How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you put on your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your favorite TV show. But, you realize that your car keys aren't to be found.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are many ways to replace lost car keys but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check your car's locks

It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. After all, we often forget where we put them, especially when we're rushing or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start with the driver's seat. The seats can be moved back and forwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Also, look around compartments with zippers or small spaces to find keys. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually have 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 need to visit the dealership to have a new one created.

Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith might be able to create a replacement key for you, if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.

You can also purchase an entirely new replacement from the dealership, but it will be more expensive. The dealer must connect a computer chip for your car. It could cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car keys lost's make and model.

Before you make a payment for the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider 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 worth asking your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance plans. 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 every vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It is also used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb and sometimes even on the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car It's a good idea to keep it somewhere safe. That way, if you lose your keys, you'll be able to make use of it to get the replacement key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN and locate the key code from the manufacturer for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's situated at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb of the driver or in front the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. In some instances there are instances where the VIN is even written into your windows or windshields as part of a security measure to prevent theft.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle's manufacturer, model, body type, engine size, assembly facility, and the year of its manufacturing.

VINs first appeared in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, up to 1981, they were offered in various configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format 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. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also get regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past the loss of your car keys was not an issue. You could simply contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your most ideal option.

While you may get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to call an auto locksmith. They can get you back on your way faster and charge less than a dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your lost keys. This is important because it will be required to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be included in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll be able to help you. It depends on the make and model of your car, as well as whether keys are equipped with complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and request a service manager if you are unsure if they can help.

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

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. Dealers will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, make sure to carry all the required information along with you along with a photo ID. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing lost my only car key car keys is to call locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. But, they'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle as well as proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will do it).

Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets in pants and jackets or purses, as well as any other bags you might have used. You can also search for your keys in places where you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you've tried all this but are still unable to find your keys, it's time to contact someone.

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

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program the new key for more sophisticated cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Some of these more complex keys require you to provide the VIN number of your vehicle, but locksmiths will be able to complete the task on the spot.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys which can happen when you lock them accidentally in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own could cause more damage, and this should be left to professionals.

A locksmith can assist you replace keys that are lost in your car and provide tips on how to replace lost car key to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Taking preventative steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.