How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to change into your favorite sweatshirt Grab a pizza and binge your latest TV show. You find that your car keys have disappeared.

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

Check your car's locks

It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget the location of our keys, especially if we're busy or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy when you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forth. Also, Replace Lost Car Keys look around zippered areas or small compartments to locate the keys. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to get a new key fob if you've lost it.

Some older cars still use traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

You can also purchase a new replacement from a dealer, but this will be more expensive. The dealership will need to connect a computer chip to your car, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Before you purchase the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you might be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of replacing a key. It's also worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage to assist you in the event of an emergency. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one in your area.

Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)

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

It is important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain new keys that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's placed where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even etched on your windows or windshields as part of a security measure against theft.

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

VINs first appeared in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, until 1981, they were available in a variety of configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your car requires an ignition chip, you'll need to go to an auto locksmith or dealer that can replace your key with one that will be able to start your car. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could simply contact your local dealer to have new keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're in the market to get your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your best option.

While you may purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely be in a position to get you back on the road fast and probably cost less than the dealership.

Before you call anyone to replace your car keys, make a note of the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important because you will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be found in the owner's guide.

Dealerships can replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, it's not a assurance that they'll be able assist you. It's dependent on the model and make of your vehicle and whether keys have complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and inquire for the service manager if are unsure whether they can help.

If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealer for it to be replaced. This is because the security features in your car require a specific type of key to reset and function properly.

This process is more complex than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. A dealer can also give you another key that's identical to the original in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have all the information needed including an ID photo. This will help everyone to go through the process.

Call an expert locksmith

The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact locksmith. A locksmith with experience will be able program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. But, they'll require the year model, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Before calling a locksmith over the phone However, you must ensure that you have checked every possible place where your keys might be. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also check any other bags you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look like the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance tow your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new one.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program the new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. These more complex keys might require you to provide the VIN number of your car however, professional locksmiths should have the right tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove broken or bent keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, and this task should be left to the experts.

A locksmith can assist you replace keys to your car that have been lost and provide tips on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can assist you in avoiding losing your car keys ever again.