How to Replace lost car key replacement near me Car Keys
You’re tired and ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and watch the latest TV show. However, you realize the keys to your car aren’t to be found.
Before you panic, consider your options. There are a few different methods to replace car keys that have been lost, but most of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check Your Car’s Locks
If you lose your keys to your car, it’s recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget the location of our keys, especially when we’re distracted or are in a hurry. Finding keys to your car may be fairly simple if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Start by sitting in the driver’s seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as up and down to check every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.
A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. These devices usually include an internal chip that communicates to the car to allow you into the vehicle and start the motor. You’ll need 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 into an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith may be able to make an alternative key for you if you’ve got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
The dealer may also offer a replacement lost car keys, but it will cost more. The dealership must integrate a computer chip into your car, which can cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Before you make a payment for an auto key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance plan to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. It’s also important to inquire with 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 packages which means you will be able to locate services close to you.
Check your vehicle’s identification number (VIN).
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to each vehicle on the road. It’s used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It is also used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, the driver’s side door jamb, or sometimes behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places 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 quickly and easily get a new key that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer for your specific model which can then be used with your lock.
Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label that’s located at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver’s side. It can also be found on the door jamb of the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even etched into your windows or windshields as part of 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 in-depth analysis of your vehicle’s model, manufacturer, body type, engine size, assembly facility, and the year of manufacturing.
VINs were first introduced in 1954, however, until 1981, they came in a variety of formats. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.
If your VIN is valid, then you’ll be able to get new keys at most dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For example, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you’ll need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer that can replace your key with one that can start your car. You can also get standard keys at hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
A few years ago the loss of your car keys was not an issue. You could simply call your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it’s a lot more complex than it used to be. If you’re in the market to have your lost key to car car keys replaced, a dealership isn’t always your most ideal option.
While you can certainly still purchase a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to contact an automotive locksmith. They’re more likely to be able to get you back on the road fast and probably cost less than the dealership would.
Before you call someone to replace your car keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is vital as it will be needed in order for someone to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver’s side or found in your owner’s manual.
Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. It is not a 100% warranty, however. It depends on the model and make of your car as well as whether or not the keys have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and inquire for the service manager if are unsure if they can assist.
If your smart key was lost or stolen it must be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a particular type of key to reset and work correctly.
The process is more complicated than it used to be, so you should be prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged A dealership could provide you with an identical backup. If you decide to take this route, make sure you have all the necessary information on hand, as well as an identification photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.
Contact a locksmith
A locksmith’s call is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost. A reputable locksmith will be able to cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they will require the year model, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).
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 might have used. You can also look for your keys in places where you don’t usually put them, such as on the floor behind the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you’ve done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it’s time to contact a professional for assistance.
For keys that are traditional, a locksmith should be able to replace them on the spot for around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance tow you car to a dealership to buy a new key.
In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, however locksmiths is likely to be able complete the task on the spot.
Many locksmiths can also remove bent or broken keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. If you attempt to do it yourself could result in further damage.
In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys, a locksmith can also offer advice on how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home can aid you in never losing your car keys once more.
