How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so you change into your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. However, you realize your car keys aren't to be found.
Be aware of your options before you be in a panic. There are lost keys of ways to replace the car key that was lost, but the majority of they require a locksmith or dealership.
Check the locks on your car.
It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially when we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is fairly easy if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.
Start with the driver’s seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Be sure to look around small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.
A lot of modern cars have key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll have 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 have lost one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
You can also get an upgrade at the dealership, however this will be more expensive. The dealership will have to connect a computer chip to your car, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your car.
Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. Moreover, it's also important to inquire with your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage to assist you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance, so you should be able to find a service close to you.
Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).
The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your vehicle and driver's side door jamb, and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
It's important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly obtain a new one made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer for your specific model that will then work with your lock.
The VIN is usually found on a label on the dashboard of the driver in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also look for it on the door jamb for the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even written into your windows or windshields to provide an security measure to prevent theft.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with a complete 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, however, until 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 correct, then you should be able to get new keys at most dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For example, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll need to go to an authorized locksmith or dealer who will replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. If not, you can 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 get a new set. Nowadays, it's much more complex than it used to be. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.
You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership, but it is better to call an automotive lock. They are more likely to be able to get you back on the road fast and likely to charge less than the dealership would.
Before you contact someone to replace your car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be needed to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or printed inside of your owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. This is not a guarantee however. It's dependent on the make and model of your car, as well as whether keys have complicated programming. Bring your car to the dealership and request a service manager if you aren't sure if they can help.
If you have an electronic 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 of your vehicle require a certain type of key to be reset and function properly.
This process is much more involved than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the additional price to have this feature restored. A dealer will also be able to provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, make sure to carry all the necessary information along with you along with an identification photo. This will help all to complete the process.
Call for a locksmith
Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. An experienced locksmith can cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).
Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys before you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets in jackets and pants as well as purses and other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this and still cannot find your keys, it's time to seek help.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths should be able to replace keys on the spot for about $20. This is less expensive than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance take your vehicle to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.
In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program keys for more sophisticated cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number for your car, but locksmiths is likely to be able cut and program the key in a flash.
Many locksmiths can also take out keys that are bent or broken, which are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.
A locksmith can help replace keys to your car that have been lost and give advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys again.