How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so put on your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your latest TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.
Be aware of your options before you be in a panic. There are a few different ways to replace lost car keys, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the locks on your car.
It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. After all, we often forget where they're especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is relatively easy if you take the time to do an exhaustive search in your vehicle.
Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your car for your car key. Also, check the zippered areas or small compartments to find keys. Be sure to check 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 let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll have to visit the dealership to have an alternative one created.
Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith could be able create an alternative key for you if you've got proof of ownership like your registration or title.
You can also purchase an entirely new replacement at the dealership, however this will be more expensive. The dealer will need to pair up an electronic chip to your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's model and make.
Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance plan to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This will come in handy should you ever require it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages which means 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 alpha and numeric code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and more. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes behind the motor block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, like your registration for your vehicle, title and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's a good idea to keep it in a safe place. In the event that you ever lose your keys, you'll be able to use it to get a replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer specific to your lock that will then work with your lock.
The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed on the driver's-side dashboard at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also find it on the door jamb of the driver or in front the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even written into your windshield or windows to provide an security measure to prevent theft.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an entire report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was made.
VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 1981 they were available in different configurations. In the year 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from a variety of locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also find standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer to purchase a new set. Today, it's a lot more complicated than that. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your best option.
While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able to get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your keys. This is important because the person who needs it will create a replacement car key for you. The VIN can be found on the driver's dashboard, or it may be printed inside of your owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. It is not a 100% guarantee, however. It's dependent on the model and make of your car, as well as whether keys are equipped with complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and request an expert in service if you are unsure if they can assist.
If your smart key has been stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features in your car require a certain type of key to reset and function properly.
This process is more complex than it was in the past, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. If your original key is lost or damaged A dealership could offer you a similar backup. If you decide to take this route, be sure you have all the required information with you and an ID photo. This will help everyone to go through the process.
Contact a locksmith
Contacting a locksmith is the first step to replace lost keys to your car. An experienced locksmith will be able to cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).
Make sure you check every possible location for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. Check the pockets of jackets, pants and purses. Also check any other bags that you may have used. You can also look for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally place them, such as on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you have done this but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to contact a professional for assistance.
A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance take your vehicle to a dealer to buy a new key.
In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more sophisticated automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the VIN number of the car however a professional locksmith has the right tools to complete this in a flash for you.
The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, so this task should be left to professionals.
In addition to helping you replace your keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can give you advice about how to stop future keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.