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How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You’re tired, so change into your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Know your options before you be in a panic. There are a few different ways to replace lost car keys however, the majority of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the Locks on Your Car
If you lose your keys to your car, it’s recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often don’t know where they are, particularly when we’re distracted or in a rush. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy when you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.
Start by sitting in the driver’s seat. Check every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forth. Also, check the compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate keys. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from the distance. Usually, these devices have 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 need to visit a dealership to have a new one created.
Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith may be able create an alternative key for you, if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.
The dealer can also provide an alternative however it will cost more. The dealer must connect the computer chip with your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250 depending on the model and make.
Make sure to verify your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of a new key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This will help if you ever need it. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance plans. You should be able find one near you.
Check your vehicle’s identification (VIN).
The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle that is on the road. It’s used to identify vehicles as well as monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or plate that’s attached to your dashboard, driver’s side door jamb, or sometimes on the motor 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 car. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get new keys that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and get the manufacturer’s code for the model you have. This will 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. It can also be found on the door jamb for the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model and make body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year of its production.
VINs were first introduced in 1954, however, until 1981, they were offered in a variety of formats. In the year 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you’ll have to visit a dealer or locksmith that can swap your key for one that can start your car. In other cases, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.
Contact replacing lost car keys
In the past, losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could simply call your local dealer to get a new set. Nowadays, it’s much more complicated than that. The dealership might not be the best place to go if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost.
You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to call an automotive lock. They can get you back on your way faster and charge less than a dealership.
Before you call anyone to replace your lost car keys, write down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is crucial because it will be needed in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car or it could be printed in your owner’s guide.
Dealerships are able to replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance however. It is all dependent on the model and make, as well as if the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. Bring your car to the dealership and inquire for an expert in service if you are unsure if they can assist.
If your smart key has been stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because your car’s security features require a particular type of key to reset and work correctly.
The process is now more complex than it used to be, so be sure that you’re willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can offer you a similar backup. If you choose to go this route, be sure to carry all the necessary information on hand along with an identification photo. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.
Contact for a locksmith
The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact an experienced locksmith. A skilled locksmith will be able to cut and program the 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).
Be sure to check every possible location for your keys prior to you contact a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of jackets and pants as well as purses and other bags you’ve used. You can also look for your keys in places where you don’t usually put them, such as on the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this and still cannot find your keys, you should call for help.
For traditional keys, a locksmith will be able to repair keys in a matter of $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new key.
In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more advanced models of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. These keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the VIN number of the car, but professional locksmiths should have the right tools to complete this right on the spot for you.
The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys that can occur if 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 result in further damage.
A locksmith can help you replace keys that are lost in your car and provide tips on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can assist you in avoiding losing your car keys again.