How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.

Be aware of your options before you panic. There are several ways to replace lost car keys however, the majority of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the Locks on Your Car

It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. In the end, lost car Key with no spare we tend to forget where they're particularly when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys isn't difficult if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices usually include an internal chip that communicates to the car to allow you access to the vehicle and then start the engine. If you've lost my car key your car key fob, you'll have to visit a dealership to have a new one made.

Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be capable of creating a new key for you as provided you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide an alternative however it will cost more. The dealership will need to connect a computer chip to your car, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your car.

Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This can help in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance, so you are likely to find services close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is typically the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car or jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places such as your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get new keys that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's placed where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the door jamb for the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even embedded into your windows or windshields as part of a security measure against theft.

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

VINs first came into use in 1954, however, until 1981, they were offered in a variety. In the year 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current 17-character format.

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

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago, losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could just contact your local dealer to get a new set of keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best option if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost.

You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to call an automotive lock. They're more likely be in a position to get you back on the road fast and probably cost less than the dealership would.

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

Dealerships are able to replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, this isn't a assurance that they'll be able to assist you. It all depends on your make and model, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and inquire for a service manager if you are unsure whether they can help.

If your smart key has been lost or stolen the key will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a certain type of key in order to be reset and function properly.

This process is more complex than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. If your original key is stolen or damaged A dealership could offer you a similar backup. If you opt to go this way, make sure you have all of the necessary information including a photo ID. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.

Call a Locksmith

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

Before calling a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you have checked every possible place where your keys may be. Check pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you may have used. You may also search for your keys in places where you don't usually put them, like on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried this but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for help.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot for around $20. This is cheaper than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance tow your car to a dealership and purchase a new key.

Locksmiths often cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, such as smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, but a locksmith should be able to cut and program the key in a flash.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove broken or bent keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them in your vehicle. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, and this should be left to the experts.

A locksmith can help you replace keys that are lost in your car and give guidance on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home could help you to never lose your car keys ever again.