How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt Grab a pizza and watch the latest TV show. However, you discover that your car keys are nowhere to be found.

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

Check your car's locks

It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially when we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is relatively easy if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver's seat. The seats can be moved forward and backwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your car for the car key. Be sure to look around compartments with zippers and small spaces for keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. These devices typically contain an internal chip that connects to the car in order to let you into the vehicle and then start the engine. If you've Lost car keys how To replace your car's keys fob, you'll need go to the dealership to get a new one made.

Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost keys in car these keys, a locksmith may be able to make a replacement key for you if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide the replacement, but it will cost more. The dealer must pair up an electronic chip to your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250, depending on the make and model.

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase a new car key. You could be able to claim your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Additionally, it's worth asking your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage that will help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance plans which means you will be able to locate a service close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It is also used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically the form of a plate or label on your car's dashboard and the driver's side door jamb and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.

It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new key made using 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 driver's-side dashboard at the point where the windshield joins it. It can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or on the side of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some cases it is possible that the VIN is even etched on your windows or windshields as part of an security measure against theft.

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

VINs first came into use in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 1981 they were available in different 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 get new keys at most dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you'll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago, losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could easily call your local dealer and request a new set. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than that. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the most ideal option.

While you may purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able get you back on your faster and for less than the dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is important because the person who needs it will create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be found in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. However, this isn't a assurance that they'll be able to assist you. It all depends on your make and model, and if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that's been lost key to car no spare or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership for it to be 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 now more involved than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the additional price to restore this feature. A dealership can also give you an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to do this ensure that you have all the required information including a photo ID. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. A locksmith with experience will be able program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle with evidence of ownership (a copy your registration or title).

Before you get a locksmith over the phone However, you must ensure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys might be. Check the pockets of jackets, pants and purses. Also, check any other bags that you might have used. You can also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look like the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of this and are still struggling to locate your keys, it's time for you to contact someone.

For traditional keys, a locksmith will be able to repair them on the spot for around $20. This is less expensive than what you would pay to have roadside assistance tow your car to a dealership and buy a replacement key.

Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, such as transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number of your car, but a locksmith should be able to complete the task in a flash.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is best to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.

A locksmith can help replace keys to your car that have been lost keys for car no spare and give guidance on how to replace lost car key to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventive steps, like 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.