I can not count the times we have had a call from a customer telling us that they have lost their keys to their vehicle and wanting to know if we can make the key from their VIN number.

While in theory, this seems like a perfectly simple request, the solution is not as simple. Depending on the year of your vehicle, you can often go to a dealer and show proof of ownership and they will give you the code. However, if the vehicle is over ten (10) years old, then most dealers roll off that information. This is where German vehicles can often be a step ahead; Mercedes, BMW, etc., as they keep this information longer, yet it is also harder to access.

Let’s look at Ford vehicles – they have no code numbers on the vehicle, anywhere. For safety reasons, this isn’t a bad feature. However, if you lose your keys, it can end up costing you quite a bit of money. The reason: depending on the number of cuts that are on the vehicle, only part of those are on the door lock and the rest have to be progressed. (Some times, depending on the age of the vehicle [95 or earlier] you might get lucky and have some of the cuts on the glove box lock. Don’t hold your breathe.) Progressing a key equates to make  a cut, try the key, make a cut, try the key. Depending on the variables, this can take multiple blanks and quite some time.

In the early days, car dealers often made it easier for customers by giving them the code number to their vehicle as a ‘service’. This service doesn’t exist anymore without you asking for the information. It’s much the same with transponder keys; on used cars you get one. With new cars you get two. I always advise customers to not leave without a minimum of two keys and three is even better. Duplicate transponder keys are costly. The ticket value of these can be a shock to the system.

What to do:

1. Prevention is always the best solution. (We like to think that most of us will work toward this end, however the number of customers I have met who only have one key for their vehicle is amazingly high.) When you purchase a vehicle or anything that takes a key for your lock, make  duplicate keys; get one for the sole purpose of putting it away so that if you lose all the others, you can take it and get other copies made. Use a second one to hide somewhere, for emergencies.I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a backup key.
2. When you purchase a vehicle, ask for the code number. Then write it down and put it in a safe place that you will be able to retrieve it or have someone else retrieve it in an emergency. Do not keep it in your vehicle.
3. If you lose your keys to your vehicle, remember that you can have the vehicle towed to a locksmith. Why would you want to have your vehicle towed? You will save yourself money, especially if you have roadside assistance where towing is paid for. Often times you may be able to get the vehicle worked on more quickly, as most locksmiths have someone in the shop that can do this or they can fit it in between other jobs. Otherwise, you can arrange to have the locksmith come out to you, but don’t expect them to be there within minutes. Remember: Locksmithing is a profession and therefore most locksmith have other jobs on their calendars. Helping you will be based on time and availability.
4. While using a locksmith is less expensive than going to the dealer; remember to call the locksmith first to discuss your needs. They will want to know the year and type of vehicle, as if it is something they can’t work on or if it is a dealer only item, then they can let you know so you don’t waste a trip.
5. Don’t expect a locksmith to be able to use your VIN number to make the key. While there are times where a VIN can be used to retrieve a code number, it is not guaranteed. For example; if you aren’t the original owner of the vehicle; at some point the locks may have been re-keyed or replaced. In this case the VIN number is useless for code retrieval. Depending on the age of the vehicle, the code may not be available at all.
6. Sometimes vehicles may have the code number on a lock or it may have been written in the owners manual. The locksmith may give you several options for the best way to get the code number or make the key that will reduce the cost. When the code number is available, making a key is not be as expensive as if there were no code at all. Remember to have proof that the vehicle is yours.
7. The first key made will be the most expensive key to make. Duplicate keys are generally charged at the regular rates. So don’t be shocked if the cost to make a key to code ranges between: $25 and $45 to make. Remember that duplicate keys will not be as much. Make sure you get duplicate keys! Making a key to code and progressing a key are two entirely different methods. Don’t expect a progressed key to be inexpensive. Also, remember that there will be labor involved, which is going to add to your cost.
8. After you have a key made, you can ask the locksmith for the code number. Most locksmith will give you this number anyway in order to help you have a less expensive experience in the future. Some locksmith have the ability to keep your code number on file for you. They will only do this if you ASK them. Most locksmith do not keep this type of record unless specifically requested to do so. Even then, some locksmiths will not keep these records.