How to Replace
lost car keys what to do Car Keys
You're exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and watch the latest TV show. You discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.
Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are many methods to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check Your Car's Locks
If you lose your keys to your car, it's best to start by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they are, especially if we're distracted or in a rush. Finding
lost keys for my car car keys can be fairly easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Start with the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Be sure to feel around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.
Many modern cars have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. They usually include an internal chip that connects with the car to let you into the vehicle and then start the motor. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need 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 lose one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be capable of creating a new key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
The dealer can also provide the replacement however, it will cost more. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your car, which can be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle.
Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to purchase a new car key. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of buying an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This will help if you ever need it. There are a variety of companies that provide roadside assistance plans. You should be able find one near you.
Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States, the VIN is typically an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car and jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your registration for your vehicle, title, and insurance documents.
It is important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get a new key that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is typically located on a label on the driver's-side dashboard at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also find it on the driver's side door jamb, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a security measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year it was manufactured.
VINs first appeared in 1954. However, up to 1981, they were available in a variety of configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from a variety of locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. For example, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who will replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. You can also purchase standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
A few years ago the loss of your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could simply call your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's a lot more complex than it used to be. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your best option.
Although you could obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and will probably charge less than the dealership would.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your keys. This is important because it will be required to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your car or could be printed in the owner's guide.
Dealerships are able to replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll help you. It depends on the model and make of your car and whether or not the keys have complex programming. If you're not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.
If you have an electronic key that's been
lost key fob or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security features require a specific kind of key to reset and function properly.
This process is much more involved than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. A dealership can also give you an alternative key that is similar to the original in case your
lost key replacement car one gets damaged or stolen. If you choose to do this ensure that you have all the necessary information including an ID photo. This will help everyone to go through the process.
Call for a locksmith
Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing
lost car keys replacement cost car keys. A locksmith who has experience will be able program and cut a new car key 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 should suffice).
Before calling a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you've checked all possible places where your keys might be. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also check any other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, like on the floor in front of a doorway table or under the couch. If you've done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.
A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot for around $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow your car to a dealership to buy a new key.
In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Some of these more complex keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, but locksmiths should be able to do it in a flash.
Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. If you attempt to remove a
damaged key on your own could cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to the professionals.
In addition to helping you replace your keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can offer advice on how to avoid keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in making sure you never lose your car keys again.
