How to Replace Lost Car Keys

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

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

Check your car's locks

If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget where we put them especially when we're rushing or distracted. Finding lost car keys can be fairly easy when your car is thoroughly searched.

Start with the driver’s seat. Examine every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forward. Also, look around compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate the keys. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag, for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that can communicate to the car to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need visit the dealership to have a new one made.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have i lost my only car key one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be able to create a new key for you, as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide a replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer will need to connect a computer chip for your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250, depending on the model and make.

Before you purchase the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you might be able to claim it to pay for the cost of replacing a key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could be useful in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans and you will be able to locate a service near you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, and sometimes behind 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 car and it's a good idea to keep it safe. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and nearest easily get a new key that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

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

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth look at your vehicle, including the model, manufacturer body type, engine size, assembly facility, and the 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 them to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you car requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer that will replace your key with one that will be able to start your car. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could simply contact your local dealership to have new keys made. Today, it's more complicated than that. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your best option.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They're more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road quickly and probably cost less than the dealership.

Before you contact anyone to replace your lost car keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important as someone will need it to create an alternative car key for you. 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 car manufacturers. This is not a guarantee however. It is all dependent on the model and make, as well as if the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. If you're not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.

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

This process is more complicated than it was previously be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. If your original key is stolen or damaged A dealership could provide you with a duplicate backup. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have all the information needed with you along with a photo ID. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Contact an expert locksmith

The most important step in replacing lost car keys is to call a locksmith. A locksmith who has experience will be able program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. However, they'll require the year, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Before you call a locksmith on the phone however, ensure that you've checked all possible places where your keys may be. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look, such as the floor behind the table behind the doorway or underneath the couch. If you'i ve lost my car keys tried all of these methods and still are struggling to locate your keys, it's time to call someone.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is cheaper than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance take your car to a dealership and buy a replacement key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program the new key for more advanced types of automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number of your car, but a locksmith will be able to cut and program the key on the spot.

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

In addition to helping you replace your keys to your car that have been lost locksmiths can also offer advice on how to avoid keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in ensuring that you never lose your car keys ever again.