How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your latest TV show. You discover that your car keys are missing.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are many methods to replace lost car keys but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the Locks on Your Car

When you lose keys to your car, it's best to start by checking your vehicle. We often forget where we've put them, especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost key for car what to do car keys isn't difficult when you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver's seat. Check every inch of the car by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forth. Also, feel around compartments with zippers or small spaces to find the keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices typically contain an internal chip that communicates to the car to let you into the vehicle and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll have to visit a dealership to have a new one created.

Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith might be able create an alternative key for you if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer is also able to provide the replacement however it will cost more. The dealership must integrate a computer chip into your vehicle, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Before you purchase an auto key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Ask your insurance company whether they have roadside service coverage. This can come in handy in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans and you are likely to find a service near you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is typically a label or plate on the dashboard of your car, driver's side door jamb, and lost auto key Replacement sometimes on the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, including your vehicle registration, title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car and it's best to keep it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain new keys made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's located between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the driver's side door jamb or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even embedded on your windows or windshields as part of a anti-theft measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth analysis of your vehicle's model, manufacturer, body type, engine size, assembly facility, and the year of production.

VINs first came into use in 1954. However, up to 1981 they were available in a variety of configurations. In that year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to obtain new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. In other cases, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago, losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply call your local dealer and request a new set. Nowadays, it's much more complex than that. The dealership may not be the best option if you need to replace your lost car keys.

You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership, but it is better to call an automotive lock. They can get you back on the quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.

Before you contact anyone to replace your car keys, note down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important because someone will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be included in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, this isn't a assurance that they'll be able to assist you. It is all dependent on the make and model, and if the keys are smart or have complex 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 a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features in your car require a certain type of key in order to function correctly and reset.

This process is more complicated than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra cost to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged A dealership could provide you with a duplicate backup. If you choose to do this ensure you have all the necessary information including an ID photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Contact for a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost car keys. A locksmith with expertise will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. They will require the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Make sure you check every possible location for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. Check pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags you might have used. You can also search for your keys in places where you would not normally look, such as the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried this and still cannot find your keys, it's time to call for help.

For keys that are traditional, a locksmith will be able to repair them on the spot for about $20. This is cheaper than the cost to have roadside assistance take your vehicle to the dealership and buy a replacement key.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require you to provide the VIN number of the car however a professional locksmith will have the tools to do this on the spot for you.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove damaged or bent keys which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to the professionals.

A locksmith can assist you replace keys that are lost auto key replacement in your car and offer advice on how to avoid future keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys again.