How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and binge your latest TV show. However, you realize the keys to your car aren't to be found.

Be aware of your options before you panic. There are many ways to replace a lost car key however the majority of these require a locksmith or dealer.

Check your car's locks

If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, particularly when we're distracted or are in a hurry. Finding keys to your car may be fairly easy when your car is thoroughly searched.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and forth. Also, check the small compartments or zippered areas to locate keys. You should also carefully check your purse, backpack, or tote bag for keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll have to go to the dealership to get a new one created.

Some older cars still use traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost keys for car one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths are capable of creating a new key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer may also offer a replacement, but it will cost more. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Before you make a payment for the replacement of your car key make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you might be able to claim on it to cover the cost of replacing a key. Moreover, it's also worthwhile to ask your insurance provider if you have roadside assistance insurance that can help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance and you are likely to find a service near you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It can also be used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, or sometimes on the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your registration for your vehicle and title as well as insurance documents.

It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get new keys that is based on the VIN. 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 in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the door jamb for the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle to serve as a security measure.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was made.

VINs were first used in 1954, but until 1981, they were offered in a variety. 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 get new keys from most locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll have to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could just contact your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best place to go in case you want to replace your lost The keys to my car car keys.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership, but it's best to contact an automotive lock. They will be able get you back on the faster and for less than a dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is vital as it will be needed in order for someone to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle, or may be printed in the owner's guide.

Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll be able help you. It all depends on your model and make, as well as whether the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. If you're not sure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

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

This process is more complex than it was in the past be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. A dealer can also give you a backup key that's similar to the original one in the event that the lost key fob key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, be sure you have all the information needed on hand and a photo ID. This will help make the process easier 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 key for your car while you are waiting. However, they will need to know the year and make of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Before calling a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you've inspected all possible places where your keys could be. This includes checking the pockets of jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you've used. You could also search for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, like on the floor behind a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of this but are still unable to find your keys, it's time to contact someone.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance transport your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program keys for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number of your vehicle, but locksmiths should be able to do it on the spot.

Many locksmiths can also take out keys that are bent or broken, which are usually the result of accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, so this should be left to the experts.

In addition to helping you replace lost car keys locksmiths can also offer advice on how to avoid keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet can help in ensuring that you never lose your car keys ever again.