How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch the latest TV show. You discover that your car keys have disappeared.

Be aware of your options prior to be in a panic. There are many methods to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check Your Car's Locks

It's best to check your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget where they are, especially when we're distracted or in a rush. Finding lost car keys how To replace car keys can be fairly simple if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. The seats can be moved forward and backwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for your car key. Also, look around zippered areas or small compartments to find keys. 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. These devices typically contain an internal chip that can communicate to the car to let you into the vehicle and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to get an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Some older cars still use traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith might be able create an alternative key for you, if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

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

Before you pay for the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of buying an additional car key. Moreover, it's also important to inquire with your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage that will assist you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance plans and you are likely to find services close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes in front of the motor block. You can also find your VIN in other places, Lost Car keys how to replace like your vehicle registration, title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's recommended to store it somewhere safe. This way, should you should ever lose your keys, you'll be able to make use of it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label that's located at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a security measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size, assembly plant and the year it was manufactured.

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

If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your car requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer that can swap your key for one that will start your vehicle. In other cases, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could simply call your local dealer to purchase a new set. Today, it's a lot more complex than that. If you're looking to get your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the most ideal option.

Although you could purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely be capable of getting you back on the road fast and probably cost less than the dealership would.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because you will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be printed in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a guarantee, however. It is dependent on your make and model, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complex programming. If you're not sure whether 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 been lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealer for it to be replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific type of key in order to be reset and function properly.

This process is more complicated than it was in the past, so make sure you're willing to pay a higher price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen A dealership could provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to go this route, make sure you have all the required information, including an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Call a Locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact a locksmith. A locksmith with expertise will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a copy your registration or title).

Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you've used. You can also search for your keys in places where you might not normally go for them, like the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for help.

For keys that are traditional, a locksmith is likely to be able replace keys on the spot for about $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance take you car to a dealership to purchase a new key.

Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number of your car, but a locksmith should be able to complete the task on the spot.

Many locksmiths can also take out keys that are bent or broken, which are usually the result of accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is best to 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 keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can give you advice about how to replace a lost car key to avoid keys from being lost or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.