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. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are a few different ways to replace lost car keys but the majority involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially when we're busy or distracted. Finding keys to your car may be fairly easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and lost keys downwards, back and back and forth. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse or tote bag for the keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually include an internal chip that can communicate with the car to let you into the vehicle and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need to visit a dealership to have a new one created.

Certain older cars still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost key fob 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.

The dealer may also offer a replacement, but it will cost more. 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.

Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase a new car key. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This will come in handy in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans and you are likely to find an option close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is typically a label or lost keys plate on the dashboard of your vehicle or jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places such as your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.

It is important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. That way, if you lose your keys, you'll be in a position to use it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. 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 typically located on a label on the dashboard of the driver in the area where the windshield meets it. It can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or in front the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even written on your windows or windshields as part of a anti-theft measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.

VINs were first used in 1954, but until 1981, they were available in a variety of formats. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.

If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer that can replace your key with one that will be able to start your vehicle. In other cases, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past the loss of your car keys was not a huge deal. You could simply call your local dealer to purchase a new set. Today, it's a lot more complicated than it used to be. If you're in the market to have your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the most ideal option.

Although you could get a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They will be able to get you back on your faster and for less than a dealership.

Before calling someone to replace your lost car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is crucial because someone will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or included in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll help you. It depends on the make and model of your vehicle as well as whether keys have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and inquire for the service manager if aren't sure if they can assist.

If your smart key has been stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features in your car require a specific type of key in order to be reset and function properly.

This process is much more complicated than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional price to have this feature restored. Dealers will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the one you have in case your lost my key one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, make sure to have all the necessary information along with you and an identification photo. This will help all to complete the process.

Call for a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. An experienced locksmith can cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle with proof of ownership (a copy your registration or title).

Make sure you check every possible location for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you may have used. You can also look for your keys in places that you would not normally put them, like on the floor behind the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should seek help.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance take your car to a dealership to buy a new key.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more sophisticated cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the car's VIN number, but a professional locksmith should have the right tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove keys that are bent or broken, which are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, so this task should be left to experts.

A locksmith can assist you replace lost car keys and also give advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home can help you to never lose your car key ever again.