how to replace lost car key to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt Grab a pizza and watch the latest TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Know your options before you panic. There are several ways 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

It's best to check your car first when you lose your keys. In the end, we tend to forget where we put them, especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy if you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start 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 key. Also, look around zippered areas or small compartments to locate keys. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse or tote bag for the keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices usually contain an internal chip that communicates with the car to allow you into the vehicle and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need go to the dealership to get a new one created.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be in a position to make a replacement key for you, as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer may also offer an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealership must connect a computer chip to your vehicle, 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 make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of a replacement key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This can help in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance packages and you should be able to find an option close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's 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 typically stamped into the form of a plate or label on your car's dashboard and driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like the registration of your vehicle, title and insurance documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. That way, if you ever lose your keys, you can make use of it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's placed between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even written on your windows or windshields as part of an security measure to prevent theft.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size, assembly plant and the year of its production.

VINs were first used in 1954, but up to 1981, they were offered in a variety. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them 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 automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. For example, if your car requires an ignition chip, you'll need to go to an auto locksmith or dealer that can swap your key for one that will start your vehicle. In other cases, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply call your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's a lot more complicated than it used to be. The dealership might not be the best place to go if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it is better to call an automotive lock. They're more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and likely to charge less than the dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your lost keys. This is crucial because it will be needed in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your vehicle. 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. This is not a guarantee, however. It is dependent on your model and make, and whether the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. If you're unsure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealership to get it replaced. This is because your car's security features require a specific kind of key to be reset and function correctly.

This process is much more involved than it used to be and you should make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to restore this feature. A dealership will also be able to provide you with another key that's identical to the original one in the event that your lost car key with no spare one was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have all the necessary information with you and an identification photo. This will help everyone to get through the process.

Call a locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing lost car keys. A reputable locksmith can cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. However, they will require the year and make of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will do it).

Before calling a locksmith on the phone However, you must ensure that you've checked every possible place where your keys might be. This includes checking pockets in jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, such as on the floor under a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are not able to locate your keys, it's time to contact someone.

For keys that are traditional, a locksmith should be able to replace keys on the spot for about $20. This is less expensive than the cost for roadside assistance to tow your car to a dealership and buy a replacement key.

Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your car, however locksmiths is likely to be able complete the task in a flash.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this should be left to the professionals.

In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys, a locksmith can also provide advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or lost Car key with no spare stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys ever again.