How to Get a Key Replaced If You Lose Your Car Key
You’ve been through a tiring, stressful day, and you’re hoping to relax with a pizza in your favorite clothes and binge-watch your favorite TV show. But you’re unable to locate your car keys. This can be very frustrating and difficult.
Retrace your steps and remain at peace. Many times keys can be located in the smallest of gaps and pockets.
1. Find the VIN
Transponder keys are common in the majority of US automobiles from 1990 onwards. The keys are kept with the car’s manufacturer. This means that when you lose your key and are able to provide your VIN number to an expert locksmith on the internet, they will be able to make you an alternative key by using the code that is stored in the car’s database. This is much less expensive than buying a new one from an agent.
In order to obtain a replacement key, you will need to provide your VIN number as well as any other information that can prove that you are the owner of the car such as your driver’s permit or registration. This is a great idea, as it will protect you if your key is ever lost car key or stolen.
Your VIN is a 17 digit code which is printed on your vehicle’s documents and permits the appropriate people to learn anything about it from the manufacturer, to the date you last had an oil change. It’s also the only method of identifying your vehicle in the event theft. If you’re lucky, your locksmith may be able to pull the code from the vehicle computer system. This makes the process easier and quicker. If this isn’t possible, the locksmith must undergo a lengthy process of programming each number one at a time.
2. Contact with a locksmith
If you don’t own a vehicle with keyless entry or a vehicle that is high-tech, the next step is to contact a locksmith in your area. There are a myriad of different types of locksmiths and you should conduct some research prior to choosing one. Some will try to scam you by offering a replacement key that doesn’t work or is more expensive than it should be. Look for a professional who is licensed and has a history of successfully completed projects.
Before contacting a locksmith, ensure you have your VIN available and also the year, model and year of your vehicle. It’s also helpful to keep a copy of your registration on you, as it could be required to prove that you’re the owner of the car.
It’s essential to remain relaxed and take a deep breath if you’ve lost keys for car your key. Make sure you check your pockets and any bags you’ve used throughout the day. You never know if you’ve set your keys on the counter, or reached into a bag to find something else and knocked them loose.
You can also contact your car dealer to request an alternative key, but they’ll charge you more than an individual locksmith. You’ll also have wait for the key to arrive. It’s faster and less expensive to contact locksmiths instead.
3. Get a Replacement Key
Many cars today come with key fobs that are able to not only start the car and unlock it, but also open it. These devices are practical, and they can be an effective deterrent to theft. However they make it much more difficult to replace a key in the event that you lose it. Thankfully, the process for finding a replacement isn’t so complicated as you think.
The VIN can be found on the vehicle’s dashboard or in the engine bay. This number will allow the locksmith to determine the exact year the vehicle was manufactured, as well as the model of the vehicle. Once you have provided the locksmith with the information, they will begin working on the replacement key.
Some older cars and some newer, cheaper vehicles make use of traditional keys that are inserted into ignitions to start the vehicle. Although these key fobs are available at many auto parts stores, dealerships and online, the actual key is made by an expert. This is why it’s advisable to call an auto locksmith in your neighborhood as they will be able to make the key quickly and usually for a fraction of the price dealers cost.
If your car keys lost replacement is equipped with an advanced keyless system which uses proximity sensors to start the lost car key replacement and start the engine, you’ll need to visit your dealership to purchase and programmed the new key fob for car keys lost replacement your vehicle. This can cost as high as $200, so it’s essential to keep a spare fob in your glove box in all times!
4. Call Your Insurance Company
Many companies offer car keys replacement as part of their breakdown cover or roadside assistance plans. You could save money by not having to pay for locksmith services. Make sure to contact your warranty provider for more details.
It’s worth noting that submitting an insurance claim on your car for replacing lost car key keys is likely to affect your no-claims bonus and years of indemnity. This is a good reason to think about keeping a spare set of keys and taking secure practices.
If you suspect that your keys were taken, it’s an excellent idea to inform the police. This will stop your car being towed, and you might also be able to get your keys returned. Keep your wallet in a safe bag or pocket in case you lose your keys again.
You can also use your mind to try to locate your keys. Consider where you were when you last saw them, what you were doing and the people you were with. Close your eyes and picture yourself in that moment — this method has proven to be successful for eyewitnesses at crime scenes. It is important to remember that your memory isn’t always reliable and that you shouldn’t assume that you’ve left your keys where you last saw them.