The People Closest To Replace Lost Car Keys Have Big Secrets To Share
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 realize your car keys are nowhere to be found.
Know your options before you panic. There are several methods to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check your car's locks
If you've lost your keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget the location of our keys, especially if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Finding keys to your car may be fairly simple when your car is thoroughly searched.
Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Move the seats forward and back as well as up and down to search every inch of your car for your car key. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let 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 traditional metal keys that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith may be able to create keys for you if you've got evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.
The dealer can also provide the replacement, but it will cost more. The dealership must pair a computer chip with your car, which can cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.
Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to deciding 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 a new key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This can help in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance plans and you should be able to find a service close to you.
Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for each vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb and sometimes even behind the motor block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, such as the registration of your vehicle, title and insurance documents.
It's important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain new keys made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer for your particular model, which will then work with your lock.
The VIN is usually located on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver's side in the area where the windshield meets it. It can also be found on the door jamb of the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle to serve as a prevention measure.
You can check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. g28carkeys.co.uk will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle including the manufacturer, model, body type, engine size, assembly facility, and the year of manufacturing.
VINs first came into use in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until 1981, they were offered in different configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from most locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also purchase regular keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could call your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. It's more complicated today. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the most ideal option.
You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership, but it is better to contact an auto lock. They will be able to get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.
Before calling someone to replace your lost car keys, note down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important because it will be needed in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN can be found on the driver's dashboard or included in the owner's manual.
Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of car manufacturers. This is not a warranty, however. It is dependent on your model and make, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complex programming. If you're not sure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.
If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealer in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific type of key in order to function correctly and reset.
This process is more complicated than it used to be, so you should be willing to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. Dealers can also give you an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you opt to do this ensure that you have all of the necessary information including a photo ID. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.
Contact a locksmith
The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to contact locksmith. A skilled locksmith can cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).
Before you call a locksmith over the phone, though, make sure that you've checked all possible places where your keys might be. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You may also look 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 tried all of these methods and still are struggling to locate your keys, then it's time for you to call someone.
A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is cheaper than what you would pay for roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.
In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Some of these more complex keys require you to provide the VIN number for your vehicle, but a locksmith is likely to be able complete the task on the spot.
Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, and this task should be left to professionals.
In addition to helping you replace lost car keys, a locksmith can give you advice about how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.