How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.

Know your options before you be in a panic. There are several methods to replace lost car keys but the majority involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. We often don't know where they are, especially when we're distracted or are in a hurry. Finding keys to your car may be fairly easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as up and down to check every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Be sure to feel around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need go to the dealership to get a new one created.

Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be able to create a new key for you as provided you have proof 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 car, which can cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase a new car key. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. Moreover, it's also worth asking your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance insurance that can help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance packages, so you should be able to find an option near you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle that is 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 usually engraved into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your vehicle or jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places such as your vehicle registration, title, dnpaint.co.kr and insurance documents.

It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. In the event that you ever lose your keys, you can utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code specific to your lock, which will then work with your lock.

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

You can verify your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year it was manufactured.

VINs were first introduced in 1954, but up to 1981, they came in a variety of formats. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.

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

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could simply call your local dealer to get a new set. Nowadays, it's much more complex than that. The dealership may not be the best place to go in case you want to replace your car keys that have been lost.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership, but it is better to contact an auto lock. They will be able get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your lost keys. This is vital as it will be needed to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN can be found on the driver's dashboard or included in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. It is not a 100% warranty, however. It's contingent on the model and make of your car and whether keys are equipped with complex programming. If you're not sure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your vehicle into the store and speak with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealership to get it replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific kind of key lost in order to be reset and function properly.

This process is much more complex than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. A dealer will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the original in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, make sure to have all the information needed along with you and an identification photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call for a locksmith

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

Before you get a locksmith on the phone however, ensure that you've inspected all possible places where your keys may be. Check pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you would not normally look for them, like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried this and still cannot find your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is less than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance take your car to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more sophisticated cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the VIN number of your car however professional locksmiths will have the tools to cut and program the key right on the spot for hwajung.kr you.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. If you attempt to do it yourself can cause further damage.

In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys locksmiths can also offer advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home could help you to never lose your car key once more.