How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you put on your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.

Be aware of your options prior to panic. There are a few different ways to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget the location of our keys, especially when we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forward. Also, check the compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate the keys. Be sure to check your backpack, Lost car Keys cost to replace purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually contain an internal chip that communicates with the car to let you into the vehicle and start the engine. If you've lost keys for My Car your car's keys fob, you'll need visit the dealership to have a new one made.

Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be in a position to make a replacement key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

The dealer is also able to provide a replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer will have to pair up an electronic chip to your car. It could cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car's model and make.

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage you might be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This can come in handy in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance plans and you should be able to find an option close to you.

Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into a label or plate on your car's dashboard and driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. You may also find your VIN in other places, including the registration of your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's a good idea to keep it in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get a new one that is based on 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.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's placed between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the door jamb of the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even written into your windshield or windows as part of a security measure to prevent theft.

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 as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.

VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until 1981, they were available in various configurations. In 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 most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automobiles, based on the type of key your car requires. For example, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who can replace your key with one that can start your car. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could simply contact your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than it used to be. If you're looking to get your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your most ideal option.

You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to contact an automotive lock. They will be able get you back on your way faster and charge less than the dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your lost keys. This is crucial because the person who needs it will create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be printed in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. This is not a guarantee, however. It all depends on your make and model, and if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a service manager if you are unsure whether they can help.

If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific kind of key in order to function correctly and reset.

This process is more complicated than it used to be, so you should be prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. If your original key is damaged or stolen the dealership will be able to provide you with an identical backup. If you decide to go this way ensure you have all the necessary information including a photo ID. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.

Call a Locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step to replace lost car keys. A reputable locksmith will be able to cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. But, they'll need to know the year model, make and model of your vehicle, as well as proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Before you get a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you've inspected every possible spot where your keys might be. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you've used. You may also search for your keys in places where you don't usually put them, such as on the floor under a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all this and are still struggling to locate your keys, then it's time for you to call someone.

For keys that are traditional, a locksmith should be able to replace them in a matter of $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance take your car to a dealership to purchase a new one.

Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require that you provide the car's VIN number however, professional locksmiths will have the tools to complete this on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths can also remove broken or bent keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. The attempt to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, and this should be left to professionals.

A locksmith can help replace keys that are i lost the keys to my car in your car and provide guidance on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in ensuring that you don't lose your car keys ever again.