How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted and want to change into your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and binge your latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys aren't to be found.
Be please click the following website of your options before you panic. There are many ways to replace the car key that was lost however the majority of these require a locksmith or dealership.
Check the locks on your car.
If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. After all, we often forget where we put them, especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys isn't difficult when you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.
Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Be sure to feel around small compartments and zippered areas for keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse, or tote bag for the keys.
Many modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order 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 a new one created.
Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths are capable of creating a new key for you as long as you can provide proof of ownership such as your registration or title.
You can also get an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but this will be more expensive. The dealership will have to connect a computer chip to your car, which can cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Before you purchase the replacement of your car key make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive, you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of replacing a key. Additionally, it's important to inquire with your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage that will aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance packages and you should be able to find a service near you.
Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. 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 in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your registration for your vehicle and title as well as insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's recommended to store it safe. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly obtain new keys that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and get the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label situated between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb of the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. In some instances there are instances where the VIN is even written on your windows or windshields as part of a anti-theft measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size, assembly plant and the year it was manufactured.
VINs first came into use in 1954. However, up to 1981 they were available in different configurations. In that year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.
If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from many dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. For example, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll have to visit a dealer or locksmith that can replace your key with one that can start your vehicle. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could simply contact your local dealer to get new keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're in the market to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your best option.
While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to call an auto locksmith. They can get you back on the way faster and charge less than a dealership.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your lost keys. This is important because it will be needed in order for someone to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard or printed inside of your owner's manual.
Dealerships are able to replace cars keys for most manufacturers. This isn't a assurance however. It depends on the make and model of your vehicle and whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. If you're unsure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.
If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a specific kind of key to reset and work correctly.
This process is more complicated than it used to be and you should make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to restore this feature. If your original key is lost or damaged, a dealership can provide you with an identical backup. If you opt to go this route ensure that you have all the required information including an identification photo. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.
Contact a locksmith
The most crucial step to take in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact an experienced locksmith. A locksmith with experience will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).
Make sure you check every possible location for your keys before you call a locksmith. Examine the pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you would not normally put them, like on the floor behind the table in the entryway 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 to replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is cheaper than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance tow your car to the dealership and buy a replacement key.
In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more sophisticated automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number of your vehicle, but a locksmith should 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 lock them accidentally in your car. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this task should be left to the professionals.
A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and offer advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.