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How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch the latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are a variety of ways to replace a lost car key, but the majority of they require a locksmith or a dealership.
Check Your Car's Locks
It's best to inspect your car first when you lose your keys. After all, we often forget where they're particularly when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys isn't difficult if you take the time to do an exhaustive search of your vehicle.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your car for your car keys. Be sure to feel around compartments with zippers and small spaces for keys, too. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key 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 into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be capable of creating a new key for you, as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
You can also purchase an entirely new replacement at the dealership, however this will be much more expensive. 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 model and make of your vehicle.
Before you purchase the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could come in handy in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance plans which means you should be able to find services close to you.
Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).
The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report thefts and crashes. 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 behind the motor block. You can also find your VIN in other places, such as the registration of your vehicle, title and insurance documents.
It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get a new one that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code specific to your lock that will then work with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label placed at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb of the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. In some cases it is possible that the VIN is even written on your windows or windshields as part of an security measure to prevent theft.
You can check your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year of its production.
VINs first came into use in 1954, but until 1981, they came 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 many dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you will need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at 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 purchase a new set. Today, it's more complicated than it used to be. If you're in the market to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.
Although you could get a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They can get you back on the quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Before you contact anyone to replace your car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important as someone will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car, or may be printed in the owner's guide.
Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This is not a assurance, however. It is all dependent on the make and model, and whether the keys are smart or have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and ask for an expert in service if you are unsure if they can assist.
If replacing a lost car key have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership to get it replaced. This is because your car's security features require a particular type of key to reset and function properly.
This process is more complex than it was previously, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. A dealership will also be able to provide you with another key that's identical to the original in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route ensure that you have all of the required information, including an ID photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.
Call a Locksmith
Contacting a locksmith is the first step to replace lost keys to your car. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. However, they will need to know the year model, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).
Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. Examine the pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor behind a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of this but are still unable to find your keys, then it's time for you to contact someone.
A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance take you car to a dealership to buy a new key.
Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, like smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number of your vehicle, but locksmiths is likely to be able do it in a flash.
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 best to leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. Doing it yourself could cause more damage.
A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and provide guidance on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home can help you to never lose your car keys once more.