How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you change into your sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys aren't to be found.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are several ways to replace lost car keys but the majority involve 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. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy if you take the time to do an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and back and forth. Make sure you check zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse or tote bag for the keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to get a new key fob if you've lost it.

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

You can also get a new replacement from the dealership, but this will be more expensive. The dealership must pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could 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. If you have comprehensive coverage you might be able to claim on it to cover the cost of replacing lost keys a key. Moreover, it's also important to inquire with your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one in your area.

Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

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

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's best to keep it in a safe place. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get a new key made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's placed 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. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle to serve as a security measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year it was manufactured.

VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 1981 they were available in a variety of configurations. In the year 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to get new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if you car requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer that can swap your key for one that can start your vehicle. You can also find basic keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could simply contact your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership may not be the best option if you need to replace your lost car keys [how you can help].

While you may purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely be able to get you back on the road fast and probably cost less than the dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because it will be needed to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car or it could be printed in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. However, it's not a assurance that they'll help you. It's dependent on the model and make of your vehicle as well as whether keys have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and request an expert in service if you aren't sure if they can help.

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

This process is more complicated than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra price to restore this feature. Dealers can also give you an alternative key that is similar to the original one in the event that the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, make sure to have all the necessary information along with you and an ID photo. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.

Contact a locksmith

The most important step in replacing lost car key lost keys in car car keys is to call a locksmith. A skilled locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. However, they will need to know the year model, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys before you contact a locksmith. Examine the pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or under the couch. If you've done this and still cannot find your keys, it's time to call for help.

For keys that are traditional, a locksmith should be able to replace them on the spot for about $20. This is less than what you would pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to a dealership and buy a replacement key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number of your car, but a locksmith is likely to be able complete the task immediately.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this should be left to experts.

In addition to helping you replace lost car keys, a locksmith can provide advice on how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will assist you in avoiding losing your car keys once more.