Here's A Little Known Fact About Replace Lost Car Keys
How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're tired, so you put on your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You discover that your car keys have disappeared.
Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are a variety of ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost however the majority of them require a locksmith or dealership.
Check the locks on your car.
When you lose keys to your car, it's best to start by checking your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where we put them especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Finding lost car keys can be relatively easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Also, feel around zippered areas or small compartments to locate keys. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.
Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that 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 to allow you in and start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to purchase an alternative key fob if you've lost it.
Some older vehicles still use traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths will be in a position to make a replacement key for you, as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.
The dealer is also able to provide an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your car.
Before you purchase an auto key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could be useful should you ever require it. There are many companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one in your area.
Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).
The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle that is on the road. It is used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It can also be used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes behind the motor 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 car and it's a good idea to keep it in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain a new one made using the VIN. 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.
The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's situated at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the door jamb for the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle to serve as a prevention measure.
Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, including manufacturer, model and make, body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year of its production.
VINs were first used in 1954, but until 1981, they came in a variety of configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current 17-character format.
If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from most dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will require an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also purchase regular keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could simply contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than that. The dealership may not be the best place to go if you need to replace your lost car keys.
While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able to get you back on your way faster and charge less than the dealership.
Before calling anyone to replace your car keys, note down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). G28 Car Keys is vital as it will be needed to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard, or it may be found in your owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, it's not a guarantee that they'll help you. It depends on the model and make of your car as well as whether or not the keys have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager.
If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a particular type of key to reset and function correctly.
The process is now more involved than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. If your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can offer you a similar backup. If you choose to go this way, make sure you have all the required information including an ID photo. This will help everyone to go through the process.
Contact a locksmith
The most crucial step to take in replacing lost car keys is to contact locksmith. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. But, they'll require the year model, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).
Before you get a locksmith's number however, ensure that you've inspected every possible place where your keys might be. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets or purses, as well as any other bags you've used. You may also search for your keys in places where you don't usually put them, like on the floor in front of a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of these methods and still are not able to locate your keys, it's time for you to call someone.
For keys that are traditional, a locksmith will be able to repair keys in a matter of $20. This is much cheaper 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 keys for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Some of these more complex keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, but a locksmith will be able to cut and program the key on the spot.
Most locksmiths also have the capability of removing broken keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this task should be left to professionals.
In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can also give you advice about how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Taking preventative steps, like keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys again.