How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you put on your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Before you panic, know your options. There are many methods to replace car keys that have been lost car key near me but the majority require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check Your Car's Locks

When you lose car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. After all, we often forget where we've put them, especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys isn't difficult when you take the time to do an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start 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 keys. Also, check the compartments with zippers or small spaces to find keys. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need visit the dealership to have an alternative one created.

Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

You can also get an entirely new replacement from the dealership, but this will be more expensive. The dealer will have to pair up the computer chip with your car. It could cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car's model and make.

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 policy to pay for the cost of buying an additional car key. It's also important to inquire with your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage that will assist you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans, so you will be able to locate an option close to you.

Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

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

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's best to keep it safe. That way, if you ever lose your keys, you can use it to get a replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's placed 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 front of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a prevention measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make, body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year of its production.

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

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from a variety of dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will require a locksmith or dealer to replace a lost car key your key. In other cases, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could contact your local dealership to have new keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the best option.

Although you could get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able to get you back on your way faster and charge less than a dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your lost keys. This is crucial because someone will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard, or it may be found in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a warranty, however. It all depends on your model and make, and whether the keys are smart or have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a service manager if you aren't sure if they can help.

If you have a smart key that's been lost keys to car no spare or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealer for it to be replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific kind of key in order to reset and function properly.

This process is more complicated than it was in the past be, so you should be prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can provide you with an identical backup. If you choose to go this route, be sure to have all the necessary information with you, as well as an ID photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call for a locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact locksmith. A skilled locksmith can cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. But, they'll need to know the year, make and model of your car lost key along with proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will do it).

Be sure to check every possible location for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. Check pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, check any other bags you may have used. You can also look for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, such as on the floor in front of 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, then it's time for you to call someone.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is less than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance take your car to the dealership and purchase a new key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program a new key for more sophisticated cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the VIN number of the car however a professional locksmith should have the right tools to cut and program the key in a flash for you.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove damaged or bent keys which can happen when you lock them accidentally in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to the experts.

In addition to helping you replace your keys to your car that have been lost key what to do, a locksmith can also give you advice about how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in making sure you never lose your car keys again.