How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so change into your sweats and grab some pizza to watch your latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys aren't to be found.
Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are several ways to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the locks on your car.
It's best to inspect your car first when you lose your keys. After all, we often forget where we've put them especially when we're rushing or distracted. Finding lost car keys can be fairly easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and back and forth. Also, feel around lost key to car no spare with zippers or small spaces to find the keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag for keys.
A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. They usually contain an internal chip that communicates with the car to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need to go to the dealership to get a new one made.
Some older vehicles still use traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith could be able create keys for you if you've got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
The dealer is also able to provide the replacement however it will cost more. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Before you purchase the replacement of your car key be sure to check your insurance policy. You could be able to claim your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This could be useful should you ever require it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance plans. You should be able to find one near you.
Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)
The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle that is on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car, the driver's side door jamb and sometimes in front of the engine 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 as it is unique to you and your car. This way, should you ever lose your keys, you can use it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN and get the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is usually found on a label on the dashboard of the driver's side in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the door jamb of the driver or in front the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.
Enter lost keys to car no spare into an online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size, assembly plant and the year it was manufactured.
VINs first came into use in 1954. However, until 1981 they were available in different 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 most dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type key your vehicle requires. For example, if your car requires an ignition chip, you'll need to go to a dealer or locksmith that will replace your key with one that will start your car. You can also purchase standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
A few years ago the loss of your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply contact your local dealer to have new keys made. Today, it's more complex than it used to be. If you're in the market to get your 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 best to contact an automotive lock. They will be able to get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because it will be required in order for someone to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be found in the owner's guide.
Dealerships can replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. However, it's not a assurance that they'll be able to assist you. It's dependent on the make and model of your car as well as whether or not the keys have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager.
If your smart key was stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car's security functions require a specific kind of key to reset and function correctly.
The process is more complicated than it was in the past, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. Dealers will also be able to provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, be sure you have all the information needed with you and a photo ID. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.
Contact a locksmith
The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call a locksmith. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).
Before you get a locksmith's number however, ensure that you've inspected all possible places where your keys could be. Check pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look, such as the floor behind the table behind the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all this and are still not able to locate your keys, then it's time to call someone.
For traditional keys, a locksmith is likely to be able replace them on the spot for around $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new one.
Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, such as smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number of your car, however locksmiths will be able to cut and program the key immediately.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove bent or broken keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own can cause more damage, and this should be left to the professionals.
In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can provide advice on how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in ensuring that you never lose your car keys ever again.