How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so change into your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. However, you realize the keys to your car aren't to be found.
Be aware of your options before you panic. There are several ways to replace a lost car key, but the majority of them require a locksmith or a dealership.
Check the locks on your car.
It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget where they're, especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy if you make the effort to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.
Start with the driver’s seat. Check every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Also, feel around zippered areas or small compartments to find keys. Also, you should carefully search your purse, backpack, or tote bag for keys.
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to get an alternative key fob if you've lost it.
Some older cars still use traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be in a position to make a replacement key for you, as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
You can also purchase an upgrade from a dealer, but this will be more expensive. The dealer will have to pair up an electronic chip to your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250, depending on the model and make.
Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you might be able to claim it to pay for the cost of replacing a key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This can come in handy in the event that you need it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance plans. G28 Car Keys should be able to find one near you.
Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each 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 engraved into a label or plate on the dashboard of your vehicle and driver's side door jamb, and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.
Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's best to keep it in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get new keys made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer for your specific model, which will then work with your lock.
The VIN is typically located on a label on the dashboard of the driver's side at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also locate it on the driver-side door jamb or on the front of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even embedded into your windshield or windows as part of an security measure to prevent theft.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth look at your vehicle's manufacturer, model, body type, engine size, assembly facility and the year of its manufacture.
VINs were first introduced in 1954, however, until 1981, they were available in a variety of configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to obtain new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply get standard keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
Not long ago, losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could simply contact your local dealer to get a new set of keys made. Today, it's a lot more complex than that. The dealership may not be the best option in case you want to replace your car keys that have been lost.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to contact an auto lock. They can get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.
Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your lost keys. This is crucial because the person who needs it will create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be printed in your owner's manual.
Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of car manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll help you. It's dependent on the make and model of your car, as well as whether keys have complex programming. If you're not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.
If your smart key has been lost or stolen, it will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key to reset and function properly.
The process is more complicated than it was previously, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater cost to restore this feature. A dealer can also give you a backup key that's similar to the original one in the event that your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you opt to do this, make sure you have all the required information including a photo ID. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.
Call for a locksmith
A locksmith's call is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost. A skilled locksmith will be able to cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. They will require the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).
Before you call a locksmith's number however, ensure that you've inspected every possible place where your keys might be. Examine the pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags that you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you would not normally put them, like on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried all this but are still struggling to locate your keys, it's time to contact someone.
For traditional keys locksmiths will be able to repair them in a matter of $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance transport your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new key.
In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more sophisticated cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number for your vehicle, but locksmiths will be able to cut and program the key on the spot.
Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, and this should be left to professionals.
In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys locksmiths can also provide advice on how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventive steps, like 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.