How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are several ways to replace lost car keys however, the majority of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check Your Car's Locks

If you lose your car keys, it's always best to start by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they are, especially if we're busy or distracted. Finding keys to your car may be relatively easy when your car is thoroughly searched.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Be sure to look around small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost car keys replacement cost your car's key fob, you'll have to visit a dealership to have a new one made.

Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost key replacement near me one of keys, it's likely 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.

You can also purchase a new replacement at the dealership, however this will be more expensive. The dealer must pair up the computer chip with your car. This could cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car's model and make.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase a new car key. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. It's also important to inquire with your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage to assist you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages which means you will be able to locate an option near you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It can also be used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb and sometimes even in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your registration for your vehicle, title, and insurance documents.

It is important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your car. 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 find the key code of the manufacturer specific to your lock which can then be used with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's situated 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. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft security measure.

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

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

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to purchase new keys at most dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if your car requires an ignition chip, you'll need to go to an auto locksmith or dealer that can replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could easily call your local dealer to purchase a new set. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership may not be the best place to go for replacing your lost car keys.

You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to call an automotive lock. They can get you back on your way faster and charge less than the dealership.

Before you contact someone to replace your lost car keys, write down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be needed to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be printed in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able replace lost keys keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, this isn't a assurance that they'll assist you. It is all dependent on the model and make, and if the keys are smart or have complex programming. If you're not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.

If your smart key was stolen or lost it must be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific type of key in order to reset and function properly.

This process is more complex than it was previously, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. A dealer 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 choose to go this route, make sure to have all the necessary information along with you along with an identification photo. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.

Call for a locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. A reputable locksmith will be able to cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle with proof of ownership (a copy your registration or title).

Be sure to check every possible location for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. Check pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places you might not normally go for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all this and are still struggling to locate your keys, then it's time for you to call someone.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new one.

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

Many locksmiths can also take out bent or broken keys that are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this task should be left to professionals.

In addition to helping you replace your keys that were i lost my keys in your car, a locksmith can also provide advice on how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet can go a long way towards ensuring that you never lose your car keys ever again.