How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and binge your latest TV show. You find that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Know your options before you panic. There are many ways to replace the car key that was lost, but the majority of them require a locksmith or a dealership.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially if we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately the search for lost my car key car keys is fairly easy when you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forward. Also, look around zippered areas or small compartments to find the keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need visit the dealership to have a new one made.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith could be able create an alternative key for you if you've got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also get an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but this will be much more expensive. The dealership must pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the model and make of your car.

Before you make a payment for a car key replacement make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you might be able to claim it to cover the cost of replacing a key. It's also important to inquire with your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance insurance that can assist you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages and you should be able to find services near 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's used to identify vehicles and track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car or the driver's side door jamb and sometimes, in front of the engine block. You may also find your VIN in other places, including your registration for your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. That way, if you lose your keys, you can use it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your particular model that will then work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label placed between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the driver's side door jamb or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even written on your windows or windshields as part of a security measure to prevent theft.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size assembly plant, and the year it was made.

VINs first came into use in 1954. However, up to 1981, they were offered in a variety of configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to purchase new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who can replace your key with one that will start your car. Otherwise, you can simply get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago the loss of your car keys was not an issue. You could just contact your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. Today, it's a lot more complex than that. The dealership may not be the best option for replacing your lost car keys.

Although you could get a traditional key at the dealership, Replace Lost Car Keys the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely be in a position to get you back on the road fast and will probably charge less than the dealership would.

Before you contact someone to replace your car keys, make a note of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important because it will be needed to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be included in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll be able to help you. It is dependent on your make and model, and if the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. Bring your car to the dealership and request an expert in service if you are unsure whether they can assist.

If your smart key was stolen or lost it must be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car's security functions require a particular type of key to be reset and function properly.

The process is more complicated than it was in the past, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. If your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can provide you with a duplicate backup. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have all the required information on hand along with an ID photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Contact a locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to call an experienced locksmith. A skilled locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. However, they will require the year and make of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. Check the pockets of 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 look like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or under the couch. If you have done this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, for about $20. This is less expensive than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require you to provide the car's VIN number, but an experienced locksmith should have the right tools to complete this in a flash for you.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove keys that are bent or broken, which are usually the result of accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. Doing it yourself could result in further damage.

In addition to helping you replace keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can provide advice on how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home could assist you in avoiding losing your car key again.