How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and binge your latest TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are several ways to replace a lost car key however the majority of these require a locksmith or a dealership.

Check your car's locks

If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where we put them particularly when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forward. Also, feel around compartments with zippers or small spaces to find keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag with care for keys.

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

Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be capable of creating a new key for you as long as you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

The dealer may also offer an alternative, but it will cost more. The dealer will need to connect an electronic chip to your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's make and model.

Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage, you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a new key. Moreover, it's also worth asking your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance insurance that can assist 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 near you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, monitor 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's side door jamb and sometimes even behind the motor block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, such as your registration for your vehicle, title and insurance documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. That way, if you should ever lose your keys, you'll be able to use it to get a replacement key made quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is typically located on a sticker on the driver's-side dashboard in the area where the windshield meets it. It can also be found on the door jamb for the driver or on the front of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some instances there are instances where the VIN is even embedded into your windshield or windows as part of a security measure to prevent theft.

You can check your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth look at your vehicle, including the model, manufacturer, body type, engine size, assembly facility and the year of its manufacturing.

VINs were first used in 1954, but until 1981, they were available in a variety of configurations. 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 a variety of locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll require a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago, losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could just contact your local dealer to get a new set of keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. If you're in the market to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the most ideal option.

While you may purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They can get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.

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

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

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

This process is much more complicated than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. If your original key is Lost Keys In Car or damaged the dealership will be able to offer you a similar backup. If you decide to go this route ensure that you have all the required information, including a photo ID. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Call an expert locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing lost keys to a car lost car keys. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a copy your registration or title).

Before you call a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you've inspected every possible place where your keys might be. This includes checking pockets in jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you might have used. You could also search for lost keys in car your keys in places where you might not normally go like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all this and are still unable to find your keys, it's time for you to contact someone.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance tow you car to a dealership to purchase a new key.

Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require you to provide the VIN number of your car however a professional locksmith should have the right tools to do this right on the spot for you.

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

In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys, a locksmith can also give you advice about how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could aid you in never losing your car keys once more.