How to Replace lost car keys with no spare Car Keys

You're tired, so you put on your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your latest TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.

Know your options before you get in a panic. There are a few different methods to replace lost car keys however, the majority of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check Your Car's Locks

When you lose keys to your car, it's best to start by checking your vehicle. We often forget where we put them particularly when we're in a rush or lost car Keys with no spare distracted. Finding lost key to car car keys can be fairly simple in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start with the driver's seat. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Also, check the compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate the keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag for keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. These devices typically have an internal chip that communicates with the car to allow you into the vehicle and to start the motor. You'll need to visit your dealer to get an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

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

You can also purchase an upgrade from the dealership, but this will be more expensive. The dealership will have to pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of buying an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This will help in the event that you need it. There are a variety of companies that provide roadside assistance plans. You should be able to find one in your area.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into a label or plate on your car's dashboard and the driver's side door jamb and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other documents such as your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car and it's best to keep it in a safe place. In the event that you ever lose your keys, you'll be able to use it to get a replacement key made quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and locate the key code from the manufacturer for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the door jamb for the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.

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

If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from most locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your car requires an ignition chip, you'll need to visit a dealer or locksmith that can replace your key with one that will be able to start your car. You can also find standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago, losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily call your local dealer to get a new set. Today, it's more complicated than it used to be. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your best option.

Although you could obtain a traditional key from the dealership, your best bet is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because it will be required in order for someone to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your vehicle, or may be printed in the owner's guide.

Dealerships can replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a assurance however. It's dependent on the model and make of your car as well as whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. If you're not sure whether your dealer can assist you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If your smart key was lost or stolen, it will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key to reset and work correctly.

This process is more complex than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to restore this feature. A dealership can also give you a backup key that's similar to the original one in the event that your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, be sure you have all the information needed with you along with a photo ID. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Call a Locksmith

The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. However, they'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets in jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you've used. You could also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or under the couch. If you have done this and still cannot find your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.

For traditional keys, a locksmith will be able to repair keys in a matter of $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance take your car to a dealership to buy a new key.

Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your vehicle, but locksmiths will be able to cut and program the key immediately.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken or bent keys that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. It is best to leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.

In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost locksmiths can also offer advice on how to avoid keys from being lost or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could help you to never lose your car key once more.