How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you change into your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your latest TV show. However, you discover that your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are many methods to replace lost car keys, but most of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

If you've lost your keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. After all, we often forget where we've put them particularly when we're in a rush or distracted. Finding lost car keys can be fairly simple when your car is thoroughly searched.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Check every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Also, feel around compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate keys. You should also carefully check 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 from a distance. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to obtain the new key fob in case you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still use traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths will be capable of creating a new key for you, as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

You can also get an upgrade at the dealership, however it will be more expensive. The dealership must connect a computer chip to your vehicle, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This could be useful in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance packages, so you should be able to find services close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car, jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your registration for your vehicle, title, and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car and it's best to keep it in a safe place. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get new keys that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer specific to your lock which can then be used with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver's side at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also look for it on the driver's side door jamb or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a prevention 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 production.

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

If your VIN is valid, then you'll 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 require a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also get standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily call your local dealer to purchase a new set. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best place to go for replacing your lost key to car No spare car keys.

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

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your lost keys. This is crucial because it will be needed in order for someone to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your car, or may be printed in your owner's guide.

Dealerships are able replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. This isn't a guarantee, however. It is all dependent on the model and make, and if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If your smart key has been lost electric key or stolen, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car's security functions require a specific kind of key to reset and work properly.

This process is more complicated than it was previously, so make sure you're willing to pay a higher cost 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 electric key one gets damaged or stolen. If you choose to do this, make sure you have all of the information needed including a photo ID. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.

Call for a locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost my keys. A locksmith with expertise will be able to program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a copy your registration or title).

Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets or purses, as well as any other bags you might have used. You can also search for your keys in places that you would not normally look like the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are unable to find your keys, it's time to call someone.

For keys that are traditional, a locksmith should be able to replace them in a matter of $20. This is cheaper than the cost for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealership and purchase a new key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program keys for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the VIN number of your car however, an experienced locksmith should have the right tools to do this right on the spot for you.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to professionals.

A locksmith can help you replace keys to your car that have been lost and provide advice on how to avoid future keys from being lost or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home can assist you in avoiding losing your car key ever again.