How To Replace Lost Car Key to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to change into your favorite sweatshirt Grab a pizza and watch the latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys aren't to be found.

Be aware of your options before you get in a panic. There are a variety of ways to replace a lost car key, but the majority of them require a locksmith or a dealership.

Check the locks on your car.

If you lose your keys to your car, it's best to start by checking your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, particularly if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately, finding lost car keys isn't difficult if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and how to replace lost Car Key forward. Also, feel around small compartments or zippered areas to find keys. Also, be sure to check your purse, backpack, or tote bag, for keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to get a new key fob if you've lost it.

Some older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be capable of creating a new key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also purchase an entirely new replacement at the dealership, however it will be more expensive. The dealer will need to connect the computer chip with your car. This could cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car's model and make.

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to purchase a new car key. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This will come in handy should you ever require it. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance, so you should be able to find an option near you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into a label or plate on the dashboard of your car or jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes on the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, such as your vehicle registration, title and insurance documents.

It is important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. This way, should you ever lose your keys, you'll be able to utilize it to have a replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.

The VIN is typically located on a label on the driver's-side dashboard at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also locate it on the driver's side door jamb or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even embedded on your windows or windshields as part of a anti-theft measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an entire report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was made.

VINs first came into use in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 1981, they were offered in a variety of configurations. In that year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from many dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you'll need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. In other cases, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago the loss of your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could just contact your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best place to go in case you want to replace your lost car keys.

Although you could get a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to contact an automotive locksmith. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road fast and probably cost less than the dealership.

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

Dealerships are able replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. It is not a 100% warranty, however. It is dependent on your model and make, as well as if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you're unsure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security features require a particular type of key to reset and function properly.

The process is more complicated than it used to be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater cost to restore this feature. A dealership can also give you an alternative key car lost that is similar to the original in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this way ensure you have all the required information including an identification photo. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.

Contact an expert locksmith

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

Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys before you contact a locksmith. This includes checking pockets in jackets and pants as well as purses and other bags you've used. You may also search for your keys in places that you would not normally put them, such as on the floor under the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried all this and are still not able to locate your keys, it's time for you to contact someone.

For traditional keys, a locksmith is likely to be able replace keys on the spot for around $20. This is less than the cost to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

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

Many locksmiths can also remove keys that are bent or broken, which are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. Doing it yourself could result in further damage.

In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost locksmiths can also offer advice on how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can aid you in never losing your car key again.