How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweats take a bite of pizza and watch your favorite TV show. However, you discover that your car keys aren't to be found.

Be aware of your options prior to be in a panic. There are several ways to replace car keys that have been lost, but most of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check Your Car's Locks

It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. In the end, we tend to forget where we put them particularly when we're in a hurry or distracted. Finding keys to your car may be relatively easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forth. Be sure to feel around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to purchase an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you have lost car keys replacement cost uk these keys, a locksmith could be able to create a replacement key for you, if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.

You can also get an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but it will be more expensive. The dealership must pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Before you make a payment for an auto key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of replacing a key. Additionally, it's worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance packages and you are likely to find services near you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle that is on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes on the motor block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like the registration of your vehicle, title and insurance documents.

It's important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your car. In the event that you should ever lose your keys, you can use it to get the replacement key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your specific model which can then be used with your lock.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label located between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb on the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size, assembly plant and the year it was manufactured.

VINs first came into use in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, up to 1981, they were offered 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 valid, you can obtain new keys from most dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit a dealer or locksmith that can replace your key with one that can start your vehicle. If not, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply contact your local dealership to have new keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. If you're looking to get your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your best option.

Although you could get a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road fast 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 as the person who needs it will create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your vehicle, or may be printed in the owner's guide.

Dealerships are able replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. This is not a warranty however. It all depends on your model and make, as well as whether the keys are intelligent or have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.

If your smart key has been stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car's security features require a specific type of key to reset and work correctly.

This process is more complex than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra cost to restore this feature. Dealers can also give you another key that's identical to the original one in the event that your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, be sure to carry all the necessary information with you along with a photo ID. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call an expert locksmith

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

Before you get a locksmith's number however, ensure that you have checked every possible spot where your keys might be. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you've used. You could also search for your keys in places where you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all of this but are still unable to find your keys, then it's time for you to contact someone.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance take your car to a dealership to purchase a new one.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more advanced models of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the car's VIN number however, an experienced locksmith has the right tools to complete this right on the spot for you.

The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken or bent keys, which can occur when you accidentally lock them in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to the professionals.

A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and offer guidance on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could assist you in avoiding losing your car keys ever again.