how to replace lost car Key to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you change into your sweats and order a pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys aren't to be found.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are several ways to replace car keys that have been lost, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check Your Car's Locks

When you lose car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially when we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy if you take the time to do an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forth. Also, look around zippered areas or small compartments to locate the keys. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll have to go to the dealership to get an alternative one created.

Some older vehicles still use traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith might be able create keys for you if you've got proof of ownership like your registration or title.

You can also purchase an entirely new replacement from the dealership, but this will be much more expensive. The dealership must integrate a computer chip into your car, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Before you make a payment for the replacement of your car key make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you may be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of replacing a key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This could be useful in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance which means you should be able to find a service close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and more. 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. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your registration for your vehicle, title, and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car It's a good idea to keep it safe. In the event that you ever lose your keys, you'll be able to utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is typically located on a label on the dashboard of the driver's side in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the driver-side door jamb or on the front of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even embedded on your windows or windshields to provide an security measure to prevent theft.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year it was manufactured.

VINs were first introduced in 1954, however, until 1981, they came in a variety. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to obtain new keys at the majority of dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. For 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 can start your car. If not, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could just contact your local dealer to get new keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best place to go for replacing 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 will be able get you back on the faster and for less than the dealership.

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

Dealerships are able replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. This isn't a warranty, however. It all depends on your make and model, How To Replace Lost Car Key and whether the keys are smart or have complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and request an expert in service if you are unsure whether they can help.

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 your car's security features require a specific kind of key to be reset and function correctly.

This process is more complicated than it was in the past be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. Dealers can also provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you opt to go this route, make sure you have all the information needed including an ID photo. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.

Contact for a locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to contact an experienced locksmith. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Before you get a locksmith on the phone however, ensure that you've checked all possible places where your keys might be. Check pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried this and still cannot find your keys, it's time to seek help.

For keys that are traditional, a locksmith should be able to replace keys in a matter of $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow your vehicle to a dealer to buy a new key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key lost for more advanced types of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the VIN number of your car however, professional locksmiths 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 recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. If you attempt to do it yourself could cause more damage.

A locksmith can assist you replace keys to your car that have been lost and offer guidance on how to prevent 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 keys ever again.