How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys have disappeared.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are several ways to replace a lost car key however the majority of they require a locksmith or dealer.

Check the locks on your car.

It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget the location of our keys, especially if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Finding keys to your car may be relatively easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Also, check the small compartments or zippered areas to locate keys. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse, or tote bag, for keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that communicates to the car to allow you into the vehicle and to start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need go to the dealership to get a new one made.

Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost the car key 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.

The dealer may also offer an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealer will have to connect an electronic chip to your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's make and model.

Before you make a payment for an auto key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you might be able to claim it to cover the cost of replacing a key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This will be useful 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 number (VIN)

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

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's a good idea to keep it safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new one that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your specific model which can then be used with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver's side, where the windshield meets it. You can also look for it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even embedded on your windows or windshields to provide an anti-theft measure.

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

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

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to purchase new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you'll need to visit a locksmith or replace lost car key cost dealer in order to replace your key. You can also purchase regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could simply contact your local dealer to get a new set of keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best option if you need to replace your car keys that have been i lost my car keys what do i do.

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

Before calling anyone to replace your car keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is crucial because someone will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or printed inside of the owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll help you. It all depends on your make and model, and whether the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you're unsure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.

If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need 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 work correctly.

This process is more complex than it used to, so make sure you're willing to pay a higher price to restore this feature. A dealer will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the original one in the event that the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to do this ensure that you have all of the necessary information, including an identification photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Contact a locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. An experienced locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle with evidence of ownership (a copy your registration or title).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. Check the pockets of the pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any 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 in front of a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.

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

Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars 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 will be able to cut and program the key in a flash.

Many locksmiths can also take out broken or bent keys that are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own could cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to the experts.

In addition to helping you Replace Lost Car Key Cost keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can also offer advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.