How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your latest TV show. You discover that your car keys have disappeared.

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

Check Your car key lost's Locks

It's best to check your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget the location of our keys, especially when we're busy or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be relatively easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for the car key. Also, check the zippered areas or small compartments to locate keys. You should also carefully check your purse, backpack, or tote bag for the keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that communicates with the car to let you into the vehicle and to start the motor. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need go to the dealership to get an alternative one created.

Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith could be able create an alternative key for you if you've got proof of ownership like your registration or title.

You can also get an upgrade from the dealership, but it will be more expensive. The dealer must pair up a computer chip for your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car's make and model.

Before you make a payment for an auto key replacement make sure you check your insurance policy. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This will help should you ever require it. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able to find one near you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and more. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, or sometimes in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places such as your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.

It is important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new key made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your particular model, which will then work with your lock.

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

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year of its production.

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

If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from most dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you will need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also purchase basic keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago the loss of your car keys wasn't an issue. You could contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. It's more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best place to go for replacing the keys to your car that you lost.

You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership.

Before you call someone to replace your lost car keys, write down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be needed in order for someone to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be found in the owner's guide.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll be able to help you. It's dependent on the model and make of your car, as well as whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. If you're unsure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a certain type of key to be reset and function properly.

The process is more complicated than it was previously, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. A dealership can also give you another key that's identical to the original in case your lost keys for my car one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, be sure you have all the required information on hand and an ID photo. This will help everyone to get through the process.

Call a Locksmith

The most important step in replacing lost car keys is to call an experienced locksmith. An experienced locksmith will be able cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle, with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Before you get a locksmith over the phone However, you must ensure that you've inspected all possible places where your keys may be. This includes checking pockets in jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you might have used. You can also look for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, like on the floor behind a doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.

For traditional keys, a locksmith will be able to repair keys on the spot for about $20. This is cheaper than what you would pay to have roadside assistance tow your car to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

Locksmiths often cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the car's VIN number, but an experienced locksmith should have the right tools to do this on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove broken or bent keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key lost car to a professional. Doing it yourself could cause more damage.

A locksmith can assist you replace keys that are lost in your car and offer tips on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in ensuring that you don't lose your car keys again.