How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you put on your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.

Know your options before you be in a panic. There are several methods to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the Locks on Your Car

When you lose car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where they're especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Finding lost car keys can be fairly simple if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and back and forth. Also, feel around small compartments or zippered areas to find the keys. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to purchase an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

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

The dealer is also able to provide an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealer must pair up a computer chip for your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250, depending on the make and model.

Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. Moreover, it's also worth asking your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance insurance that can help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance plans and you should be able to find services close to you.

Check 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, monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. 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 behind the motor block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, like your vehicle registration, title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's a good idea to keep it safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain new keys that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's situated between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb of the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even written into your windshield or windows as part of a security measure against theft.

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

VINs first came into use in 1954. However, up to 1981 they were available in various configurations. In that year 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 most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if you car requires an ignition chip, you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who 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

In the past losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could just contact your local dealership to have new keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership may not be the best option if you need to replace your lost car keys.

You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an automotive lock. They are more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership would.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost keys. This is important because 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 printed inside of your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. It is not a 100% guarantee, however. It all depends on your make and model, and if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you're unsure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle in and I Lost My Car Keys ask to speak with the service manager.

If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key to reset and function properly.

This process is more complicated than it was previously, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. If your original key is lost or damaged the dealership will be able to provide you with an identical backup. If you opt to do this ensure you have all the necessary information, including a photo ID. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Contact for a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A locksmith with expertise will be able to program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a copy your registration or title).

Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys before you contact a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you may have used. You may also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor in front of a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are struggling 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, at a cost of around $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance tow your car to a dealership to purchase a new one.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more sophisticated cars, including 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 do this on the spot for you.

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

A locksmith can help you replace keys to your car that have been lost and offer advice on how to avoid future keys from being I Lost My Car Keys or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could aid you in never losing your car key ever again.