How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so you change into your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your latest TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.
Before you panic, know your options. There are several ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost however, the majority of them require a locksmith or dealer.
Check the locks on your car.
It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. We often don't know where they are, especially when we're busy or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is fairly easy when you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.
Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved forward and backwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Make sure you check small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a 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. You'll need to visit your dealer to get a new key fob if you've lost it.
Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith may be able to make an alternative key for you if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.
You can also get a new replacement from a dealer, but this will be much more expensive. The dealer will have to connect a computer chip for your car. This can cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's model and make.
Before G28 Car Keys make a payment for a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage you might be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of replacing a key. Moreover, it's also worth asking your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance insurance that can aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance plans and you should be able to find services near you.
Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)
The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into a label or plate on the dashboard of your vehicle and the driver's side door jamb and sometimes in front of the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, such as your vehicle registration title, insurance and title documents.
It is 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 get a new key that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and get the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.
The VIN is usually located on a label on the dashboard of the driver's side, where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the driver's side door jamb or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle to serve as a security measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle including the manufacturer, model, body type, engine size, assembly facility, and year of manufacturing.
VINs first came into use in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, until 1981, they were offered in various configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to obtain new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply purchase 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 easily contact your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's more complex than that. The dealership might not be the best place to go in case you want to replace your lost car keys.
You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They're more likely to be able to get you back on the road in a hurry and probably cost less than the dealership would.
Before you call someone to replace your car keys, note down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is vital as it will be needed in order for someone to create a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard, or it may be printed inside of your owner's manual.
Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a warranty however. It's dependent on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as whether keys have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and ask for an expert in service if you are unsure whether they can help.
If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership to get it replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key to reset and function correctly.
The process is now more complicated than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional price to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is lost or damaged A dealership could provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to take this route, be sure to carry all the required information with you along with an identification photo. This will help 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 contact locksmith. An experienced locksmith can cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).
Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you've used. You may also look for your keys in places that you might not normally go for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all of these methods and still are not able to locate your keys, it's time to contact someone.
For keys that are traditional locksmiths is likely to be able replace keys in a matter of $20. This is less expensive than the cost for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.
Locksmiths often program and cut new keys for cars that have more advanced features, such as smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require that you provide the VIN number of your car however, an experienced locksmith should have the right tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.
Locksmiths are also able to capability of removing 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 on your own can cause more damage, so this should be left to experts.
A locksmith can help you replace keys to your car that have been lost and provide 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 don't lose your car keys ever again.