How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch your favorite TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are several ways to replace a lost car key however the majority of they require a locksmith or a dealership.

Check your car's locks

If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where they're, especially when we're rushing or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly easy when your car is thoroughly searched.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Also, look around compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate keys. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse or tote bag for the keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices usually contain an internal chip that communicates with the car to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to get an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Some older cars still have keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths are capable of creating a new key for you as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer may also offer a replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer will have to connect a computer chip for your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and Lost Car Keys What To Do $250, depending on the model and make.

Before you purchase the replacement of your car key be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage, you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of a new key. It's also important to inquire with your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage that will aid you in the case of an emergency. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able to find one near you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb and sometimes even in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's recommended to store it in a safe place. If you lose your keys, Lost car keys what to do you can easily and quickly get new keys made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and get the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label that's located where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or in front the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle to serve as a security measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with a complete report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.

VINs first came into use in 1954. 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 valid, you can obtain new keys from many dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. For example, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer that can swap your key for one that will start your vehicle. You can also find regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago the loss of your car keys was not an issue. You could simply contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. Today, it's a lot more complex than that. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your most ideal option.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and likely to charge less than the dealership would.

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

Dealerships are able to replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. This is not a warranty however. It's dependent on the model and make of your vehicle, as well as whether or not the keys have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and inquire for a service manager if you aren't sure if they can assist.

If your smart key has been stolen or lost the key will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because your car's security features require a specific kind of key to reset and function properly.

The process is more complicated than it was previously, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. Dealers will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the one you have in case your lost car Keys what To do one gets damaged or stolen. If you opt to do this ensure that you have all the required information including an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Contact for a locksmith

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

Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. Check pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags that you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places where you don't usually put them, such as on the floor under a doorway table or under the couch. If you've done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance tow your car to a dealership to buy a new key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your vehicle, but locksmiths should be able to cut and program the key immediately.

Locksmiths are also able to capability of removing broken or bent keys that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. Trying to do it yourself can cause further damage.

In addition to helping you replace your keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can also provide advice on how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can aid you in never losing your car keys once more.