How to Replace lost the keys to my car Car Keys

You're tired, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your latest TV show. You find that the keys to your car have disappeared.

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

Check your car's locks

It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget the location of our keys, especially when we're busy or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is relatively easy when you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and back and forth. Make sure you check small compartments and zippered areas for keys, too. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices usually include an internal chip that can communicate to the car to allow you into the vehicle and to start the motor. You'll need to go to your dealer to obtain a new key fob if you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still use traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost my keys one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you as long as you can provide proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer is also able to provide the replacement however it will cost more. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.

Before you purchase a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you may be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of replacing a key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could help if you ever need it. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance and you will be able to locate services near you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (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 as well as track inventory. It can also be used to report crashes and lost The Keys to My car thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into an image or a plate on your car's dashboard and driver's side door jamb, and sometimes in front of the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like the registration of your vehicle, title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car, so it's recommended to store it safe. This way, should you lose your keys, you'll be in a position to make use of it to get the replacement key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code specific to your lock which can then be used 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. It can also be found on the door jamb of the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle to serve as a prevention measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model and make body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year of its production.

VINs were first used in 1954, however, until 1981, they were offered in a variety of formats. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from many dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who will replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. In other cases, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily call your local dealer to purchase a new set. It's more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best option in case you want to replace your car keys that have been lost.

Although you could get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They can to get you back on your way faster and charge less than a dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your lost keys. This is important because it will be required in order for someone to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be found in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. This isn't a guarantee, however. It is dependent on your model and make, and if the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and request a service manager if you are unsure if they can assist.

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

This process is more complicated than it used to be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. A dealership will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the original in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, be sure you have all the necessary information with you along with an ID photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Call an expert locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost. A skilled locksmith can cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they'll need to know the year and make of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places where you would not normally look for them, like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or under the couch. If you've done this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.

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

Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars that have more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require you to provide the VIN number of the car however professional locksmiths will have the tools to do this in a flash for you.

Many locksmiths can also remove bent or broken keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key on your own could cause more damage, and this should be left to experts.

In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can give you advice about how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet can go a long way towards making sure you never lose your car keys again.