How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your favorite TV show. However, you discover that your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Be aware of your options before you panic. There are a few different methods to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. We often don't know where they are, particularly if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately finding keys to your car keys lost is fairly easy if you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. The seats can be moved back and forwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for your car key. Also, check the small compartments or zippered areas to find the keys. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices typically include an internal chip that connects with the car to let you into the vehicle and start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to get a new key fob if you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith could be able to create an alternative key for you if you've got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also get an upgrade at the dealership, however this will be much more expensive. The dealer must connect an electronic chip to your car. It could cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's model and make.

Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This can help should you ever require it. There are many companies that offer roadside assistance packages. You should be able to find one near you.

Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for each vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into an image or How to Replace Lost Car Keys a plate on the dashboard of your car, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car and it's best to keep it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain a new key that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer specific to your lock which can then be used with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's situated at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the driver-side door jamb or on the side of the engine block of larger trucks and How to Replace Lost Car Keys commercial vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even etched on your windows or windshields as part of a anti-theft measure.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you an entire report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year of its production.

VINs first came into use in 1954. However, up to 1981 they were available in various configurations. In the year 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to purchase new keys at most dealerships as well as automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if you car requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit a dealer or locksmith that can swap your key for one that can start your car. You can also find basic keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer to purchase a new set. It's more complicated today. If you're in the market to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.

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

Before you contact anyone to replace your lost car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is crucial because it will be required in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or included in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll help you. It is all dependent on the model and make, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complicated programming. If you're unsure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your vehicle into the store and speak with the service manager.

If your smart key has been stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific kind of key to be reset and function properly.

This process is more complicated than it was previously be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can offer you a similar backup. If you opt to do this ensure you have all of the required information, including an identification photo. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.

Contact a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A locksmith who has experience will be able program and cut a new car key while you wait. However, they'll require the year model, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. Examine the pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway 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 for you to contact someone.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport your car to a dealership to purchase a new one.

Locksmiths are often able to 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 that you provide the VIN number of the car, but professional locksmiths will have the tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove keys that are bent or broken, which are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, and this task should be left to professionals.

In addition to helping you replace your keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can offer advice on how to replace lost car keys to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could assist you in avoiding losing your car keys again.