10 Tips For Quickly Getting Replace Lost Car Keys
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your latest TV show. However, you discover that your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Be aware of your options before you be in a panic. There are several ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost however the majority of them require a locksmith or dealer.
Check the Locks on Your Car
When you lose car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where they're particularly when we're in a rush or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be relatively easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Start with the driver's seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for keys.
A lot of modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually have an internal chip that can communicate with the car to let you into the vehicle and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll have to visit a dealership to have an alternative one created.
Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be capable of creating a new key for you as provided you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
You can also purchase an upgrade from a dealer, but it will be more expensive. The dealership will have to pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the make and model of your car.
Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. It's also important to inquire with your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance insurance that can assist you in the event of an emergency. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able locate one close to you.
Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).
The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car and the driver's side door jamb and sometimes, in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's best to keep it somewhere safe. This way, should you lose your keys, you'll be in a position to make use of it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code specific to your lock, which will then work with your lock.
The VIN is usually located on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver's side, where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the driver-side door jamb or in front the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly 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 an in-depth report on your vehicle including the model, manufacturer of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and year of production.
VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 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 is valid, then you'll be able to get new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer and request a new set. It's a lot more difficult today. If you're in the market to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership, but it is better to contact an automotive lock. They can get you back on the quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Before you contact anyone to replace your lost car keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important as you will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car or it could be printed in the owner's guide.
Dealerships are able replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. It is not a 100% warranty, however. It is dependent on your model and make, and whether the keys are smart or 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 you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key to function correctly and reset.
This process is more complex than it was previously be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. A dealer will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the original in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, be sure to have all the necessary information along with you and an identification photo. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.
Call a Locksmith
The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call an experienced locksmith. A locksmith with expertise will be able to program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).
Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags that you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all this but are still not able to locate your keys, it's time for you to contact someone.
A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is less than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the dealership and purchase a new key.
Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, such as transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require you to provide the car's VIN number, but professional locksmiths has the right tools to do this in a flash for you.
Many locksmiths can also remove keys that are bent or broken, which are often caused by accidentally locking them in your vehicle. Trying to remove lost key to car broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to professionals.
A locksmith can help you replace keys that are lost in your car and offer tips on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home could help you to never lose your car key once more.