How To Replace Lost Car Key to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch the latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.

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

Check your car's locks

It is best to look in 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 keys to your car isn't difficult if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forth. Be sure to feel around compartments with zippers and small spaces for keys, too. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices typically contain an internal chip that connects to the car to let you into the vehicle and start the motor. You'll need to go to your dealer to get an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Some older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths are capable of creating a new key for you, as provided you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

You can also purchase a new replacement at the dealership, however this will be much more expensive. 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 model and make of your vehicle.

Before you pay for a car key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a replacement key. 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. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans, so you are likely to find a service close to you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is typically an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car and the driver's side door jamb and sometimes, how To replace Lost Car key in front of the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, such as your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car and it's recommended to store it safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new one that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer for your particular model that will then work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label located where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver or in front the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even embedded into your windshield or windows as part of an security measure to prevent theft.

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

VINs first came into use in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, up to 1981 they were available in a variety of configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain 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 require an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also find standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could easily contact your local dealer to purchase a new set. Today, it's a lot more complicated than it used to be. The dealership might not be the best place to go if you need to replace your car keys that have been lost.

You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership, but it's best to contact an auto lock. They can to get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your lost keys. This is important because it will be needed to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car or it could be printed in the owner's guide.

Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. However, it's not a guarantee that they'll be able to assist you. It all depends on your model and make, as well as whether the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you're unsure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle into the store and speak with the service manager.

If your smart key has been lost or stolen it must be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key in order to be reset and function properly.

The process is now more complicated than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to have this feature restored. Dealers can also give you a backup key that's similar to the one you have in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this way, make sure you have all the necessary information including an identification photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call an expert locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost. A locksmith with experience will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. However, they'll need to know the year, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will do it).

Make sure you check every possible location for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. This includes checking pockets in pants and jackets or purses, as well as any other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.

For keys that are traditional locksmiths should be able to replace keys in a matter of $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance transport your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program a new key for more advanced models of automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the VIN number of your car however, an experienced locksmith will have the tools to do this right on the spot for you.

The majority of locksmiths also have the capability of removing broken or bent keys which can happen when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is best to leave the removal of a broken key lost in car to professionals. Trying to do it yourself could cause more damage.

In addition to helping you replace keys that were lost in your car locksmiths can also offer advice on how to stop future keys from being lost or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can aid you in never losing your car key once more.