How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and binge your latest TV show. However, you discover that your car keys aren't to be found.

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

Check Your Car's Locks

If you'i ve lost my car keys (additional resources) lost your keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, especially when we're busy or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys isn't difficult if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Move the seats forward and back as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Also, look around compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate the keys. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices typically have an internal chip that connects to the car to allow you into the vehicle and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need go to the dealership to get a new one created.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths are able to create a new key for you as long as you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

The dealer may also offer a replacement however it will cost more. The dealer must pair up an electronic chip to your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's make and model.

Before you purchase the replacement of your car key be sure to check your insurance policy. 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 you have roadside assistance coverage. This could come in handy in the event that you need it. There are a variety of companies that provide roadside assistance plans. You should be able to locate one close to you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb and sometimes even in front of the motor block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, such as your registration for your vehicle, title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's a good idea to keep it safe. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get a new one that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's located between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even written into your windows or windshields to provide an security measure against theft.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth look at your vehicle, including the model, manufacturer body type, engine size, assembly facility, and the year of production.

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

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from most dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type key your vehicle requires. For example, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll need to go to an authorized locksmith or dealer who can replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. In other cases, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could contact your local dealer to get a new set of keys made. Today, it's more complex than that. If you're looking to get your car key lost what to do keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the best option.

While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They can to get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.

Before you contact anyone to replace your car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is crucial because the person who needs it will create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be found in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance, however. It is all dependent on the model and make, and whether the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle into the store and speak with the service manager.

If your smart key was stolen or lost the key will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key in order to reset and i ve lost my Car keys function properly.

The process is now more involved than it used to be and you should make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to restore this feature. If your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to go this route ensure that you have all the information needed including an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call a locksmith. A locksmith with expertise will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. They will need the year the make, model, and year 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 you contact a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you might have used. You can also search for your keys in places you might not normally go for them, like the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are not able to locate your keys, it's time for you to contact someone.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance tow your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new key.

Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, such as smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require you to provide the car's VIN number, but an experienced locksmith will have the tools to complete this in a flash for you.

Many locksmiths can also take out broken or bent keys that are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key on your own could cause more damage, and this task should be left to the professionals.

In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys locksmiths can also give you advice about how to stop future keys from being lost or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will aid you in never losing your car keys once more.