How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and binge your latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Before you panic, know your options. There are many methods to replace lost car keys but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check your car's locks

When you lose car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget the location of our keys, especially if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is fairly easy if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forward. Also, look around compartments with zippers or small spaces to find keys. Be sure to check your backpack, Replace Lost Car Keys 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 typically contain an internal chip that can communicate to the car in order to allow you access to the vehicle and start the motor. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need go to the dealership to get a new one created.

Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith might be able to make keys for you, if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.

You can also purchase an upgrade at the dealership, however this will be much more expensive. The dealer must pair up the computer chip with your car. This could cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's model and make.

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to purchase a new car key. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance plan to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This could be useful if you ever need it. There are a variety of companies that provide roadside assistance plans. You should be able to locate one close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or plate that's attached to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes on the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.

It's important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get new keys made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver 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 and other commercial vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even etched into your windows or windshields to provide an security measure against theft.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model, body type, engine size, assembly facility and the year of its production.

VINs first came into use in 1954, but up to 1981, they came in a variety of configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from many dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will require a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could just call your local dealership to have new keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than that. The dealership may not be the best place to go if you need to replace your car keys that have been cheap lost car key replacement.

While you may obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able get you back on the faster and for less than a dealership.

Before you call anyone to replace your lost car keys, write down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is crucial because it will be needed in order for someone to create a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN can be found on the driver's side dashboard, or it may be found in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, this isn't a assurance that they'll assist you. It depends on the model and make of your vehicle as well as whether or not the keys have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and request an expert in service if you aren't sure if they can help.

If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership to get it replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a specific kind of key to reset and work correctly.

This process is more involved than it used to be and you should make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. A dealership can also provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original one in the event that your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this way ensure that you have all of the required information, including an identification photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing keys to your car that have been lost key for car what to do is to contact locksmith. A locksmith with experience will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. However, they will need to know the year and make of your car along with evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should do it).

Before calling a locksmith's number however, ensure that you have checked every possible place where your keys may be. This includes checking the pockets of jackets and pants as well as purses and other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places you would not normally look like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all this but are still not able to locate your keys, it's time to call someone.

For traditional keys, a locksmith will be able to repair them in a matter of $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow your vehicle to a dealer to buy a new key.

Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require you to provide the VIN number of the car however, an experienced locksmith should have the right tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths can also take out broken or bent keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them in your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own could cause more damage, and this task should be left to professionals.

A locksmith can help you replace lost car keys and also offer tips on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet can go a long way towards making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.