure if they can help.
If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealer in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features in your car require a specific kind of key to be reset and function properly.
The process is more complicated than it was previously, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. If your original key is stolen or damaged the dealership will be able to provide you with an identical backup. If you decide to go this route ensure that you have all of the required information including an identification photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.
Call a locksmith
Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A reputable locksmith can cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle with evidence of ownership (a copy your registration or title).
Before you get a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you have checked every possible spot where your keys could be. Examine the pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.
A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance transport your car to a dealership to purchase a new one.
Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require you to provide the car's VIN number, but a professional locksmith should have the right tools to complete this in a flash for you.
Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove broken or bent keys 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 your keys that were lost in your car locksmiths can also give you advice about how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards making sure you never lose your car keys again.