How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you put on your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your latest TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.

Know your options before you get in a panic. There are several ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost however, the majority of they require a locksmith or dealer.

Check the locks on your car.

If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where we put them particularly when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy when you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forth. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

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

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

The dealer is also able to provide an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealer will need to pair up the computer chip with your car. This could cost between $200 and $250 depending on the model and make.

Be sure to check your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance plan to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Ask your insurance company whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This will come in handy in the event that you need it. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able find one in your area.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for each vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb and sometimes even behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your vehicle registration, 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 can utilize it to have an alternative key quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer for your particular model, which will then work with your lock.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label located between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb for the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a prevention measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth look at your vehicle including the model, manufacturer, body type, engine size, assembly facility, and the year of manufacture.

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

If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain 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 visit an auto locksmith or dealer that can replace your key with one that can start your car. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could just contact your local dealer to get a new set of keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership might not be the best option if you need 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 auto lock. They're more likely be in a position to get you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership would.

Before you call someone to replace your car keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is crucial because someone will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or printed inside of the owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll assist you. It is dependent on your make and model, and if the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and ask for an expert in service if you aren't sure if they can assist.

If your smart key was lost keys for my car or stolen, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. 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 and you should make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to have this feature restored. A dealer will also be able to provide you with another key that's identical to the original one in the event that your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, make sure to carry all the required information on hand and an identification photo. This will help all to complete the process.

Contact a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step to replace lost keys to your car. A reputable locksmith will be able to cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Before you call a locksmith on the phone, though, make sure that you have checked every possible spot where your keys may be. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this and keeha.co.kr still cannot find your keys, you should seek help.

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

Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the VIN number of the car however professional locksmiths has the right tools to complete this on the spot for you.

The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys which can happen when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. Doing it yourself could result in further damage.

A locksmith can assist you replace lost car keys and also offer tips on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping a spare 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.