How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to change into your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and binge your latest TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Know your options before you panic. There are several ways to replace the car key that was lost the car key however the majority of them require a locksmith or dealer.

Check your car's locks

It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially if we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is fairly easy when you make the effort to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver's seat. Check every inch of the car by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forth. Also, look around compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate the keys. 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 an extended distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to purchase an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Some older cars still have keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith could be able to make a replacement key for you if you've got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide a replacement, but it will cost more. The dealership must pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.

Before you pay for the replacement of your car key be sure to check your insurance policy. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider if you i have lost my car keys roadside service coverage. This could come in handy should you ever require it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able find one in your area.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car and jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes on the engine block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, such as your registration for your vehicle, title and insurance documents.

It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. In the event that you ever lose your keys, you'll be able to make use of it to get a replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer for your particular model that will then work with your lock.

The VIN is typically located on a label on the dashboard of the driver's side, where the windshield meets it. It can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or on the front of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, model and make body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.

VINs first came into use in 1954. 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 number is correct, you can get new keys from a variety of 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 need to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also purchase standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past the loss of your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could simply call your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than it used to be. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your best option.

You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an automotive lock. They are more likely to be able to get you back on the road in a hurry and probably cost less than the dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is important because the person who needs it will create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side or found in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll help you. It all depends on your model and make, as well as whether the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. If you're not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If your smart key was stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car's security features require a specific type of key to be reset and function properly.

This process is more complicated than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional price to restore this feature. A dealer can also give you a backup key that's similar to the original one in the event that your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, be sure to carry all the necessary information along with you, as well as an ID photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Contact a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step to replace lost keys to your car. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. They will require the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Before you get a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you have checked every possible spot where your keys could be. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You may also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor behind a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of this but are still struggling to locate your keys, it's time to contact someone.

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

Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number for your vehicle, but a locksmith is likely to be able do it on the spot.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own can cause more damage, and this task should be left to the professionals.

In addition to helping you replace your lost key what to do car keys locksmiths can also offer advice on how to stop future keys from being lost 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 never lose your car keys again.