How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you put on your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys aren't to be found.

Before you panic, know your options. There are a few different methods to replace lost car keys but the majority require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, particularly when we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and back and forth. Also, look around compartments with zippers or small spaces to find keys. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually contain an internal chip that can communicate to the car in order to allow you into the vehicle and then start the motor. You'll need to go to your dealer to obtain an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith might be able to make an alternative key for you if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer may also offer a replacement, but it will cost more. The dealership will have to connect a computer chip to your car, which can cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

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 an additional car key. Additionally, it's worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage to aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance and you are likely to find services close to you.

Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. 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, or sometimes behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places such as your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get new keys made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label that's situated between the windshield and lost key To car no spare the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even embedded into your windows or windshields as part of an security measure against theft.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make body style, engine size assembly plant, 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 that year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from most locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you will need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also purchase basic keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could simply call your local dealership to have new keys made. Today, it's a lot more complicated than it used to be. The dealership may not be the best option for replacing a lost car key your car keys that have been lost car keys replacement cost.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership, but it's best to contact an auto lock. They can get you back on the quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost keys. This is crucial because the person who needs it will create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN can be found on the driver's side dashboard or included in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. This is not a warranty, however. It depends on the model and make of your vehicle as well as whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and ask for the service manager if are unsure whether they can help.

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

This process is much more complex than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is lost or damaged A dealership could provide you with an identical backup. If you decide to take this route, make sure you have all the required information on hand and a photo ID. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Contact for a locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost car keys. A locksmith who has experience will be able program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. However, they will need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle, as well as proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will do it).

Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys before you contact a locksmith. Examine the pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags that you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places where you might not normally go for them, like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are unable to find your keys, it's time to call someone.

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 you car to a dealership to buy a new key.

Locksmiths often program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, such as transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the car's VIN number however, a professional locksmith should have the right tools to complete this right on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths are also able to 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 can cause more damage, and this task should be left to experts.

A locksmith can help you replace keys to your car that have been lost and offer advice on how to avoid future keys from being lost key to car no spare or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can help in making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.