How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to change into your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and binge your latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Before you panic, know your options. There are a few different ways to replace car keys that have been lost, but most of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check Your Car's Locks

It's best to inspect your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget where they are, especially when we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately, finding lost car key replacement cost car keys is relatively easy when you make the effort to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver’s seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forward. Be sure to feel around zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually have an internal chip that communicates with the car to allow you into the vehicle and start the motor. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll have to visit the dealership to have an alternative one created.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith could be able to make keys for you if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer is also able to provide an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealer must pair up an electronic chip to your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's model and make.

Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. If you have coverage that is comprehensive, you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of a new key. It's also worthwhile to ask your insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage that will assist you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance which means you will be able to locate a service near you.

Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car or driver's side door Replace Lost Car Keys jamb, and sometimes in front of the engine block. You can 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 safe because it is unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get a new key made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your specific model, which will then work with your lock.

The VIN is typically located on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver's side in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.

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

VINs were first used in 1954, Replace Lost Car Keys but up to 1981, they came in a variety. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from a variety of dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could contact your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're in the market to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it is better to contact an automotive lock. They can get you back on the way faster and charge less than a dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your lost keys. This is crucial because someone will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or found in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. This isn't a warranty, however. It's dependent on the model and make of your vehicle and whether keys are equipped with complex programming. If you're not sure whether your dealer can assist you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.

If your smart key was stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a certain type of key in order to function correctly and reset.

The process is more complicated than it used to be, so you should be willing to pay a higher price to restore this feature. A dealership will also be able to provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have all of the necessary information, including an identification photo. This will help all to complete the process.

Call an expert locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to call an experienced locksmith. A locksmith with expertise will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You can also look for your keys in places 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 of this and are still not able to locate your keys, it's time to contact someone.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance take you car to a dealership to buy a new key.

Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require that you provide the VIN number of the car however, an experienced locksmith will have the 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 happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, and this task should be left to professionals.

A locksmith can help replace keys to your car that have been lost and provide guidance on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet can help in making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.