How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweatshirt Grab a pizza and watch your favorite TV show. However, you realize your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Know your options before you be in a panic. There are a variety of ways to replace the car key that was lost however the majority of these require a locksmith or a dealership.

Check the locks on your car.

If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, particularly when we're busy or distracted. Finding i lost my car keys car keys can be fairly easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start with the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and back and forth. Be sure to feel around small compartments and zippered areas for keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag with care for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to obtain the new key fob in case you've lost it.

Certain older cars still have keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you as provided you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

You can also get a new replacement at the dealership, however it will be more expensive. The dealer will need to connect the computer chip with your car. This can cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's model and make.

Before you purchase a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy 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 could be useful if you ever need it. The good news is that there are many companies offering 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 an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It is also used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into an image or a 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 replacing lost car keys insurance documents.

It's important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. This way, should you lose your keys, you'll be able to use it to get a replacement key made quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and locate the key code from the manufacturer specific to your lock that will then work with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver's side, where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even written on your windows or Replacing lost car Keys windshields as part of a security measure to prevent theft.

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

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

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from most locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll require a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could simply call your local dealer and request a new set. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best place to go for Replacing Lost Car Keys the keys to your car that you lost.

While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They are more likely to be capable of getting 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 it will be required to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car or it could be found in the owner's guide.

Dealerships are able replace cars keys for most manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance, however. It's contingent on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as whether keys are equipped with complex programming. If you're not sure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key to be reset and function properly.

The process is now more involved than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the extra cost to restore this feature. Dealers can also provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you opt to go this route, make sure you have all the information needed including an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Contact for a locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. But, they'll require the year, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should do it).

Before calling a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you've inspected every possible place where your keys may be. Check pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags that you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you would not normally put them, such as on the floor in front of a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of this and are still struggling to locate your keys, then it's time for you to call someone.

For traditional keys locksmiths will be able to repair keys in a matter of $20. This is less expensive than what you would pay to have roadside assistance take your car to the dealer and purchase 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 keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the VIN number of the car however a professional locksmith should have the right tools to do this in a flash for you.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove broken or bent keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own can cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to experts.

In addition to helping you replace lost my key car keys, a locksmith can also provide advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will assist you in avoiding losing your car key again.