How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you put on your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.

Before you panic, know your options. There are many ways to replace the car key that was lost however the majority of these require a locksmith or dealership.

Check the locks on your car.

When you lose keys to your car, it's best to start by checking your vehicle. After all, we often forget where they're particularly when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car isn't difficult when 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 vehicle by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and back and forth. Also, check the zippered areas or small compartments to find the keys. Examine 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 the distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll have to visit a dealership to have an alternative one created.

Certain older cars still have keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith might be able to make keys for you if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also get an upgrade at the dealership, however it will be more expensive. The dealer will need to pair up an electronic chip to your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250, depending on the make and model.

Before you make a payment for an auto key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a replacement lost car keys (www.g28carkeys.co.Uk) key. Ask your insurance company whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could help if you ever need it. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance packages. You should be able find one near you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into a label or plate on the dashboard of your car, replacement lost car keys the driver's side door jamb and sometimes on the engine block. You may also find your VIN in other places, including the registration of your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's best to keep it safe. This way, should you ever lose your keys, you can utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code specific to your lock, which will then work with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver's side, where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the door jamb of the driver or in front the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a prevention measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth analysis of your vehicle, including the model, manufacturer of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and the year of its production.

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

If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to get new keys at most dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you'll require an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also find standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could just contact your local dealer to get a new set of keys made. Today, it's more complex than that. The dealership might not be the best place to go if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to contact an automotive lock. They will be able get you back on the quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your keys. This is important as you will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be found in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. This is not a warranty however. It depends on the make and model of your car, as well as whether keys are equipped with complicated 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 an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership to get it replaced. This is because your car's security features require a particular type of key to reset and work correctly.

The process is now more complicated than it used to be and you should make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to restore this feature. A dealer will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route ensure you have all the necessary information including an identification photo. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.

Call a locksmith

The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call an experienced locksmith. A locksmith who has experience will be able program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a copy your registration or title).

Before you get a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you've checked all possible places where your keys might be. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places you might not normally go, such as the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you've tried all this but are still struggling to locate your keys, then it's time to call someone.

For traditional keys, a locksmith should be able to replace keys on the spot for around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced types of automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number for your car, but locksmiths will be able to cut and program the key in a flash.

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

A locksmith can assist you replace keys that are lost in your car and provide tips on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could aid you in never losing your car keys ever again.