How to Replace lost key Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you put on your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are several methods to replace i lost my car keys car keys, but most of them involve the 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. In the end, we tend to forget where we've put them particularly when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is fairly easy when you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Also, check the compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate the keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse, or fob tote bag for the keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to obtain a new key fob if you've lost it.

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

The dealer may also offer an alternative however it will cost more. The dealership must integrate a computer chip into your vehicle, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your car.

Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase a new car key. If you have coverage that is comprehensive, you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a replacement key. Additionally, it's worthwhile to ask your insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage that will aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans and you should be able to find a service 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 every vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles as well as 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, or sometimes behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's recommended to store it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly obtain new keys that is based on the VIN. 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 VIN is typically located on a label on the dashboard of the driver's side at the point where the windshield joins it. 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. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.

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

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

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from many locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your car requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who can swap your key for one that can start your car. You can also find regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could easily contact your local dealer to purchase a new set. Today, it's a lot more complex than it used to be. 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's best to contact an auto lock. They will be able to get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because it will be needed in order for someone to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be printed inside of your owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. However, this isn't a assurance that they'll be able help you. It's dependent on the model and make of your vehicle, as well as whether or not the keys have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and inquire for an expert in service if you are unsure whether they can assist.

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

Contact a locksmith

The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call a locksmith. A locksmith with experience will be able to program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. However, they'll need to know the year, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Before calling a locksmith on the phone However, you must ensure that you have checked every possible spot where your keys might be. Examine the pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places you might not normally go, such as the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to seek help.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, for about $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow your car to a dealership to purchase a new key.

Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, such as smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number of your car, but locksmiths will be able to cut and program the key immediately.

The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken or bent keys that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this task should be left to experts.

In addition to helping you replace lost car keys locksmiths can also provide advice on how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys ever again.