How to Replace Lost Car Keys

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

Be aware of your options prior to 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

If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, particularly when we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately the search for lost Key Fob car keys is relatively easy when you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Move the seats back and forwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your car for your car key. Also, feel around zippered areas or small compartments to find keys. Also, you should carefully search your purse, backpack, or tote bag, for keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. These devices typically include an internal chip that communicates to the car to allow you access to the vehicle and start the motor. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need visit a dealership to have an alternative one created.

Some older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith could be able create an alternative key for you if you've got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also get a new replacement from the dealership, but this will be much more expensive. The dealer will need to connect an electronic chip to your car. This could cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car's model and make.

Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of a new key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This could help if you ever need it. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able locate one close to you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It is also used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically a label or Lost key fob plate on your car's dashboard or the driver's side door jamb and sometimes on the engine block. You may also find your VIN in other places, like your registration for your vehicle, title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car and it's recommended to store it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get a new one that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the 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 dashboard of the driver in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the door jamb for the driver or on the front of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even etched on your windows or windshields to provide an anti-theft measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size, assembly plant and the year of its production.

VINs first came into use in 1954. However, until 1981, they were offered in different configurations. In the year 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from a variety of locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will require a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also get standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

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

While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road fast and likely to charge less than the dealership would.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your keys. This is important because you will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be found in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll help you. It all depends on your make and model, and if the keys are smart or have complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and ask for a service manager if you aren't sure if they can assist.

If you have a smart key that's been lost the keys to my car or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a particular type of key to be reset and function properly.

This process is much more complicated than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to restore this feature. Dealers can also give you another key that's identical to the original one in the event that your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, make sure you have all the necessary information, including an identification photo. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.

Contact for a locksmith

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

Before calling a locksmith's number However, you must ensure that you've checked all possible places where your keys might be. This includes checking pockets in pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried all of this but are still struggling to locate your keys, then it's time for you to call someone.

For traditional keys locksmiths is likely to be able replace them on the spot for around $20. This is less than the cost for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealership and purchase a new key.

Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, like smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, however locksmiths will be able to complete the task on the spot.

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 recommended that you leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. If you attempt to do it yourself can cause further damage.

A locksmith can help replace lost car keys and also give advice on how to avoid future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can help in making sure you never lose your car keys again.