How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are several ways to replace lost car keys, but most of them require a 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. In the end, we tend to forget where they're, especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver’s seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Also, check the small compartments or zippered areas to find the keys. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from the distance. These devices typically contain an internal chip that can communicate to the car in order to let you into the vehicle and then start the engine. If you've lost key replacement car your car's keys fob, you'll need to visit a dealership to have a new one created.

Some older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths will be in a position to make a replacement key for you, as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

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

Before you make a payment for the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage you might be able to claim it to cover the cost of a new key. Moreover, it's also important to inquire with your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage to aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance packages and you are likely to find services near you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to 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 a label or plate on the dashboard of your car, the driver's side door jamb and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your registration for your vehicle and title as well as insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car and it's a good idea to keep it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly obtain new keys that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and locate the key code from the manufacturer for your particular model, which will then work with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label situated between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft security measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth look at your vehicle's model, manufacturer, body type, engine size, assembly facility, and the year of manufacture.

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

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from a variety of locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also get basic keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer to get a new set. Today, it's more complicated than it used to be. The dealership may not be the best option for replacing the keys to your car that you lost.

While you may obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely to be able to get you back on the road quickly and probably cost less than the dealership would.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is important because it will be needed to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN can be found on the driver's dashboard or printed inside of your owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. This is not a warranty however. It's dependent on the make and model of your vehicle and whether or not the keys have complicated programming. Bring your car to the dealership and request a service manager if you are unsure whether they can help.

If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a certain type of key in order to reset and function properly.

This process is much more complex than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to restore this feature. Dealers will also be able to provide you with another key that's identical to the one you have in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you opt to go this way, make sure you have all of the required information including an identification photo. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.

Contact for a locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. However, they will require the year, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should do it).

Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to you contact a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets or purses, as well as any other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places you wouldn't normally look, such as the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried this and still cannot find your keys, it's time to call for help.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is cheaper than the cost to have roadside assistance take your car keys lost to a dealership and buy a replacement key.

Locksmiths often program and cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your car, however locksmiths is likely to be able complete the task in a flash.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken or bent keys that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. It is best to leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. Trying to do it yourself can cause further damage.

A locksmith can help you replace lost car keys and also provide tips on how to prevent future keys from being lost car key replacement near me or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will assist you in avoiding losing your car key ever again.