How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and binge your latest TV show. However, you discover that the keys to your car aren't to be found.

Be aware of your options before you be in a panic. There are a few different ways to replace car keys that have been lost, but most of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to inspect your car first when you lose your keys. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially if we're busy or distracted. Finding lost car keys can be relatively easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved forward and backwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. You should also carefully check your purse, backpack, or tote bag for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually contain an internal chip that communicates with the car to allow you into the vehicle and then start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to purchase the new key fob in case you've Lost Keys Replacement it.

Some older vehicles still use traditional metal keys that fit inside 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 proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide an alternative however it will cost more. The dealer will need to pair up a computer chip for your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car's make and model.

Be sure to check your insurance policy before you 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 important to inquire with your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance insurance that can assist you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance and you will be able to locate a service near you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your vehicle, jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes, in front of the engine block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, including the registration of your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's best to keep it in a safe place. This way, should you should ever lose your keys, you'll be able to utilize it to have a replacement key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is typically located on a label on the driver's-side dashboard, where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the driver's side door jamb or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle to serve as a security measure.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth analysis of your vehicle including the model, manufacturer of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility, and the year of manufacturing.

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

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to get new keys at the majority of dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll need to go to a dealer or locksmith that can swap your key for one that will start your car. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could contact your local dealer to get a new set of keys made. Today, it's a lot more complicated than it used to be. If you're in the market to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your most ideal option.

Although you could purchase a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely to be able to get you back on the road quickly and likely to charge less than the dealership.

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

Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll be able help you. It is all dependent on the model and make, and if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and request the service manager if are unsure if they can assist.

If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a specific kind of key to reset and work properly.

This process is much more complex than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the additional price to restore this feature. A dealer can also provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original in case the lost key lost was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this way ensure that you have all of the required information including an identification photo. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.

Call for a locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call a locksmith. An experienced locksmith can cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. But, they'll require the year, make and model of your vehicle, lost Keys replacement as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Before you get a locksmith over the phone, though, make sure that you have checked every possible place where your keys might be. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you've used. You could also search for your keys in places you wouldn't normally look, such as the floor behind the table behind the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.

For keys that are traditional, a locksmith should be able to replace them on the spot for around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance take you car to a dealership to purchase a new key.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. These more complex keys may require that you provide the VIN number of the car, but professional locksmiths will have the tools to do this right on the spot for you.

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

In addition to helping you replace your keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can offer advice on how to stop future keys from being lost or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will assist you in avoiding losing your car key again.