How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and watch the latest TV show. You discover that your car keys are missing.

Know your options before you get in a panic. There are several ways to replace a lost key to my car car key, but the majority of them require a locksmith or dealership.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to inspect your car first if you lose your keys. We often don't know where they are, particularly when we're distracted or are in a hurry. Finding lost car keys can be fairly easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

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

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost a car key your car key fob, you'll need visit the dealership to have a new one created.

Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith may be able create a replacement key for you if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also purchase an upgrade from the dealership, but this will be much more expensive. The dealer will need to connect a computer chip for your car. It could cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's model and make.

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to purchase a new car key. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. It's also worthwhile to ask your insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage to aid you in the case of an emergency. There are a variety of companies that provide roadside assistance plans. You should be able find one in your area.

Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes behind the motor 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 car It's recommended to store it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain a new one made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's placed where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the driver's side door jamb 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 etched into your windows or windshields as part of a anti-theft measure.

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

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

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from most locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your car 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. You can also find regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could simply contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. If you're in the market to get your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the best option.

While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able get you back on the way faster and charge less than the dealership.

Before you contact someone to replace your car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important because the person who needs it will create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your car, or may be printed in the owner's guide.

Dealerships are able replace cars keys for most manufacturers. This isn't a guarantee, however. It's dependent on the make and model of your vehicle and whether keys have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.

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

This process is more complicated than it used to be, so you should be prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. If your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can provide you with an identical backup. If you choose to go this way ensure you have all of the required information including a photo ID. This will help all to complete the process.

Call a locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. But, they'll require the year and make of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should do it).

Before you get a locksmith on the phone However, you must ensure that you've checked all possible places where your keys may be. This includes checking pockets in pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you may have used. You may also search for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, such as on the floor Cheap Lost Car Key Replacement behind the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to seek help.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is less than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealership and buy a replacement key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more sophisticated automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the VIN number of your car however, a professional locksmith has the right tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove bent or broken keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own can cause more damage, so this should be left to experts.

A locksmith can help you replace keys to your car that have been lost and give guidance on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Taking preventative steps, like keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys again.