How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. You discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Know your options before you panic. There are many ways to replace the car key that was lost however, the majority of them 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. After all, we often forget where we put them, especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy if you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Be sure to feel around compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices typically have an internal chip that connects with the car to allow you into the vehicle and then start the motor. You'll need to visit your dealer to obtain an alternative key fob if you'I Ve Lost My Car Keys What Can I Do lost it.

Some older cars still use traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith could be able to make a replacement key for you if you've got proof of ownership like your registration or title.

The dealer may also offer an alternative however it will cost more. The dealer must connect an electronic chip to your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car's make and model.

Before you pay for an auto key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to cover the cost of buying a new car key. It's also worthwhile to ask your insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage to aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages, so you will be able to locate a service near you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into an image or a plate on your car's dashboard, jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes, in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your registration for your vehicle, title, and insurance documents.

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

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's placed at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth report on your vehicle, including the model, manufacturer of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility, and the year of manufacture.

VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until 1981, they were offered in a variety of configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to obtain new keys at the majority of dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For example, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit a dealer or locksmith that can swap your key for one that will be able to start your vehicle. You can also find regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could simply contact your local dealer to get a new set of keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership might not be the best place to go in case you want to replace the keys to your car that you lost.

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

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your lost keys. This is vital as it will be needed in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your car keys lost what to do or could be printed in your owner's guide.

Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance, however. It is dependent on your model and make, as well as if the keys are smart or have complex programming. If you're not sure whether the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a particular type of key to be reset and i ve lost my car keys what can i do function properly.

This process is more involved than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. A dealership can also provide you with another key that's identical to the original one in the event that your lost car key with no spare one gets damaged or stolen. If you opt to do this ensure you have all the required information including a photo ID. This will help all to complete the process.

Call for a locksmith

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

Make sure you check every possible location for your keys before you contact a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places where you might not normally go for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should seek help.

For traditional keys locksmiths should be able to replace them on the spot for about $20. This is cheaper than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, such as smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require you to provide the VIN number of your car however, an experienced locksmith has the right tools to do this in a flash for you.

The majority of locksmiths also have the capability of removing broken or bent keys, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, and this should be left to the professionals.

In addition to helping you replace lost car keys locksmiths can also offer advice on how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can help you to never lose your car key once more.