Seven Explanations On Why Replace Lost Car Keys Is So Important

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you change into your sweats and grab a slice of pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. You find that your car keys have disappeared.

Know your options before you get in a panic. There are a few different methods to replace lost car keys but the majority involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.


Check the locks on your car.

If you've lost your keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where we put them particularly when we're rushing or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be relatively easy when your car is thoroughly searched.

Start with the driver's seat. Check every inch of the car by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forth. Be sure to feel around small compartments and zippered areas for keys, too. 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 an extended distance. These devices usually include an internal chip that communicates with the car to let you into the vehicle and then start the motor. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll have to go to the dealership to get a new one made.

Some older vehicles still use traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be capable of creating a new key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

You can also purchase an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but this will be much more expensive. The dealer will need to connect an electronic chip to your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250 depending on the model and make.

Before you pay for the replacement of your car key make sure you check your insurance policy. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance policy to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This could help should you ever require it. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance which means you will be able to locate a service close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and 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, or sometimes on the motor block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like your vehicle registration title, insurance and title documents.

It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. That way, if you lose your keys, you can utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN to find the key code of 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 dashboard of the driver's side, where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the driver's side door jamb or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In lost my key is possible that the VIN is even embedded into your windows or windshields to provide an anti-theft measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make 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 available in different configurations. In the year 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automobiles, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll need to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also get regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago, losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply call your local dealer to get a new set. Today, it's a lot more complicated than that. If you're looking to get your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your most ideal option.

While you may purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They will be able get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your keys. This is vital as it will be required to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN can be found on the driver's dashboard or included in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. This is not a guarantee however. It's dependent on the model and make of your vehicle, as well as whether or not the keys have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If your smart key has been lost or stolen it must 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 involved than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. Dealers will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the one you have in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, make sure to have all the required information on hand along with an ID photo. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.

Contact a locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call locksmith. An experienced locksmith will be able cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, with evidence of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. Check pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places that you would not normally look like the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to seek help.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport your car to a dealership to buy 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 a locksmith is likely to be able do it on the spot.

Many locksmiths can also remove bent or broken keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to experts.

A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and provide tips on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventive 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.

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Pub: 27 Mar 2024 20:07 UTC
Views: 69