how to replace lost car key to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch the latest TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Before you panic, know your options. There are a few different methods to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the Locks on Your Car

It's best to inspect your car first when you lose your keys. We often don't know where they are, especially if we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy if you take the time to do an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver’s seat. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Be sure to feel around small compartments and zippered areas for how to Replace lost Car key the keys, too. You should also carefully check 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 a distance. These devices usually include an internal chip that can communicate to the car in order to let you into the vehicle and then start the motor. 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 have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith might be able create a replacement key for you if you've got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide the replacement however it will cost more. The dealer must connect a computer chip for your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250 depending on the make and model.

Before you make a payment for the replacement of your car key be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you might be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a replacement key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This can help should you ever require it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans and you should be able to find an option close to you.

Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for every vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It can also be used to report crashes and thefts. 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 on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.

It is important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your vehicle. This way, should you lose your keys, How To Replace Lost Car Key you'll be able to utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is usually located on a sticker on the driver's-side dashboard, where the windshield meets it. It can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or on the side of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a security measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model, body type, engine size, assembly facility and year of manufacturing.

VINs first came into use in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until 1981 they were available in various configurations. In that year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from most locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll need to go to an authorized locksmith or dealer who can replace your key with one that can start your car. You can also purchase basic keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. It's more complicated today. If you're in the market to have your lost car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the most ideal option.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They're more likely be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and likely to charge less than the dealership would.

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

Dealerships can replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, it's not a guarantee that they'll be able to help you. It all depends on your make and model, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complex programming. If you're not sure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If your smart key has been lost the car key or stolen the key will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because your car's security features require a particular type of key to reset and function correctly.

The process is more complicated than it was previously be, so you should be willing to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. A dealer can also provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this way ensure that you have all the required information including a photo ID. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call for a locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call locksmith. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. However, they will need to know the year and make of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Before you get a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys could be. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags that you may have used. You may also search for your keys in areas 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 these methods and still are unable to find your keys, 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 a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow you car to a dealership to purchase a new one.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program the new key for more advanced models of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, but locksmiths is likely to be able cut and program the key immediately.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken or bent keys, which can occur when you accidentally lock them in your car. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, and this should be left to the professionals.

A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and offer tips on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.