How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to change into your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and watch your favorite TV show. However, you realize your car keys aren't to be found.

Know your options before you be in a panic. There are many ways to replace lost car keys however, the majority of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. After all, we often forget where we put them particularly when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy when you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. The seats can be moved back and forwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your vehicle for the car key. 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 cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. They usually have an internal chip that can communicate with the car to let you into the vehicle and then start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need to visit a dealership to have a new one made.

Certain older cars still have 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 in a position to make a replacement key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide the replacement, but it will cost more. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your car, which can be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the model and make of your car.

Before you make a payment for a car key replacement make sure you check your insurance policy. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This could come in handy if you ever need it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages which means you should be able to find a service close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

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

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's a good idea to keep it safe. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get new keys that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the driver's side door jamb or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even embedded into your windshield or windows as part of an anti-theft measure.

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

VINs first appeared in 1954. However, up to 1981, they were offered in different configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from many dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also get regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago the loss of your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than that. The dealership might not be the best place to go for replacing the keys to your car that you lost.

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

Before you call anyone to replace your lost car keys, note down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important because it will be required to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard or found in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance however. It depends on the model and make of your car and whether keys are equipped with complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and inquire for an expert in service if you are unsure whether they can assist.

If your smart key has been stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key 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 price to have this feature restored. A dealer can also give you another key that's identical to the original in case your lost car keys replacement cost one was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, be sure to carry all the necessary information along with you, as well as an identification photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

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

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, check any other bags that you may have used. You could also search for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, such as on the floor in front of the doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this and still cannot find your keys, you should seek help.

For traditional keys, a locksmith will be able to repair them on the spot for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport your car to a dealership to purchase a new key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more sophisticated automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number for your car, however a locksmith is likely to be able do it immediately.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to professionals.

In addition to helping you replace lost car keys locksmiths can also offer advice on how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will aid you in never losing your car keys again.