How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so change into your sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are many ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost, but the majority of these require a locksmith or a dealership.

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 the location of our keys, especially if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately the search for lost car keys isn't difficult if you make the effort to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Also, check the zippered areas or small compartments to find the keys. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for the keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices typically have an internal chip that communicates with the car to let you into the vehicle and to start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to get a new key fob if you've lost car key replacement cost it.

Some older vehicles still use traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be capable of creating a new key for you, What To Do If Lost Car Keys as long as you can provide proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

You can also purchase a new replacement from the dealership, but it will be more expensive. The dealer will need to connect a computer chip for your car. This can cost between $200 and $250, depending on the make and model.

Be sure to check your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of a new key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This will be useful if you ever need it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one in your area.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (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 usually engraved into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car, the driver's side door jamb and sometimes on the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like your registration for your vehicle, title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's best to keep it in a safe place. This way, should you lose your keys, you'll be able to utilize it to have a replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer for your particular model that will then work with your lock.

The VIN is usually located on a sticker on the driver's-side dashboard, where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the driver-side door jamb or on the side of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft security measure.

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

VINs first appeared in 1954. However, until 1981, they were available in various configurations. 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 purchase new keys from a variety of dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll need to go to an authorized locksmith or dealer who can swap your key for one that will start your car. You can also purchase basic keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could just call your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. Today, it's a lot more complex than it used to be. The dealership might not be the best option if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost the keys to my car.

Although you could obtain a traditional key from the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They can to get you back on your way faster and charge less than the dealership.

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

Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This is not a assurance, however. It is dependent on your model and make, as well as whether the keys are smart or have complicated 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 you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because the security features in your car require a specific kind of key to function correctly and reset.

This process is more complicated than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional price to have this feature restored. If your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can offer you a similar backup. If you decide to go this way ensure you have all the information needed, including an ID photo. This will help all to complete the process.

Call a locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. A locksmith who has experience will be able program and cut a new car key while you wait. However, they will need to know the year model, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Before you get a locksmith over the phone However, you must ensure that you have checked all possible places where your keys might be. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places you wouldn't normally look like the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you've done this and still cannot find your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.

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

Locksmiths often cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, such as transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the car's VIN number however professional locksmiths has the right tools to complete this on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths can also remove bent or broken keys that are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. If you attempt to do it yourself could result in further damage.

A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and provide advice on how what to do If Lost Car keys avoid future keys being misplaced or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys ever again.