How to Replace Lost Car Keys

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

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are several ways to replace a lost car key, but the majority of these require a locksmith or dealer.

Check your car's locks

It's best to check your car first when you lose your keys. We often don't know where they are, particularly if we're busy or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is relatively easy when you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved forward and backwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your car for your car keys. Make sure you check small compartments and zippered areas for keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your purse, backpack, or tote bag for the keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. They usually include an internal chip that communicates to the car in order to allow you access to the vehicle and start the motor. You'll have to visit your dealer to obtain the new key fob in case you've lost car keys what to do it.

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

You can also purchase a new replacement at the dealership, however it will be more expensive. The dealer will have to connect the computer chip with your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's model and make.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to purchase a new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage you may be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a new key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This could help in the event that you need it. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able find one in your area.

Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for each vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car or the driver's side door jamb and library.pilxt.com sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's a good idea to keep it safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new one made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your specific model which can then be used with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's situated between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or on the front of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle to serve as a security measure.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model and make, body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year it was manufactured.

VINs first appeared in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, until 1981, they were available in various configurations. In the year 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from many dealerships or locksmiths for automotive 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 can start your car. Otherwise, you can simply purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could just contact your local dealer to get new keys made. Today, it's more complex than it used to be. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your best option.

While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road fast and will probably charge less than the dealership would.

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

Dealerships can replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, this isn't a assurance that they'll be able to assist you. It's dependent on the make and Replace lost Key model of your car as well as whether keys have complex programming. If you're not sure whether your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.

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

This process is more complicated than it was previously be, so you should be prepared to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. A dealer can also give you another key that's identical to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, be sure to have all the required information on hand, as well as an ID photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call for a locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to contact an experienced locksmith. A skilled locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will require the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, with evidence of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Make sure you check every possible location for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places you would not normally look like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or underneath the couch. If you have done this and still cannot find your keys, it's time to contact a professional for assistance.

For traditional keys, a locksmith is likely to be able replace them on the spot for about $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance take you car to a dealership to buy a new key.

Locksmiths often program and cut new keys for cars that have more advanced features, such as smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the car's VIN number, but professional locksmiths will have the tools to complete this in a flash for you.

The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you accidentally lock them in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own can cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to experts.

In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys, a locksmith can give you advice about how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.