How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and want to change into your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and watch the latest TV show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Be aware of your options prior to be in a panic. There are many ways to replace car keys that have been lost, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check your car's locks

If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, especially if we're distracted or in a rush. Finding keys to your car may be fairly easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Also, check the small compartments or zippered areas to find the keys. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to obtain the new key fob in case you've lost it.

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 possible that a locksmith will be in a position to make a replacement key for you, as long as you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide a replacement, but it will cost more. The dealer will need to pair up an electronic chip to your car. This could cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car's model and make.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Additionally, it's worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance packages and you are likely to find services near 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 as well as keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into a label or plate on the dashboard of your vehicle or the driver's side door jamb and sometimes in front of the engine block. You may also find your VIN in other places, such as your registration for your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.

It is important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly obtain new keys made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer for your particular model, which will then work with your lock.

The VIN is typically located on a label on the dashboard of the driver at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even etched into your windows or windshields as part of a security measure against theft.

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

VINs first came into use in 1954. However, up to 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 valid, then you'll be able to get new keys at the majority of dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. In other cases, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago the loss of your car keys wasn't an issue. You could contact your local dealership to have new keys made. Today, Cost of Replacing lost car Keys it's more complicated than it used to be. The dealership may not be the best option if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost.

While you may purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely be in a position to get you back on the road fast and probably cost less than the dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace lost car keys your 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 dashboard of your car or could be found in the owner's guide.

Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. This is not a guarantee, however. It is all dependent on the make and model, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and request an expert in service if you are unsure whether they can help.

If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security features require a particular type of key to reset and work correctly.

The process is more complicated than it used to be, so you should be prepared to pay a higher Cost Of Replacing Lost Car Keys to restore this feature. A dealer will also be able to provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, be sure to carry all the required information on hand, as well as an ID photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. A locksmith with expertise will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also check any other bags that you may have used. You may also search for your keys in areas where you don't usually put them, such as on the floor in front of a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of this and are still struggling to locate your keys, it's time to call someone.

For traditional keys locksmiths will be able to repair keys on the spot for around $20. This is less than what you would pay to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealership and purchase a new key.

Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the car's VIN number however, professional locksmiths should have the right tools to do this on the spot for you.

The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. It is best to leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. Trying to do it yourself could cause more damage.

In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost locksmiths can also offer advice on how to stop future keys from being lost or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can help in making sure you never lose your car keys again.