How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so change into your sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.
Be aware of your options before you be in a panic. There are many ways to replace the car key that was lost however, the majority of they require a locksmith or dealership.
Check your car's locks
If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget where they're especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Finding lost car keys can be fairly simple when your car is thoroughly searched.
Start with the driver’s seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and forth. Also, check the small compartments or zippered areas to locate keys. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse or tote bag for the keys.
A lot of modern cars have key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need go to the dealership to get an alternative one created.
Some older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith could be able to create keys for you if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.
The dealer may also offer an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealership will have to connect a computer chip to your car, which can be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle.
Make sure you 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 on it to cover the cost of a replacement key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This can be useful in the event that you need it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able to locate one close to 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's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car, the driver's side door jamb and sometimes, in front of the engine block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, including your vehicle registration, title and insurance documents.
It's important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. That way, if you should ever lose your keys, you'll be able to use it to get a replacement key made quickly and easily. car lost key replacement G28 Car Keys can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer for your particular model, which will then work with your lock.
The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label situated between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft security measure.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you an entire report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model and make body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year of its production.
VINs were first used in 1954, but until 1981, they were offered in a variety. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from many dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also purchase regular keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could simply contact your local dealership to get new keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership might not be the best option for replacing your car keys that have been lost.
While you may obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely be in a position to get you back on the road in a hurry and probably cost less than the dealership.
Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is important because the person who needs it will create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your car or could be printed in the owner's manual.
Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of car manufacturers. However, it's not a guarantee that they'll be able help you. It is all dependent on the model and make, as well as whether the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.
If your smart key was stolen or lost it must be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key to reset and work properly.
This process is more complicated than it was previously be, so you should be willing to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. Dealers can also give you another key that's identical to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you opt to go this route ensure you have all of the necessary information, including an ID photo. This will help everyone to go through the process.
Call an expert locksmith
Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost car keys. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. But, they'll require the year, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will do it).
Before you call a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you have checked every possible place where your keys could be. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, check any other bags that you might 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 tried all of this and are still not able to locate your keys, it's time for you to contact someone.
A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is cheaper than what you would pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealership and purchase a new key.
In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program a new key for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number of your car, but a locksmith is likely to be able complete the task in a flash.
Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to the professionals.
In addition to helping you replace lost car keys locksmiths can also give you advice about how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home could aid you in never losing your car keys once more.