How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so change into your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.

Before you panic, know your options. There are several ways to replace the car key that was lost, but the majority of these require a locksmith or dealer.

Check your car's locks

It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget where we put them, especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car isn't difficult when you take the time to do an exhaustive search in 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. Make sure you check small compartments and zippered areas for keys, too. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. They usually include an internal chip that communicates with the car to allow you access to the vehicle and start the motor. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need visit the dealership to have a new one made.

Some older cars still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths will be capable of creating a new key for you as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

You can also purchase an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but it will be more expensive. The dealer will need to pair up a computer chip for your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car key lost what to do's make and model.

Before you make a payment for the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you may be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a new key. Additionally, it's important to inquire with your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance insurance that can aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance packages, so you will be able to locate an option close to you.

Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for every vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your vehicle or jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places 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. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get a new key made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your specific model that will then work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label placed 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 on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a security measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and I've lost my car keys model body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year it was manufactured.

VINs first came into use in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, until 1981 they were available in different configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to obtain new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will require a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could simply call your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's a lot more complicated than it used to be. The dealership might not be the best place to go in case you want to replace the keys to your car that you lost.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an automotive lock. They will be able to get you back on your faster and for less than the dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your lost keys. This is crucial because it will be needed to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be printed in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace lost key keys for the majority of car manufacturers. However, it's not a assurance that they'll be able to help you. It is dependent on your model and make, and if the keys are smart or have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and inquire for a service manager if you are unsure if they can assist.

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

This process is more complex than it was previously, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. If your original key is damaged or stolen A dealership could provide you with a duplicate backup. If you choose to go this way, make sure you have all the necessary information, including an identification photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Contact for a locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been I've Lost my car keys is to call locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program a 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 copy your registration or title).

Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys prior to you contact a locksmith. Check pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, check any other bags you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places where you would not normally look, such as the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of these methods and still are not able to locate your keys, then it's time to call someone.

For keys that are traditional locksmiths should be able to replace them on the spot for around $20. This is less expensive than what you would pay for roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the dealership and purchase a new key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program keys for more sophisticated automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number of your car, however a locksmith will be able to do it immediately.

The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to the experts.

In addition to helping you replace your keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can also offer advice on how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home can aid you in never losing your car keys once more.