How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you put on your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your latest TV show. However, you realize the keys to your car aren't to be found.

Know your options before you be in a panic. There are many methods to replace lost key car keys that have been lost but the majority require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the Locks on Your Car

It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially when we're busy or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly simple when your car is thoroughly searched.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Also, look around small compartments or zippered areas to locate the keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from the distance. These devices typically contain an internal chip that can communicate to the car to let you into the vehicle and then start the motor. If you've lost your car 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 lose these keys, a locksmith may be able to create a replacement key for you if you've got evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

You can also get a new replacement from the dealership, but this will be much more expensive. The dealer will have to connect an electronic chip to your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car's model and make.

Before you make a payment for a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of replacing a key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This could be useful if you ever need it. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance packages. You should be able locate one close to you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes on the motor block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like the registration of your vehicle, title and insurance documents.

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

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's located between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle to serve as a security measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.

VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. 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 number is correct, you can get new keys from a variety of dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key lost car your vehicle requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit a dealer or locksmith that can replace your key with one that will be able to start your vehicle. You can also find standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer to get a new set. Today, it's a lot more complex than it used to be. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your best option.

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

Before you call anyone to replace your lost my car keys what do i do car keys, write down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be required to create a replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN can be found on the driver's side dashboard, or it may be included in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance however. It depends on the make and model of your car, as well as whether keys have complicated 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 need to go to your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key in order to reset and function properly.

This process is much more complicated than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged the dealership will be able to provide you with an identical backup. If you decide to go this route, make sure you have all the necessary information with you, as well as a photo ID. This will help all to complete the process.

Contact a locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost keys for my car (for beginners). A skilled locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. However, they will require the year model, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Before you call a locksmith on the phone however, ensure that you've inspected all possible places where your keys might be. This includes checking pockets in jackets and pants as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, like on the floor under the table in the entryway 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 traditional keys, a locksmith should be able to replace keys on the spot for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport you car to a dealership to buy a new key.

Locksmiths often cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, but a locksmith is likely to be able cut and program the key immediately.

The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken or bent keys, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.

A locksmith can help replace keys to your car that have been lost car keys replaced and provide guidance on how to replace car keys when lost to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will assist you in avoiding losing your car keys again.