How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are a few different ways to replace lost car keys, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget where they're, especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car isn't difficult when you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Also, feel around zippered areas or small compartments to find keys. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car remotely. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need to visit a dealership to have an alternative one created.

Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths will be able to create a new key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

You can also purchase an upgrade from a dealer, but this will be more expensive. The dealer will need to connect an electronic chip to your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car's make and model.

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to purchase a new car key. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This will be useful if you ever need it. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance packages which means you are likely to find an option near you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It can also be used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car, the driver's side door jamb and sometimes in front of the engine block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, such as your vehicle registration title, insurance and title documents.

It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. This way, should you should ever lose your keys, you can make use of it to get an alternative key quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.

The majority of 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 on the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even written into your windshield or windows as part of an security measure to prevent theft.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a 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 as well as the assembly plant year of its production.

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

If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from many dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who can swap your key for one that will be able to start your car. You can also find basic keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago, lost car keys no spare losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could contact your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. Today, it's more complex than it used to be. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the most ideal option.

Although you could purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and likely to charge less than the dealership.

Before you contact someone to replace your lost car keys, write down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important as the person who needs it will create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your car, or may be found in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll help you. It is all dependent on the make and model, and whether the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and request an expert in service if you aren't sure if they can help.

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

This process is more complicated than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to have this feature restored. A dealer can also provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case your Lost Car Keys No Spare one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to do this ensure you have all of the required information including an identification photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Contact a locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing a lost car key keys to your car that have been lost is to contact a locksmith. An experienced locksmith will be able to cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Before you call a locksmith on the phone, though, make sure that you have checked all possible places where your keys could be. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places where you might not normally go like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should seek help.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is less than what you would pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealership and purchase a new key.

Locksmiths often program and Lost Car Keys No Spare cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, such as transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, but a locksmith will be able to complete the task immediately.

The majority of locksmiths also have the capability of removing broken or bent keys that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. It is best to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.

In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys, a locksmith can also offer advice on how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet can go a long way towards making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.