How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so change into your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. But, you realize that the keys to your car aren't to be found.
Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are several methods to replace lost car keys but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check your car's locks
When you lose keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they are, particularly if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Finding keys to your car may be relatively easy when your car is thoroughly searched.
Start with the driver’s seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Be sure to look around compartments with zippers and small spaces for keys, too. Also, you should carefully search 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. They usually contain an internal chip that can communicate to the car in order to let you into the vehicle and start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to purchase a new key fob if you've lost it.
Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths are capable of creating a new key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
You can also get an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but this will be much more expensive. The dealership must pair a computer chip with your car, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance policy to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Additionally, it's worthwhile to ask your insurance company if they have roadside assistance insurance that can assist you in the event of an emergency. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one in your area.
Check your vehicle's identification (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 track inventory. It can also be used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb and sometimes even in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.
It is important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. That way, if you should ever lose your keys, you can make use of it to get an alternative key quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your specific model which can then be used with your lock.
The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also look for it on the door jamb on the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even etched into your windshield or windows as part of an anti-theft measure.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth report on your vehicle's model, manufacturer body type, engine size, assembly facility and the year of production.
VINs first came into use in 1954, but until 1981, they were offered 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 number is valid, you can obtain new keys from most dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also purchase basic keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could easily contact your local dealer to purchase a new set. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership may not be the best place to go if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to call an automotive lock. They're more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and probably cost less than the dealership would.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call 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 driver's side dashboard or found in the owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. This is not a guarantee however. It all depends on your model and make, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complex programming. If you're unsure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.
If your smart key was stolen or lost the key will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a certain type of key in order to be reset and function properly.
This process is more complex than it used to be, so make sure you're willing to pay a higher price to restore this feature. A dealer can also give you an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, make sure you have all the information needed on hand along with an identification photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.
Call for a locksmith
The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to contact a locksmith. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. But, they'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should do it).
Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. Examine the pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you might have used. You can also search for your keys in places you might not normally go for them, like the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you've tried this and still cannot find your keys, you should seek help.
A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow you car to a dealership to purchase a new one.
Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number for your car, however locksmiths should be able to do it on the spot.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove broken or bent keys that are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. The attempt to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to the professionals.
In addition to helping you replace lost car keys locksmiths can also give you advice about how to stop future keys from being lost or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can assist you in avoiding losing your car keys again.