How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so change into your sweats and order a pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are several ways to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check your car's locks

It's best to check your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget where they're especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forth. Also, feel around compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate the keys. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices typically have an internal chip that connects to the car in order to allow you into the vehicle and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need visit a dealership to have a new one made.

Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith could be able to create a replacement key for you, if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or Replace lost car key cost title.

The dealer is also able to provide an alternative, but it will cost more. The dealership must connect a computer chip to your car, which could be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle.

Be sure to check your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance policy to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Additionally, it's worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage that will aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance plans, so you will be able to locate a service near you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It is also used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into an image or a plate on your car's dashboard and jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes on the engine block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, such as the registration of your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly obtain a new key that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and get the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door Replace lost Car Key cost jamb for the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.

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

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

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships as well as automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer to purchase a new set. Today, it's more complex than it used to be. The dealership may not be the best place to go for replacing your lost car keys.

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

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace Lost car key cost your lost keys. This is important as the person who needs it will create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side or found in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll help you. It is all dependent on the model and make, and whether the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. If you're not sure whether your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

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

This process is much more complicated than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra cost to restore this feature. If your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can offer you a similar backup. If you decide to go this route, be sure to carry all the necessary information with you, as well as an identification photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Contact a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been i lost my car keys. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. But, they'll need to know the year model, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Before you call a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you have checked every possible spot where your keys may be. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags that you may have used. You can also look for your keys in places that you would not normally put them, like on the floor under the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've done this and still cannot find your keys, it's time to seek help.

For keys that are traditional locksmiths should be able to replace them on the spot for about $20. This is less than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance take your car to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. These keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the VIN number of the car however professional locksmiths should have the right tools to complete this right on the spot for you.

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

A locksmith can help you replace lost car keys and also give guidance on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.