How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and binge your latest TV show. You find that the keys to your car have disappeared.
Be aware of your options prior to be in a panic. There are several ways to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check Your Car's Locks
When you lose keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, especially when we're distracted or in a rush. Finding lost car keys can be fairly easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Start with the driver’s seat. Move the seats back and forwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your car for your car key. Also, feel around compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate keys. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for keys.
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to obtain a new key fob if you've lost it.
Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith could be able to make a replacement key for you if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.
The dealer is also able to provide the replacement, but it will cost more. The dealership will need to connect a computer chip to your vehicle, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.
Before you purchase a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Ask your insurance company whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This will help if you ever need it. There are a variety of companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one in your area.
Check 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 and track inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically a label or plate on your car's dashboard, 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 and title as well as insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your car and it's best to keep it safe. That way, if you ever lose your keys, you'll be able to make use of it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is usually located on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver's side in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the driver's side door jamb or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a prevention measure.
You can check your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth analysis of your vehicle's manufacturer, model of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility, and year of production.
VINs first came into use in 1954, but up to 1981, they were offered in a variety of configurations. In that year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from a variety of dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. In other cases, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could simply call your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best place to go in case you want to replace your lost car keys.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to call an automotive lock. They're more likely be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and likely to charge less than the dealership would.
Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your keys. This is important as you will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or printed inside of your owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this isn't a assurance that they'll be able to help you. It's contingent on the model and make of your vehicle as well as whether keys are equipped with complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a service manager if you are unsure 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 specific kind of key to be reset and function properly.
This process is much more complicated than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged the dealership will be able to offer you a similar backup. If car keys lost replacement choose to go this way ensure you have all the information needed, including an ID photo. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.
Contact a locksmith
Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A skilled locksmith will be able cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle with proof of ownership (a copy your registration or title).
Before you get a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys may be. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are struggling to locate your keys, it's time to contact someone.
For traditional keys, a locksmith is likely to be able replace keys in a matter of $20. This is less than what you would pay for roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the dealership and purchase a new key.
Locksmiths often cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, like smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number of your car, however a locksmith will be able to do it immediately.
Many locksmiths can also take out broken or bent keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. Trying to do it yourself can cause further damage.
A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and give guidance on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can aid you in never losing your car keys again.