How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your latest TV show. However, you discover that your car keys aren't to be found.

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

Check the locks on your car.

If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where we've put them particularly when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is relatively easy if you take the time to conduct a thorough search of 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 up and down, as well as back and forth. Also, feel around small compartments or zippered areas to find the keys. Also, be sure to check your purse, backpack, or tote bag for the keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices typically have an internal chip that communicates to the car to allow you into the vehicle and to start the motor. You'll have to visit your dealer to get the new key fob in case you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still use traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also get an upgrade from the dealership, but this will be more expensive. The dealer must pair up a computer chip for your car. This can cost between $200 and $250, depending on the make and model.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of a replacement key. It's also worth asking your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance insurance that can aid you in the case of an emergency. There are many companies that offer roadside assistance packages. You should be able find one in your area.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle that is on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It can also be used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically a label or plate on the dashboard of your car 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 vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.

It is important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain a new key made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve 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. It can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or on the front of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle to serve as a prevention measure.

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

VINs were first introduced in 1954, however, until 1981, they were available in a variety of formats. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to get new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could contact your local dealer to get a new set of keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're in the market to have your i lost my car keys car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your best option.

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

Before you call anyone to replace your car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be needed to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be printed inside of your owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a assurance however. It all depends on your model and make, as well as whether the keys are intelligent or are complex in their programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and inquire for the service manager if aren't sure if they can help.

If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealer to get it replaced. 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 much more complex than it used to be and you should make sure you're willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is lost or damaged the dealership will be able to provide you with an identical backup. If you choose to go this route, make sure to have all the required information on hand, as well as an ID photo. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.

Contact a locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing lost keys to a car keys to your car that have been lost is to call locksmith. An experienced locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. However, they'll require 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 will suffice).

Before calling a locksmith on the phone, though, make sure that you've checked all possible places where your keys could be. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you might have used. You can also look for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor behind the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've done this and still cannot find your keys, you should call for help.

For traditional keys, a locksmith is likely to be able replace keys on the spot for about $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow your car to a dealership to purchase a new key.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more advanced types of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, however locksmiths is likely to be able complete the task on the spot.

Many locksmiths can also take out bent or broken keys that are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. Trying to do it yourself could result in further damage.

In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can provide advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative 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 again.