How to replace a lost car key Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your latest TV show. But, you realize that the keys to your car aren't to be found.

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

Check the Locks on Your Car

If you lose your car keys, it's always best to start by checking your vehicle. We often forget the location of our keys, especially when we're distracted or are in a hurry. Finding lost car keys can be fairly easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forward. Also, look around compartments with zippers or small spaces to find the keys. Also, you should carefully search your purse, backpack, or tote bag for keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. These devices typically include an internal chip that communicates with the car to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the motor. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need to visit a dealership to have an alternative one created.

Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith might be able create a replacement key for you, if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.

You can also get an upgrade at the dealership, however this will be more expensive. The dealer will need to pair up an electronic chip to your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250 depending on the model and make.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. You could be able to claim your comprehensive insurance to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could come in handy should you ever require it. There are a variety of companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able find one in your area.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The number for broken identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for each vehicle that is on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into a label or plate on your car's dashboard or jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes, in front of the engine 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 vehicle, so it's recommended to store it safe. That way, if you should ever lose your keys, you'll be in a position to use it to get an alternative key quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's situated at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or on the front of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a prevention measure.

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

VINs first came into use in 1954, however, until 1981, they were available in a variety of configurations. In that year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will require an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also get regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could just contact your local dealership to get new keys made. Today, it's more complex than that. If you're in the market to get your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.

Although you could obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely be able to get you back on the road quickly and likely to charge less than the dealership would.

Before you contact anyone to replace your car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be needed to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your car or could be printed in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance, however. It all depends on your model and make, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complex programming. If you're unsure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.

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

This process is more complicated than it used to be, so make sure you're willing to pay a higher price to restore this feature. If your original key is stolen or damaged A dealership could provide you with an identical backup. If you decide to go this route, make sure you have all the required information along with you, as well as an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Contact an expert locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A reputable locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Before you call a locksmith's number However, you must ensure that you've checked all possible places where your keys might be. Check pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, check any other bags you may have used. You can also look for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, like on the floor behind a doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to seek help.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is less than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the dealership and buy a replacement key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program a new key for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. These more complex keys may require you to provide the VIN number of your car however an experienced locksmith has the right tools to do this in a flash for you.

Locksmiths are also able to capability of removing broken keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to the experts.

A locksmith can help you replace lost car keys and also give guidance on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home could assist you in avoiding losing your car keys again.