How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweats take a bite of pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You discover that your car keys are missing.

Know your options before you get in a panic. There are a variety of ways to replace a lost car key however, the majority of these require a locksmith or dealer.

Check Your Car's Locks

If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. After all, we often forget where they're particularly when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car isn't difficult if you take the time to do an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved forward and backwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your car for your car keys. Be sure to feel around compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. Be sure to check your backpack, Lost My Only Car Key purse or tote bag with care for keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to get the new key fob in case you've lost it.

Some older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths are able to create a new key for you, as provided you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

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

Before you make a payment for the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This could be useful if you ever need it. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance packages and you are likely to find an option close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The vehicle identification number is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, or sometimes on the motor block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like your registration for your vehicle, title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's best to keep it safe. This way, should you lose your keys, you can use it to get an alternative key quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label located between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb of the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even embedded into your windshield or windows to provide an security measure against theft.

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

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

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from many locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type key your vehicle requires. For example, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll need to go to an auto locksmith or dealer that can replace your key with one that can start your car. You can also find regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

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

You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to contact an automotive lock. They will be able get you back on your way faster and charge less than the dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because the person who needs it will create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your car or it could be printed in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace cars keys for most manufacturers. This isn't a guarantee, however. It's dependent on the make and model of your vehicle and whether keys have complex programming. If you're not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealer in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key to function correctly and reset.

This process is much more complicated than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to restore this feature. A dealership will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the original in case the lost My Only car Key key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, be sure you have all the necessary information along with you, as well as an identification photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Call for a locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing lost car key lost car keys is to contact a locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. However, they will need to know the year model, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will do it).

Before you get a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you've inspected every possible place where your keys could be. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you would not normally put them, such as on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you have done this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should seek help.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance tow your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new key.

Locksmiths often cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, like smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, however locksmiths is likely to be able cut and program the key immediately.

The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this task should be left to the experts.

In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys, a locksmith can offer advice on how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can aid you in never losing your car keys ever again.