How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and want to change into your favorite sweats take a bite of pizza and binge your latest TV show. You discover that your car keys have disappeared.

Be aware of your options before you panic. There are a few different ways to replace lost car keys, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially when we're distracted or are in a hurry. Finding I Lost My Car Keys car keys can be fairly easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start with the driver’s seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forth. Also, check the small compartments or zippered areas to locate keys. Also, you should carefully search your purse, backpack, or tote bag for the 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 let you in and start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to purchase a new key fob if you've lost it.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths are able to create a new key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealer will have to pair up an electronic chip to your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250 depending on the make and model.

Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase a new car key. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to cover the cost of buying a new car key. It's also worth asking your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one in your area.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It is also used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb and sometimes even on the motor i lost My car keys block. You may also find your VIN in other places, including your vehicle registration, title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's recommended to store it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain a new key made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work 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 find it on the driver-side door jamb or in front the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even embedded on your windows or windshields as part of an security measure to prevent theft.

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

VINs first came into use in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until 1981 they were available in a variety of configurations. In the year 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from a variety of dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. If not, you can purchase 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 easily contact your local dealer to get a new set. Today, it's a lot more complex than that. The dealership may not be the best option if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost.

You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership, but it is better to contact an auto lock. They're more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and probably cost less than the dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is important because you will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be printed inside of your owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll help you. It is all dependent on the make and model, and whether the keys are intelligent or are complex in their programming. If you're not sure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealer in order to have it replaced. This is because your car's security features require a particular type of key to reset and work properly.

This process is much more complicated than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen the dealership will be able to offer you a similar backup. If you choose to go this way, make sure you have all of the necessary information, including an ID photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing lost car keys is to call locksmith. A locksmith who has experience will be able program and cut a new car key while you wait. But, they'll require the year model, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. Check pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, check any other bags that you might have used. You may also search for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, like on the floor in front of the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of this and i lost my car keys are still struggling to locate your keys, then it's time to contact someone.

For traditional keys, a locksmith should be able to replace keys on the spot for around $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance take your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new one.

Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, like smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the car's VIN number however, an experienced locksmith should have the right tools to complete this in a flash for you.

Locksmiths are also able to capability of removing broken keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. Doing it yourself could cause more damage.

A locksmith can assist you replace lost car keys and also give advice on how to avoid future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will assist you in avoiding losing your car key ever again.