How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. However, you discover that your car keys aren't to be found.

Before you panic, know your options. There are a few different methods to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the Locks on Your Car

If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget where they are, particularly when we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately, finding lost car keys isn't difficult when you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

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

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually have an internal chip that connects to the car to allow you into the vehicle and then start the motor. You'll need to go to your dealer to get an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith could be able to create an alternative key for you if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also purchase a new replacement at the dealership, however it will be more expensive. The dealership must pair a computer chip with your car, which could be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

Before you make a payment for the replacement of your car key make sure you check your insurance policy. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of buying an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This can come in handy in the event that you need it. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able find one near you.

Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)

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

It is essential to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get a new one made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is usually located on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver in the area where the windshield meets it. It can also be found on the door jamb for the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle to serve as a prevention measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and the year of manufacture.

VINs first came into use in 1954, however, until 1981, they came in a variety of formats. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from many dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer that can swap your key for one that will be able to start your car. In other cases, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer to purchase a new set. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than it used to be. The dealership may not be the best place to go in case you want to replace your car keys that have been lost.

You can still get a traditional car key lost in car from the dealership, but it is better to call an automotive lock. They will be able to get you back on your faster and for less than the dealership.

Before you contact someone to replace your car keys, note down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important because you will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your car or could be printed in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, it's not a guarantee that they'll be able to help you. It all depends on your model and make, as well as whether the keys are smart or have complex programming. If you're unsure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that's lost key to car no spare or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a specific kind of key to be reset and function properly.

This process is more complicated than it used to be, so you should be prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. A dealership can also provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original one in the event that your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, be sure to have all the necessary information along with you, as well as an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. A locksmith who has experience will be able program and cut a new car key while you wait. However, they'll require the year, make and model of your car along with proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should do it).

Before you get a locksmith on the phone However, you must ensure that you have checked all possible places where your keys might be. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places you would not normally look, such as the floor behind the table behind the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should seek help.

For traditional keys, a locksmith will be able to repair keys in a matter of $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow you car to a dealership to buy a new key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. These more complex keys might require you to provide the car keys lost replacement's VIN number however professional locksmiths should have the right tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths can also remove bent or broken keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. If you attempt to do it yourself could cause more damage.

A locksmith can assist you replace keys that are lost in your car and give tips on how to replace lost keys to my car car key - the full report, to prevent the possibility of keys being i lost the key to my car or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car keys again.