How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweats take a bite of pizza and binge your latest TV show. You discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Know your options before you get in a panic. There are a variety of ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost however the majority of these require a locksmith or dealership.

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've put them, especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost my car keys what do i do car keys isn't difficult when you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and back and forth. Also, feel around small compartments or zippered areas to locate keys. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices usually include an internal chip that communicates to the car to let you into the vehicle and start the engine. If you've lost key replacement your car key fob, you'll have to go to the dealership to get a new one made.

Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be capable of creating a new key for you as provided you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

You can also purchase a new replacement at the dealership, however this will be much more expensive. The dealer will have to connect a computer chip for your car. It could cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's model and make.

Before you purchase the replacement of your car key make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a replacement key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This will be useful should you ever require it. There are many companies that offer roadside assistance packages. You should be able find one near you.

Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, and sometimes behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's recommended to store it safe. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get a new one that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code specific to your lock, which will then work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's located where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb of the driver or on the side of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even written into your windows or windshields as part of a security measure against theft.

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

VINs first appeared in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, until 1981, they were offered in a variety of 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 most locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will require an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. If not, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago the loss of your car keys wasn't an issue. You could just contact your local dealer to have new keys made. It's more complicated today. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your most ideal option.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to contact an auto lock. They are more likely to be able to get you back on the road fast and probably cost less than the dealership would.

Before calling anyone to replace your car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important as someone will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard or found in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance, however. It depends on the make and model of your car, as well as whether or not the keys have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and inquire for the service manager if are unsure whether they can assist.

If your smart key has been stolen or lost it must be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key to reset and function correctly.

This process is more complex than it was in the past be, so you should be prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. A dealership will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the one you have in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you choose to do this, make sure you have all of the necessary information, including a photo ID. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.

Contact a locksmith

The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost keys to car no spare is to contact an experienced locksmith. An experienced locksmith can cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. However, they will need to know the year model, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you may have used. You can also look for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, such as on the floor under the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all this but are still struggling to locate your keys, then it's time for you to contact someone.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow you car to a dealership to purchase a new one.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number of your car, but a locksmith is likely to be able cut and program the key in a flash.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove broken or bent keys that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.

A locksmith can help you replace keys that are lost key replacement in your car and offer guidance on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could help you to never lose your car keys again.