How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and binge your latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Be aware of your options before you panic. There are many methods to replace lost car keys but the majority require the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the Locks on Your Car
It's best to inspect your car first when you lose your keys. We often don't know where they are, particularly when we're busy or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.
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. Also, feel around compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate keys. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for keys.
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to get the new key fob in case you've lost it.
Certain older cars still have keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be in a position to make a replacement key for you as provided you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.
The dealer is also able to provide a replacement however it will cost more. The dealership will have to pair a computer chip with your car, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your car.
Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to purchase a new car key. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This will help should you ever require it. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one 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, track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes behind the motor block. You may also find your VIN in other places, such as the registration of your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.
It's important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain a new one made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and get the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.
The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label situated at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with a complete report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was made.
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 VINs to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from a variety of dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit a dealer or locksmith that can replace your key with one that will be able to start your vehicle. You can also purchase basic keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
In the past the loss of your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily call your local dealer to get a new set. Today, it's more complex than it used to be. If you're in the market to have your lost car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the best option.
While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely be capable of getting you back on the road quickly and will probably charge less than the dealership.
Before calling someone to replace your lost car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important because it will be required to create a replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard or included in your owner's manual.
Dealerships can repair keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This is not a guarantee however. It's contingent on the model and make of your car as well as whether keys are equipped with complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and ask for an expert in service if you aren't sure if they can help.
If your smart key has been stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key to function correctly and reset.
This process is more complex than it was in the past be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater cost to restore this feature. If your original key is damaged or stolen A dealership could provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to go this route, make sure to carry all the information needed with you and an identification photo. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.
Call a locksmith
The most important step in replacing lost car keys is to contact a locksmith. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle with proof of ownership (a copy your registration or title).
Before you call a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you have checked every possible spot where your keys could be. Check the pockets of jackets, pants and purses. Also, check any other bags that you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places you might not normally go for them, like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or under the couch. If you've done this and still cannot find your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.
A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is cheaper than the cost for roadside assistance to tow your car to a dealership and purchase a new key.
Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, but locksmiths will be able to complete the task in a flash.
Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, and this task should be left to the experts.
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. g28carkeys.co.uk include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car key ever again.