How to Replace Lost Car Keys

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

Know your options before you be in a panic. There are many ways to replace lost car keys, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the Locks on Your Car

It's best to check your car first when you lose your keys. In the end, we tend to forget where they're, especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Finding lost car keys can be fairly simple when your car is thoroughly searched.

Start with the driver’s seat. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for the car key. Also, look around small compartments or zippered areas to find keys. You should also carefully check your purse, backpack, or tote bag, for keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from the distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that can communicate with the car to allow you access to the vehicle and then start the motor. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need to go to the dealership to get an alternative one created.

Some older vehicles still use traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith could be able create a replacement key for you, if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.

You can also get an upgrade from a dealer, but it will be more expensive. The dealership will need to integrate a computer chip into your vehicle, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you might be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a replacement key. Moreover, it's also important to inquire with your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage to assist you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance plans, so you should be able to find a service close to you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, and sometimes behind the motor block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, including your registration for your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's recommended to store it safe. In the event that you ever lose your keys, you'll be able to make use of it to get an alternative key quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label placed between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the driver-side door jamb or on the front of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. In some cases it is possible that the VIN is even etched on your windows or windshields to provide an anti-theft measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, including manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size assembly plant, and the year it was made.

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

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to purchase new keys at most dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you'll have to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also purchase regular keys from 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 get new keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best option in case you want to replace your lost car keys.

You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership, but it is better to call an automotive lock. They're more likely to be able to get you back on the road in a hurry and likely to charge less than the dealership would.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because it will be needed in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard, or it may be included in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This is not a guarantee however. It's contingent on the model and make of your car, as well as whether keys have complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and inquire for an expert in service if you are unsure if they can assist.

If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealership in order to have it 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 complex than it was previously, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. A dealership can also provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original in case the lost key to car key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, make sure to have all the information needed with you and an identification photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step to replace lost keys to your car. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a copy your registration or title).

Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. Check the pockets of jackets, pants and purses. Also check any other bags you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you might not normally go for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all this and are still not able to locate your keys, it's time to contact someone.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance take your car to a dealership to purchase a new one.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more sophisticated automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the car's VIN number, but an experienced locksmith will have the tools to cut and program the key right on the spot for you.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you accidentally lock them in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own can cause more damage, and this task should be left to the professionals.

A locksmith can help replace lost spare car key car keys and also offer guidance on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or how to replace lost car keys stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home could aid you in never losing your car keys once more.