5 Lessons You Can Learn From Replacing A Lost Car Key
Replacing a Lost Car Key
In the past the time of car keys being lost was not a big issue. It could cost you hundreds of pounds and can be a major hassle.
First make sure to remain calm and retrace your steps. Check every pocket and all the bags you've used during the day. You could also contact your local car dealership or locksmith.
VIN Number
Every car has a unique VIN number that distinguishes it from every other vehicle on the road. The VIN is a 17-digit code that starts with one letter (except for the letters O Q, O and I). The VIN also contains the year and the location of the factory where the car was built. The VIN can be located in a variety of places like your driver's licence or registration document however, it is most easily located on the front of the engine block of your car or in the door jamb on the driver's side.
If you are able to locate your VIN, it can be used to make a new key for your vehicle. This is usually done by an automotive locksmith or the dealership for cars. This procedure can be covered by your insurance company and is usually more affordable than purchasing from the manufacturer. This kind of key however, does not replace the remote fob, nor does it work with your ignition.
The VIN is a unique identifier to each vehicle. It can be used to track the history of a car and its owner. This information is crucial in the event of a lost or damaged vehicle. The VIN will inform the police or insurance company know who owns the vehicle and where it's located. The VIN can be used to identify your vehicle's exact model which is useful when determining the type of key that you need to get into it.
Most people are able to locate the car's VIN by looking at the dashboard's corner while standing outside the car. It can also be found on the front of your car's engine, inside the trunk, on the door jamb or behind the container that houses windshield washer fluid. You can also find the VIN on your insurance documents or by visiting your dealer.
Although you can purchase an additional key from the manufacturer based on your VIN however, it will not work with your remote fob, nor will it start your car. The key will only unlock the trunk and doors, but it will not start the car. In this scenario it is best to hire an auto locksmith who can make a replacement key using the VIN code and program it to your specific vehicle.
Vehicle Identification Number
The first thing you'll want to locate is your vehicle identification number, also known as the VIN. This is a 17 digit number that contains all the necessary information to identify your vehicle. This number is usually on an inscription on the driver's side dashboard or in the manual of your vehicle. The last eight numbers are unique to your vehicle. Make sure to note this number to provide it to the locksmith when requesting the replacement key.
The next step is to decide on the type of key you require. There are three main kinds of car keys that include traditional keys made of metal, transponder keys and smart keys. The traditional metal keys are the most basic type of key and do not contain any electronic components. They are used to open doors and start the engine of the car. Transponder keys contain a small electronic chip that communicates with your car's engine control unit to guard against theft. Smart keys however serve as a remote, and don't need turning your key to start the car.
Depending on the type of key you have, you may need to prove ownership. The easiest way to do this is by bringing an acceptable photo ID. You can also bring a copy of your registration or title. However, if you don't have evidence of ownership, it's still possible to get a replacement key.
A locksmith for cars will be able to make a new key for you, minus the original. They will require the year the make and model of your vehicle as well as the VIN number. Bring an extra key to accelerate the process.
Keep a spare car key in a secure place so that you don't lose it. But if you do lose your car key, don't panic. Replacing a lost car keys isn't as difficult as people think. You can either do it yourself, or hire a professional to help you. Remember to have the right identification as well as an acceptable payment method and a bit of patience.
Your Key Identification Number
It wasn't too long ago that losing the car key wasn't an problem. You could just contact your local hardware store and get a duplicate made, and it wouldn't cost much at all. However, as automobiles have become more more technologically advanced, they've also become more and expensive to replace lost car keys in the event of being lost or stolen.
The key fob of an automobile has a built-in transponder, making it harder to duplicate and more difficult for thieves to steal. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle you may also need to show proof of ownership in order to get an additional key lost car.
Although a replacement key can be relatively easy to locate when you know the correct information to provide but it is vital that you do to avoid losing your car keys in the first place. If you are having trouble keeping the track of your keys, consider getting a set of duplicates made and keeping them in a safe place at home or with a trusted person. This will save you a lot of trouble and money in the future if you are able to lose one.
It's also a good idea to keep track of the VIN number on your vehicle's dashboard or on its metal plate, so you are able to locate it easily if you do lose your keys. This will be helpful if you need to call an auto locksmith. They can use this number to confirm that you're the owner and make sure that no one else has access to your vehicle.
If you have lost your keys, retrace the steps you took and check places you would not normally think about, such as the pockets of your jacket or shirt you were wearing at the time of last time you had keys. If this does not work, you may call a locksmith to make you a new key based on the vehicle identification number.
Ask the locksmith or dealer about the options available to you and what they will charge you for a replacement key. It's more expensive to make a new key by a dealer, but when you're not in a hurry, an automotive locksmith may be less expensive and faster.
Your Driver's License
You might not be aware but your driver's permit is much more than just an item of paper bearing your name and photo. It is filled with personal information. You must report a stolen or lost driver's license immediately.
New York requires a driver's licence to legally drive. You can get your license back by following the steps. You'll need to prove your identity with a valid document like a valid driver's license or a photocopy of your state-issued ID. You'll need to provide documents for your vehicle, like the current registration of your vehicle or Certificate of Automobile Insurance.
Getting a Replacement for your lost Car Keys With no spare Car Key
Replacing a car key can be costly, and it depends on the type of key you have. Keys that are traditional, and not linked to your ignition, are the least expensive to replace. However, if the car uses a transponder key, or a chip key it could be very expensive.
Keys that have chip technology that pair with the ignition of your car use the microchip that is embedded in them to communicate with the car's system. They are designed to prevent theft and require a programmed key to allow your car to start. If you lose a chip key, your only option may be to go to the dealer and wait until they get one from the manufacturer or distributor.
You can reset your keyfob when your remote isn't functioning while you wait for your new key. This is usually done by following the instructions in the owner's manual, however, it can be a bit difficult.
If you've tried to reset your key and you still can't find it, you must contact a locksmith for help. They can use the VIN number to determine the correct key code and make the new key for you. This way, you don't have to spend as much time and money on finding the original key or visiting the dealer.