How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. However, you realize the keys to your car aren't to be found.

Know your options before you be in a panic. There are a variety of ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost however the majority of these require a locksmith or dealership.

Check the Locks on Your Car

It's best to inspect your car first when you lose your keys. In the end, we tend to forget where they're especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Move the seats forward and back as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for the car key. Also, feel around compartments with zippers or small spaces to find keys. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag for the keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need to go to the dealership to get a new one made.

Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith may be able create an alternative key for you if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer is also able to provide the replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer will need to pair up the computer chip with your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car's make and model.

Before you purchase the replacement of your car key be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of a replacement key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This can help if you ever need it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans and you should be able to find a service close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and more. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, or sometimes behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your registration for your vehicle, title, and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's recommended to store it somewhere safe. This way, should you ever lose your keys, you'll be able to utilize it to have a replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN and get the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is usually located on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver's side at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also look for it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even written into your windows or windshields as part of an anti-theft measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth look at your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model body type, engine size, assembly facility and year of production.

VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 1981, they were offered in different configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from many dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key Lost in car. If not, key lost in car you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could simply call your local dealer and request a new set. It's a lot more difficult today. If you're looking to get your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership, but it's best to contact an automotive lock. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and likely to charge less than the dealership would.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your keys. This is important because someone will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your car or could be printed in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll be able assist you. It's contingent on the model and make of your vehicle as well as whether keys have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and ask for the service manager if are unsure whether they can assist.

If your smart key was lost or stolen it must be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features in your car require a specific kind of key in order to function correctly and reset.

The process is more complicated than it was in the past be, so you should be prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. If your original key is stolen or damaged, a dealership can offer you a similar backup. If you decide to take this route, make sure to carry all the required information on hand along with a photo ID. This will help everyone to go through the process.

Call a locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing lost car keys is to call an experienced locksmith. An experienced locksmith will be able to cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they'll 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).

Before you call a locksmith on the phone, though, make sure that you've checked all possible places where your keys might be. Examine the pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you may have used. You can also look for your keys in areas 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 this and are still not able to locate your keys, then it's time to call someone.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot for around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport your car key lost replacement to a dealership to purchase a new key.

Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars that have more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, but locksmiths should be able to complete the task immediately.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to experts.

A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost key what to do in your car and provide advice on how to avoid future keys from being lost or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet can help in ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.