How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You discover that your car keys have disappeared.

Be aware of your options before you panic. There are a variety of ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost however the majority of these require a locksmith or dealership.

Check the Locks on Your Car

It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially if we're distracted or How to Replace Lost Car Keys in a rush. Finding keys to your car may be fairly easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. The seats can be moved back and forwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Make sure you check zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices typically contain an internal chip that connects to the car in order to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the motor. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll have 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 keys, it's likely that locksmiths are in a position to make a replacement key for you as provided you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

The dealer may also offer the replacement, but it will cost more. The dealer will need to connect the computer chip with your car. It could cost between $200 and $250, depending on the model and make.

Before you purchase the replacement of your car key make sure you check your insurance policy. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. It's also worth asking your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage that will aid you in the case of an emergency. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance plans. You should be able to locate one close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for How to Replace Lost Car Keys every vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb and sometimes even in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your registration for your vehicle and title as well as insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car, so it's recommended to store it in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain new keys made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and locate the key code from the manufacturer specific to your lock that will then work with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver, where the windshield meets it. It can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or on the side of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. In some instances there are instances where the VIN is even embedded into your windshield or windows to provide an anti-theft measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.

VINs first appeared in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, until 1981, they were available in a variety of 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 purchase new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who will replace your key with one that will be able to start your car. In other cases, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could simply call your local dealer to get a new set. Today, it's more complicated than it used to be. The dealership might not be the best option for replacing lost keys your lost car keys.

Although you could purchase a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and will probably charge less than the dealership would.

Before calling someone to replace your car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important because it will be needed to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your car or it could be printed in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, it's not a assurance that they'll be able to help you. It depends on the make and model of your vehicle and whether or not the keys have complex programming. If you're unsure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If your smart key was lost or stolen it must be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key to function correctly and reset.

This process is much more complex than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. Dealers can also give you a backup key that's similar to the original one in the event that your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, be sure to carry all the information needed along with you, as well as an identification photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call for a locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step to replace lost car keys. A locksmith with experience will be able program and cut a new car key while you wait. However, they will 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 do it).

Before you call a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you've inspected every possible spot where your keys may be. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you might have used. You can also look for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, such as on the floor under the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all this and are still not able to locate your keys, then it's time to contact someone.

For traditional keys locksmiths should be able to replace keys on the spot for around $20. This is less than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealership and buy a replacement key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program the new key for more sophisticated cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. These more complex keys may require that you provide the car's VIN number however, an experienced locksmith will have the tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.

The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. If you attempt to do it yourself could result in further damage.

In addition to helping you replace keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can offer advice on how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home could help you to never lose your car key ever again.