How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and watch the latest TV show. However, you discover that the keys to your car aren't to be found.

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

Check the locks on your car.

It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. We often don't know where they are, particularly when we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy if you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forward. Be sure to feel around zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse, or tote bag, for keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. They usually have an internal chip that communicates with the car to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the motor. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need to visit the dealership to have a new one made.

Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you, as long as you can provide proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer may also offer an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealership will have to connect a computer chip to your car, which can cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage, you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of a new key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This will help should you ever require it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages which means you will be able to locate an option near you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into a label or plate on the dashboard of your car, the driver's side door jamb and sometimes, in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's recommended to store it in a safe place. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get a new key made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's placed where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb of the driver or in front the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. In some instances there are instances where the VIN is even embedded into your windows or windshields as part of a security measure against theft.

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

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

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from a variety of dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, lost car Key what to do you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply contact your local dealership to have new keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership may not be the best place to go for replacing your lost car Key what to do car keys.

While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely be in a position to get you back on the road in a hurry and likely to charge less than the dealership.

Before you contact anyone to replace your lost car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is crucial because it will be required in order for someone to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side or included in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a assurance however. It's contingent on the make and model of your vehicle and whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. Bring your car to the dealership and lost Car key what To Do request the service manager if are unsure whether they can help.

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

This process is more complicated than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra price to restore this feature. A dealership can also provide you with another key that's identical to the original in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route ensure you have all of the information needed including an identification photo. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.

Call a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle with evidence of ownership (a copy your registration or title).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you've used. You could also search for your keys in areas where you don't usually put them, such as on the floor under a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of this and are still not able to locate your keys, it's time for you to contact someone.

For keys that are traditional locksmiths should be able to replace them in a matter of $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance take your car to a dealership to purchase a new one.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program a new key for more sophisticated automobiles, 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 a locksmith will be able to do it on the spot.

Many locksmiths can also remove bent or broken keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them in your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. Doing it yourself could cause more damage.

In addition to helping you replace your keys that were lost in your car keys lost, a locksmith can also provide advice on how to avoid keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet can help in making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.