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How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and are ready to change into your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Be aware of your options before you panic. There are several ways to replace a lost car key however, the majority of them require a locksmith or a dealership.
Check the Locks on Your Car
It's best to inspect your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget where they're particularly when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy if you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for the car key. Also, look around small compartments or zippered areas to find keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag for keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from the distance. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to purchase the new key fob in case you've lost it.
Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit in an ignition cylinder. If car lost key replacement have lost one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths are in a position to make a replacement key for you as long as you can provide proof of ownership such as your registration or title.
The dealer can also provide a replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer will have to connect a computer chip for your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250 depending on the model and make.
Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This will come in handy in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance, so you are likely to find a service near you.
Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that's unique to each 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 label or plate on the dashboard of your vehicle or the driver's side door jamb and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other places such as your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.
It is important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. This way, should you ever lose your keys, you'll be able to utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your specific model which can then be used with your lock.
The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb of the driver or in front the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even written on your windows or windshields as part of a security measure to prevent theft.
You can check your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year of its production.
VINs first came into use in 1954. However, up to 1981, they were offered in a variety of 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 most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
Not long ago losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could simply call your local dealer and request a new set. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than it used to be. 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 a dealership but it is best to call an automotive lock. They're more likely to be able to get you back on the road quickly and likely to charge less than the dealership.
Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost keys. This is important because it will be required in order for someone to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or found in your owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. This isn't a warranty however. It is dependent on your model and make, and if the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and inquire for an expert in service if you aren't sure if they can assist.
If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This is because the security features in your car require a specific kind of key in order to function correctly and reset.
This process is much more involved than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen A dealership could provide you with a duplicate backup. If you opt to go this way, make sure you have all of the required information, including a photo ID. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.
Call a locksmith
The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able to cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. But, they'll require the year model, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).
Before you call a locksmith's number However, you must ensure that you've inspected all possible places where your keys may be. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also check any other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you might not normally go, such as the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths should be able to replace keys on the spot for around $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance take your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new one.
Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, such as transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number of your car, however a locksmith will be able to do it on the spot.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove bent or broken keys that are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own could cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to the experts.
A locksmith can assist you replace lost car keys and also provide guidance on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can help in ensuring that you don't lose your car keys ever again.