How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and watch your favorite TV show. However, you realize your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are many ways to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check your car's locks

It's best to inspect your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget where they are, especially when we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately finding keys to your car isn't difficult if you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the car by moving the seats up and replace lost car key down, back and back and forth. Make sure you check zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse, or tote bag for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually include an internal chip that can communicate with the car to allow you into the vehicle and to start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to obtain an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be able to create a new key for you as long as you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide a replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer must pair up the computer chip with your car. It could 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. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This can help should you ever require it. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance plans which means you are likely to find a service near you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for each vehicle that is 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 stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car It's a good idea to keep it in a safe place. In the event that you ever lose your keys, you can use it to get an alternative key quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is usually located on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also locate it on the door jamb of the driver or on the side of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even written into your windshield or windows to provide an security measure to prevent theft.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year it was made.

VINs first came into use in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until 1981, they were offered in a variety of configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from a variety of dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you car requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer that will replace your key with one that can start your car. You can also find basic keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago the loss of your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply call your local dealer and request a new set. It's more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best option for replacing your lost car keys.

While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able get you back on your way faster and charge less than the dealership.

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

Dealerships can replace lost Car Key keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. This is not a warranty however. It's contingent on the make and model of your car as well as whether keys have complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and ask for the service manager if are unsure whether they can assist.

If your smart key was stolen or lost it must be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key in order to reset and function properly.

This process is more complex than it was previously be, so you should be prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. If your original key is stolen or damaged A dealership could provide you with an identical backup. If you opt to do this ensure you have all of the information needed, including an ID photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Contact for a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step to replace lost car keys. A skilled locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle with evidence of ownership (a copy your registration or title).

Before you get a locksmith over the phone However, you must ensure that you've inspected every possible place where your keys might be. This includes checking the pockets of jackets and pants as well as purses and other bags you might have used. You may also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally place them, such as on the floor behind the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried all this but are still struggling to locate your keys, then it's time to contact someone.

For traditional keys locksmiths should be able to replace them on the spot for about $20. This is less than the cost to have roadside assistance take your vehicle to the dealership and purchase a new key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program the new key for more advanced types of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require that you provide the VIN number of the car however, a professional locksmith has the right tools to complete this right on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths can also take out 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 result in further damage.

In addition to helping you replace keys that were lost in your car keys lost what to do locksmiths can also provide advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home could assist you in avoiding losing your car key ever again.