Benedict Joy asked 6 months ago
How to replace lost keys Lost Car Keys
You’re exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and binge your latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Before you panic, know your options. There are a few different methods to replace lost car keys however, the majority of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check your car’s locks
It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. We often don’t know where they are, especially if we’re busy or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly simple in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Start by sitting in the driver’s seat. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for your car key. Also, check the compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate the keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for the keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices typically have an internal chip that communicates with the car to allow you into the vehicle and keys lost to start the motor. You’ll have to visit your dealer to obtain the new key fob in case you’ve lost it.
Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith could be able to create keys for you if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
You can also get a new replacement from a dealer, but this will be more expensive. The dealer must pair up the computer chip with your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250, depending on the make and model.
Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to purchase a new car key. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of replacing a lost car key a key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could be useful should you ever require it. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance plans and you are likely to find an option near you.
Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It is 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 stamped into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car, the driver’s side door jamb and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places such as your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.
It’s important to keep your VIN secure because it’s unique to you and your vehicle. In the event that you lose your keys, you’ll be in a position to make use of it to get an alternative key quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer’s key code for your specific model which can then be used with your lock.
The VIN is typically located on a label on the driver’s-side dashboard at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also find it on the door jamb for the driver’s side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even written into your windshield or windows as part of an security measure to prevent theft.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and the year of manufacturing.
VINs first came into use in 1954. However, up to 1981 they were available in a variety of configurations. In 1981 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 many locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
Not long ago losing your car keys was not an issue. You could just contact your local dealership to have new keys made. Today, it’s more complicated than it used to be. The dealership might not be the best option in case you want to replace your lost car keys.
You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership, but it’s best to contact an automotive lock. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road quickly and probably cost less than the dealership would.
Before you call someone to replace your car keys, note down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important as you will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be found in the owner’s guide.
Dealerships can repair keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this doesn’t assurance that they’ll assist you. It is all dependent on the model and make, and if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you’re not sure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.
If your smart key was lost or stolen, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car’s security features require a particular type of key to be reset and function properly.
The process is more complicated than it was in the past be, so you should be prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. If your original key is stolen or damaged, a dealership can provide you with an identical backup. If you opt to go this route, make sure you have all of the required information including a photo ID. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.
Call a locksmith
Calling a locksmith is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost. A skilled locksmith can cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).
Before you get a locksmith over the phone However, you must ensure that you have checked all possible places where your keys may be. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets or purses, as well as any other bags you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you would not normally look like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or under the couch. If you have done this and still cannot find your keys, it’s time to call for help.
For traditional keys locksmiths should be able to replace them in a matter of $20. This is less than what you would pay to have roadside assistance take your car to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.
In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more sophisticated automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number of your car, however locksmiths will be able to complete the task on the spot.
Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to professionals.
In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost locksmiths can also give you advice about how to stop future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home can assist you in avoiding losing your car keys again.