How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your sweats and order a pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. However, you discover that your car keys aren't to be found.

Know your options before you get in a panic. There are several ways to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they are, especially when we're distracted or are in a hurry. Finding keys to your car may be relatively easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start with the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Also, check the compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your 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 your car's key fob, you'll have to visit the dealership to have a new one created.

Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be capable of creating a new key for you as provided you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide a replacement however it will cost more. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your car, which can cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Before you purchase an auto key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of buying an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This will come in handy in the event that you need it. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able find one in your area.

Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for each vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It can also be used to report thefts and crashes. 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 behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places such as your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's a good idea to keep it safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new key that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.

The VIN is usually located on a label on the dashboard of the driver at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also find it on the driver-side door how to replace lost car keys jamb or in front the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a prevention measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle, including the model, manufacturer, body type, engine size, assembly facility and year of production.

VINs first came into use in 1954, but up to 1981, they came in a variety of configurations. In that year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to purchase new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For example, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who will replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. You can also purchase standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could simply contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. Today, it's a lot more complicated than that. The dealership might not be the best option for replacing your lost car key replacement near me car keys.

You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to contact an auto lock. They're more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road quickly and probably cost less than the dealership would.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost keys. This is crucial because it will be required in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be printed in your owner's guide.

Dealerships are able replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. This isn't a guarantee, however. It's contingent on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as whether or not the keys have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your vehicle into the store and speak with the service manager.

If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealer for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security features require a particular type of key to reset and function properly.

The process is now more complex than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can provide you with a duplicate backup. If you choose to go this way, make sure you have all of the necessary information, including a photo ID. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. An experienced locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to you contact a locksmith. Check the pockets of jackets, pants and purses. Also, check any other bags you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look, such as the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of this but are still not able to locate your keys, then 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 less than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance tow your car to a dealership and purchase a new key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced types of automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your car, however a locksmith will be able to complete the task on the spot.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is best to leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. Trying to do it yourself could cause more damage.

In addition to helping you replace keys that were lost electric key in your car, a locksmith can provide advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can assist you in avoiding losing your car keys once more.