How to Replace Lost Car Keys

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

Be aware of your options before you get in a panic. There are a few different methods to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to check your car first when you lose your keys. In the end, we tend to forget where we've put them, especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy when you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Start with the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and forward. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices usually contain an internal chip that can communicate with the car to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the motor. You'll need to go to your dealer to obtain the new key fob in case you've lost it.

Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths will be capable of creating a new key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration or car key Lost replacement title.

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

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you might be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a replacement key. Moreover, it's also worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance insurance that can assist you in the event of an emergency. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able to find one in your area.

Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. You may also find your VIN in other places, such as your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. This way, should you ever lose your keys, you can utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN and get 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 dashboard of the driver, where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the driver's side door jamb, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some cases it is possible that the VIN is even embedded on your windows or windshields to provide an security measure against theft.

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

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

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships as well as automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For car key lost replacement example, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who 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 simply call your local dealer to purchase a new set. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than it used to be. The dealership may not be the best option in case you want to replace your lost car keys.

Although you could get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able get you back on the quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.

Before you contact anyone 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 an alternative car Key lost replacement key for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be printed in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, it's not a guarantee that they'll assist you. It's contingent on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and ask for 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 dealer in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features in your car require a specific kind of key to function correctly and reset.

This process is more complicated than it used to, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. A dealer can also provide you with a backup key that's similar to the original in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have all the necessary information, including an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Call for a locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing lost car keys is to contact locksmith. An experienced locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle with proof of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Be sure to check every possible location for your keys prior to you contact a locksmith. Examine the pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags that you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you would not normally put them, like on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried all of these methods and still are unable to find your keys, it's time to call someone.

For traditional keys locksmiths should be able to replace lost keys them on the spot for about $20. This is less expensive than what you would pay to have roadside assistance take your car to a dealership and buy a replacement key.

Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the car's VIN number, but an experienced locksmith has the right tools to complete this right on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths can also remove keys that are bent or broken, which are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. It is best to leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. Doing it yourself could cause more damage.

A locksmith can assist you replace keys to your car that have been lost and provide advice on how to avoid future keys being misplaced or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can help in ensuring that you don't lose your car keys ever again.