How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you change into your sweats and grab some pizza to watch your latest TV show. You find that your car keys have disappeared.

Be aware of your options prior to be in a panic. There are many methods to replace lost car keys, but most of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check Your Car's Locks

It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. We often don't know where they are, particularly when we're distracted or are in a hurry. Finding lost car keys can be fairly simple if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forward. Also, check the compartments with zippers or small spaces to find keys. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse, or tote bag, for keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices usually contain an internal chip that connects to the car to let you into the vehicle and to start the motor. If you've i lost the key to my car your car's keys fob, you'll have to visit a 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 have lost one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths will be able to create a new key for you, as provided you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

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

Before you purchase an auto key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Additionally, it's worthwhile to ask your insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage that will help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance packages and you should be able to find an option close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It is also used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car and jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other places such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. This way, should you should ever lose your keys, you'll be able to utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN and locate the key code from the manufacturer specific to your lock which can then be used with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver, where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the door jamb for the driver or in front the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a prevention measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an entire report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size, assembly plant and the year of its production.

VINs were first used in 1954, but up to 1981, they were available in a variety. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.

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

Contact Your Dealership

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

While you may obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best choice is to call an auto locksmith. They will be able get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.

Before calling anyone to replace your car keys, make a note of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important because the person who needs it will create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or found in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace cars keys for most manufacturers. This is not a warranty however. It's contingent on the model and make of your car and whether keys are equipped with complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and request the service manager if are unsure if they can assist.

If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific type of key in order to function correctly and reset.

This process is more involved than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. Dealers can also give you an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, be sure you have all the required information with you and an ID photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call a Locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A locksmith with experience will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Before calling a locksmith on the phone, though, make sure that you'I Ve Lost My Car Keys What Can I Do checked every possible spot where your keys might be. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags that you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of these methods and still are not able to locate your keys, then it's time for you to contact someone.

For traditional keys, a locksmith will be able to repair keys in a matter of $20. This is less expensive than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the dealership and purchase a new key.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number of your vehicle, but a locksmith should be able to do it in a flash.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove broken or bent keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own can cause more damage, and this task should be left to experts.

In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can provide advice on how to avoid keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys again.