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. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Before you panic, know your options. There are many ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost, but the majority of they require a locksmith or a dealership.

Check your car's locks

If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget the location of our keys, especially when we're busy or distracted. Fortunately the search for i lost my keys car keys is fairly easy if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Check every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Make sure you check small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. Also, you should carefully search 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. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to purchase a new key fob if you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths are able to create a new key for you as long as you can provide proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

You can also get an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but this will be much more expensive. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your car, which can be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Additionally, it's worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage to assist 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 number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for every vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into a label or plate on the dashboard of your car or the driver's side door jamb and sometimes, in front of the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, including your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's recommended to store it in a safe place. In the event that you should ever lose your keys, you can use it to get a replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer for your specific model, which will then work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's located where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the door jamb on the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some cases it is possible that the VIN is even embedded into your windshield or windows as part of a security measure against theft.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, including the manufacturer, i lost My keys make and model the body style, the engine size, I Lost My Keys assembly plant and the year of its production.

VINs first came into use in 1954, however, until 1981, they came in a variety. 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 get new keys from most dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type 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 find regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could simply contact your local dealer to have new keys made. It's more complicated today. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.

Although you could get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and probably cost less than the dealership.

Before you call anyone to replace your lost car keys, note down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important as you will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or included in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll be able help you. It is dependent on your make and model, and if the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. Bring your car to the dealership and inquire for the service manager if are unsure whether they can help.

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

This process is more complicated than it was in the past, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is lost or damaged the dealership will be able to provide you with an identical backup. If you decide to go this route, be sure to carry all the information needed on hand along with a photo ID. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.

Contact a locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost key replacement car keys to your car. A skilled locksmith can cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. They will require the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. Check pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags you may have used. You can also look for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally place them, such as on the floor in front of a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of this and are still not able to locate your keys, it's time for you to contact someone.

For keys that are traditional locksmiths should be able to replace keys on the spot for around $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance transport your car to a dealership to purchase a new one.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number for your car, but a locksmith should be able to do it in a flash.

Many locksmiths can also remove broken or bent keys that are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. If you attempt to do it yourself can cause further damage.

A locksmith can assist you replace keys that are lost in your car and give tips on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can help in ensuring that you never lose your car keys ever again.