How to Replace lost key to car Car Keys

You're tired, so you put on your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You find that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Be aware of your options before you get in a panic. There are many ways to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the Locks on Your Car

It's best to inspect your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget where they're, especially when we're rushing or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly simple in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start with the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for your car keys. Also, feel around zippered areas or small compartments to find the keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices usually include an internal chip that can communicate with the car to allow you into the vehicle and then start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to purchase the new key fob in case you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still use traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths will be able to create a new key for you as provided you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer is also able to provide a replacement, but it will cost more. The dealership will have to pair a computer chip with your car, which could be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

Before you pay for the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You may be able claim 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 if you ever need it. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance, so you are likely to find services near you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle that is on the road. It is 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 an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car and driver's side door jamb, and sometimes, in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get a new key that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and get the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is usually located on a label on the driver's-side dashboard, where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the driver's side door remote jamb or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some instances there are instances where the VIN is even etched into your windshield or windows as part of a security measure to prevent theft.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model of the body, type of engine, size, remote assembly facility and the year of manufacturing.

VINs first came into use in 1954, but until 1981, they were offered in a variety of configurations. In the year 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from most dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who can swap your key for one that will start your car. You can also find regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago losing your car keys was not an issue. You could just contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're in the market to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the most ideal option.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to call an automotive lock. They will be able get you back on the quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.

Before you call someone to replace your lost car keys, write down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important as you will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard, or it may be found in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able replace cars keys for most manufacturers. This isn't a assurance, however. It is dependent on your model and make, as well as if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. Bring your car to the dealership and remote inquire for the service manager if are unsure whether they can assist.

If your smart key has been lost or stolen, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific type of key to function correctly and reset.

This process is more involved than it used to be and you should make sure you're willing to pay the additional price to restore this feature. A dealer can also provide you with a backup key that's similar to the one you have in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you opt to do this, make sure you have all of the necessary information, including an identification photo. This will help everyone to go through the process.

Call for a locksmith

The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact an experienced locksmith. A locksmith with experience will be able program and cut a new car key while you wait. However, they will require the year model, make and model of your vehicle, as well as proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Be sure to check every possible location for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You may also search for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, such as on the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've done this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.

For keys that are traditional, a locksmith is likely to be able replace them in a matter of $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance transport your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new one.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program keys for more advanced models of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, but a locksmith will be able to do it immediately.

Many locksmiths can also take out broken or bent keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. If you attempt what to do if lost car keys remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to professionals.

In addition to helping you replace your keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can also offer advice on how to avoid keys from being lost or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can help in ensuring that you never lose your car keys ever again.