How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and binge your latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys aren't to be found.

Be aware of your options prior to get in a panic. There are many methods to replace lost car keys, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check your car's locks

If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where we put them particularly when we're in a rush or distracted. Finding lost car keys can be fairly simple if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start with the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and back and forth. Make sure you check compartments with zippers and small spaces for keys, too. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for keys.

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

Some older vehicles still use traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths are capable of creating a new key for you, as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also get a new replacement from a dealer, but this will be more expensive. The dealer must connect an electronic chip to your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car's model and make.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Moreover, it's also important to inquire with your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance insurance that can aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance plans and you are likely to find services close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle that is on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car, the driver's side door jamb and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your registration for your vehicle and title as well as insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's best to keep it safe. That way, if you ever lose your keys, you can make use of it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver's side at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also look for it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a security measure.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size assembly plant, and the year of its production.

VINs first appeared in 1954. However, up to 1981, they were offered in different configurations. In the year 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to get new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. If your Car Key Lost No Spare is equipped with an ignition chip, you will have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also find standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could contact your local dealership to get new keys made. It's more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best option for replacing your car keys that have been lost.

You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to call an automotive lock. They can get you back on the way faster and charge less than the dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your lost key replacement keys. This is important because someone will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard, or it may be included in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a warranty however. It's contingent on the make and Car Key Lost No Spare model of your car as well as whether or not the keys have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and request a service manager if you are unsure if they can assist.

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

The process is more complicated than it was previously be, so you should be willing to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. A dealer will also be able to provide you with another key that's identical to the original one in the event that your lost key car one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, make sure to have all the required information with you along with an identification photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact locksmith. An experienced locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. 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 will suffice).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets or purses, as well as any other bags you may have used. You can also look for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.

For keys that are traditional, a locksmith will be able to repair them in a matter of $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance tow your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new key.

Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, such as transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number of your vehicle, but a locksmith will be able to complete the task on the spot.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken or bent keys that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own could cause more damage, so this should be left to professionals.

In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys, a locksmith can offer advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can help in making sure you never lose your car keys again.