How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys have disappeared.

Be aware of your options before you be in a panic. There are a few different methods to replace lost car keys, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car lost key.

If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they are, particularly if we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately, finding lost car keys replacement near me car keys is fairly easy when you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver’s seat. Move the seats back and forwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your car for your car key. Be sure to look around small compartments and zippered areas for keys, too. Also, be sure to 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. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll have to visit the dealership to have a new one created.

Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith may be able to make a replacement key for you if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer may also offer the replacement however, it will cost more. The dealership will need to integrate a computer chip into your car, which can be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the model and make of your car.

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance to pay for Broken the cost of buying a new car key. Additionally, it's worth asking your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage to aid you in the case of an emergency. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able to find one 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 on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, as well as more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb and sometimes even in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other documents such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car It's a good idea to keep it somewhere safe. That way, if you should ever lose your keys, you can make use of it to get an alternative key quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's situated between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the door jamb of the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. In some cases it is possible that the VIN is even etched on your windows or windshields as part of an security measure to prevent theft.

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

VINs were first introduced in 1954, but up to 1981, they were available 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 number is valid, you can obtain new keys from most dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. For example, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll have to visit a dealer or locksmith that can swap your key for one that will start your vehicle. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could simply call your local dealer to purchase a new set. It's a lot more difficult today. If you're looking to get your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the most ideal option.

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 be able 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 lost keys. This is important as someone will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your car or could be printed in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a warranty however. It all depends on your model and make, and whether the keys are intelligent or are complex in their programming. Bring your car to the dealership and request the service manager if are unsure if they can assist.

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

This process is much more complex than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional price to have this feature restored. Dealers 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 opt to go this way, make sure you have all the required information including a photo ID. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step to replace lost car keys. A locksmith with experience will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle with evidence of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets or purses, as well as any other bags you might have used. You can also look for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor under a doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to contact a professional for assistance.

For traditional keys locksmiths is likely to be able replace them on the spot for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance take your vehicle to a dealer to buy a new key.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more advanced models of automobiles, including smart keys, broken switchblade keys, and transponder keys. These more complex keys may require that you provide the VIN number of your car however an experienced locksmith should have the right tools to cut and program the key in a flash for you.

Many locksmiths can also take out bent or broken keys that are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Trying to do it yourself could result in further damage.

A locksmith can assist you replace keys that are lost in your car and offer tips on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will assist you in avoiding losing your car key ever again.