How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to change into your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and binge your latest TV show. You discover that your car keys are missing.

Before you panic, know your options. There are several ways to replace lost car keys, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check Your Car's Locks

If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they're especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy when you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your car for your car keys. Make sure you check zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse or tote bag for the keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices typically have an internal chip that connects with the car to let you into the vehicle and to start the motor. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need to visit the dealership to have a new one made.

Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you, as provided 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 have to pair up an electronic chip to your car. This could cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car's make and model.

Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage you might be able to claim it to cover the cost of replacing a key. It's also worth asking your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage that will help you in the event of an emergency. There are a variety of companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able to locate one close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It can also be used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into a label or plate on the dashboard of your car and the driver's side door jamb and sometimes, in front of the engine block. You may also find your VIN in other places, like the registration of your vehicle, title and insurance documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. In the event that you should ever lose your keys, you'll be able to make use of it to get a replacement lost car keys key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is usually located on a label on the dashboard of the driver's side at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even written into your windshield or windows as part of an security measure against theft.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with a complete report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size assembly plant, and the year it was made.

VINs first came into use in 1954. However, until 1981, they were offered in various configurations. In the year 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from a variety of dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also get regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past the loss of your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could easily call your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's more complex than it used to be. The dealership might not be the best place to go for replacing your car keys that have been lost.

Although you could get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely be able to get you back on the road quickly and will probably charge less than the dealership would.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is vital as it will be required in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard, or it may be found in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace cars keys for most manufacturers. It is not a 100% warranty, however. It is dependent on your make and model, and whether the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. Bring your car to the dealership and request an expert in service if you are unsure if they can help.

If your smart key has been stolen or lost the key will need to be replaced by a dealership. 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 was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra cost to restore this feature. 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 go this route ensure you have all of the required information, including a photo ID. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.

Contact a locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call an experienced locksmith. A locksmith with experience will be able program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places where you wouldn't normally look like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are unable to find your keys, then it's time for you to contact someone.

For traditional keys locksmiths should be able to replace keys on the spot for about $20. This is cheaper than the cost to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealership and purchase a new key.

Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the car's VIN number however a professional locksmith should have the right tools to do this on the spot for you.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove broken or bent keys which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car keys lost replacement. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. Doing it yourself could cause more 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 being lost car keys cost to replace or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet can go a long way towards making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.