How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweatshirt Grab a pizza and binge your latest TV show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Be aware of your options prior to get in a panic. There are many ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost, but the majority of them require a locksmith or dealership.

Check Your Car's Locks

It's best to check your car first when you lose your keys. After all, we often forget where they're especially when we're rushing or distracted. Finding keys to your car may be fairly simple when your car is thoroughly searched.

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. Be sure to look around compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for keys.

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

Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith could be able create an alternative key for you, if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide a replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer will have to connect a computer chip for your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car's make and model.

Before you make a payment for a car key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Additionally, it's worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage that will help you in the event of an emergency. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able locate one close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car and the driver's side door jamb and sometimes, in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other places such as your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.

It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. In the event that you lose your keys, you can use it to get a replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer specific to your lock which can then be used with your lock.

The VIN is usually located on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver's side, where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even embedded into your windows or windshields as part of a anti-theft measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle's manufacturer, model, body type, engine size, assembly facility, and the year of its manufacture.

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

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from a variety of locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit a dealer or locksmith that can replace your key with one that will be able to start your car. You can also purchase regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could easily contact your local dealer to purchase a new set. Today, it's more complex than it used to be. The dealership may not be the best place to go if you need to replace your car keys that have been lost.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership, but it is better to contact an automotive lock. They're more likely be able to get you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership.

Before you contact anyone to replace your lost car keys, note down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be needed to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side or found in the owner's manual.

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

If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a specific type of key to reset and work correctly.

This process is more complex than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. Dealers will also be able to provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original one in the event that the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, make sure you have all the required information on hand along with a photo ID. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.

Call a Locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. But, they'll require the year, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you might have used. You may also search for your keys in places where you don't usually put them, like on the floor in front of the doorway table or under the couch. If you've done this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.

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

Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, such as smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, however a locksmith should be able to do it on the spot.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove keys that are bent or broken, which are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, so this should be left to professionals.

A locksmith prices for lost car keys can help replace lost car keys and also offer guidance on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car keys ever again.