How to Replace Lost Car Keys

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

Before you panic, consider your options. There are a variety of ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost car key how to replace however the majority of these require a locksmith or a dealership.

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 the location of our keys, especially when we're distracted or in a rush. Finding lost car keys can be relatively 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 upwards and downwards to check every inch of your car for your car keys. Make sure you check small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse, or tote bag, for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need visit the dealership to have a new one made.

Certain older cars still have keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith might be able to make keys for damaged you if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

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

Before you purchase a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy 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 about whether you have roadside assistance coverage to aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance, so you are likely to find services near you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The vehicle identification number 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, monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car, jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. That way, if you should ever lose your keys, you'll be in a position to use it to get an alternative key quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is usually located on a label on the driver's-side dashboard at the point where the windshield joins it. It can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or on the front of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even embedded into your windows or windshields to provide an anti-theft measure.

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

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

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to get new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past the loss of your car keys was not an issue. You could simply call your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. It's more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best option for replacing the keys to your car that you lost.

While you can certainly still purchase a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and probably cost less than the dealership would.

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

Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This is not a guarantee, however. It depends on the model and make of your car and whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. If you're not sure whether the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If your smart key was stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific type of key in order to function correctly and reset.

This process is more complicated than it used to, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. If your original key is damaged or stolen the dealership will be able to provide you with an identical backup. If you choose to go this route, be sure to have all the necessary information on hand and an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Call a Locksmith

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

Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys prior damaged to you call a locksmith. Check pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags that you might have used. You may also search for your keys in places where you don't usually put them, such as on the floor behind the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are unable to find your keys, then it's time to contact someone.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is less than the cost to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealership and purchase a new key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more sophisticated automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the VIN number of the car however professional locksmiths should have the right tools to do this in a flash for you.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. If you attempt 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 give you advice about how to avoid keys from being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can help you to never lose your car key once more.