How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you put on your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your favorite TV show. However, you discover that the keys to your car aren't to be found.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are many ways to replace lost car keys, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to check your car first when you lose your keys. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially if we're distracted or in a rush. Finding keys to your car may be fairly easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved back and forwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Make sure you check zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. These devices usually include an internal chip that connects with the car to let you into the vehicle and start the motor. You'll need to visit your dealer to purchase the new key fob in case you've lost it.

Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be capable of creating a new key for you, as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also purchase an upgrade at the dealership, however this will be more expensive. The dealer must connect an electronic chip to your car. This can cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car's make and model.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage, you may be able to claim it to pay for the Cost Of Replacing Lost Car Keys of a new key. Moreover, it's also worth asking your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage that will help you in the event of an emergency. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able find one near you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the motor block. You may also find your VIN in other places, like your vehicle registration title, insurance and title documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car, so it's a good idea to keep it somewhere safe. In the event that you lose your keys, you'll be able to utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label located at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate 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 to serve as a prevention measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size assembly plant, and the year of its production.

VINs first came into use in 1954. However, up to 1981 they were available in different configurations. 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 many dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also purchase standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily call your local dealer to purchase a new set. Today, it's a lot more complicated than it used to be. If you're looking to get your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They're more likely to be able to get you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership would.

Before you contact someone to replace your car keys, make a note of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is crucial because it will be needed to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be printed in your owner's guide.

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

If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealer in order to have it replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a specific kind of key to reset and function correctly.

The process is now more involved than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to have this feature restored. A dealer can also provide you with a backup key that's similar to the one you have in case your lost one was damaged or cost of replacing lost car keys stolen. If you decide to go this route, make sure you have all of the information needed including an identification photo. This will help everyone to get through the process.

Contact an expert locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call a locksmith. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new car key lost car while you wait. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Before calling a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys could be. Check pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags that you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places you would not normally look, such as the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are unable to find your keys, it's time for you to call someone.

For keys that are traditional, a locksmith is likely to be able replace them on the spot for around $20. This is cheaper than what you would pay to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealership and purchase a new key.

Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, like smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number of your car, however a locksmith will be able to do it in a flash.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove broken or bent keys which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, so this task should be left to professionals.

In addition to helping you replace keys that were i lost my car keys what do i do in your car, a locksmith can provide advice on how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can help in ensuring that you don't lose your car keys ever again.