How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and want to change into your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch the latest TV show. car key lost replacement find that your car keys have disappeared.

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

Check the Locks on Your Car

When you lose keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where they're especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy if you make the effort to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and forth. Also, feel around small compartments or zippered areas to find keys. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need visit the dealership to have a new one created.

Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith may be able create an alternative key for you if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.

You can also purchase a new replacement at the dealership, however this will be much more expensive. The dealership will have to pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the model and make of your vehicle.

Before you pay for a car key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. Ask your insurance company whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could help in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages and you will be able to locate services near you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into a label or plate on the dashboard of your vehicle and driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, including your registration for your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's a good idea to keep it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get a new key made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's placed at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the door jamb of the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly 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 report on your vehicle, including the model, manufacturer body type, engine size, assembly facility, and the year of manufacturing.

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

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from a variety of locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could just call your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership might not be the best place to go for replacing your lost car keys.

While you may obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best choice is to call an auto locksmith. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and likely to charge less than the dealership would.

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

Dealerships are able to replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll be able assist you. It depends on the model and make of your vehicle and whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. If you're unsure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features in your car require a specific kind of key to reset and function properly.

This process is more complex than it was previously be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. Dealers can also provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, be sure you have all the required information along with you and an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Call an expert locksmith

The most important step in replacing lost car keys is to contact locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. However, they'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Before you call a locksmith on the phone however, ensure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys may be. Check pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you might not normally go, such as the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you've tried all this but are still not able to locate your keys, it's time for you to contact someone.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance transport your car to a dealership to buy a new key.

Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars that have more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the VIN number of your car, but a professional locksmith has the right tools to complete this right on the spot for you.

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

A locksmith can assist you replace lost car keys and also provide tips on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Taking 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 don't lose your car keys ever again.
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