How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You discover that your car keys have disappeared.
Before you panic, know your options. There are many methods to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the Locks on Your Car
It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially if we're distracted or in a rush. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly simple when your car is thoroughly searched.
Start with the driver’s seat. Examine every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forth. Make sure you check zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag for the keys.
Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices usually have an internal chip that can communicate to the car to let you into the vehicle and to start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need to visit a dealership to have an alternative one created.
Some older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be able to create a new key for you, as provided you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.
You can also get an entirely new replacement at the dealership, however it will be more expensive. The dealership must integrate a computer chip into your vehicle, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.
Before you make a payment for a car key replacement, be sure to consider 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. Moreover, it's also worth asking 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, so you are likely to find an option close to you.
Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to 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 typically stamped into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car or driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like your vehicle registration title, insurance and title documents.
Your VIN is unique to your car and it's a good idea to keep it somewhere safe. This way, should you ever lose your keys, you'll be in a position to make use of it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and locate the key code from the manufacturer for your specific model which can then be used with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label placed where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even etched on your windows or windshields to provide an security measure to prevent theft.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.
VINs first came into use in 1954, but until 1981, they were offered in a variety of formats. In that year 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 get new keys at most dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who will replace your key with one that will be able to start your vehicle. If not, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
In the past losing your car keys was not an issue. You could simply contact your local dealership to get new keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than that. If you're looking to get your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your most ideal option.
Although you could purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road fast and probably cost less than the dealership would.
Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your lost keys. This is important as someone will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard or found in the owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. lost a car key is not a 100% assurance however. It is dependent on your make and model, and if the keys are smart or have complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and inquire for a service manager if you are unsure if they can assist.
If your smart key was stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car's security features require a specific type of key to reset and work correctly.
This process is more complicated than it was in the past, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. A dealer can also provide you with another key that's identical to the one you have in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you opt to do this ensure you have all of the information needed, including a photo ID. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.
Call a Locksmith
The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call a locksmith. A reputable locksmith can cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. They will need the year, make, and model 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 you call a locksmith. Examine the pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places where you wouldn't normally look like the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are unable to find your keys, then it's time to contact someone.
A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is less expensive than what you would pay to have roadside assistance tow your car to a dealership and buy a replacement key.
Locksmiths often cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, but a locksmith is likely to be able cut and program the key in a flash.
Many locksmiths are also able to remove broken or bent keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. Trying to do it yourself could result in further damage.
A locksmith can help you replace lost car keys and also offer tips on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car keys once more.