How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so put on your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys aren't to be found.

Know your options before you get in a panic. There are several ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost keys to car however the majority of them require a locksmith or dealership.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to inspect 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 relatively easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved back and forwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Also, look around compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate keys. Also, be sure to check 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 the distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need visit the dealership to have a new one created.

Certain older cars still have keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you have lost a car key these keys, a locksmith could be able to create an alternative key for you if you've got evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

You can also get an upgrade from the dealership, but this will be more expensive. The dealership will have to pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase a new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of replacing a key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This can come in handy should you ever require it. There are many companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able to find one in your area.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb and sometimes even on the motor block. You may also find your VIN in other places, including your vehicle registration, title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car, so it's best to keep it in a safe place. That way, if you ever lose your keys, you can make use of it to get a replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer specific to your lock, which will then work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label located where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a security measure.

Enter your VIN into an online 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 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 is correct, then you will be able to purchase new keys at the majority of dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll require a locksmith or dealer 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 was not a big deal. You could easily contact your local dealer to get a new set. Today, it's a lot more complicated than it used to be. The dealership might not be the best option if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost keys for car.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They can to get you back on your faster and for less than the dealership.

Before you contact anyone to replace your car keys, write down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is crucial because someone will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car or could be printed in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able replace cars keys for most manufacturers. This isn't a warranty however. It's contingent on the model and make of your vehicle as well as whether keys have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and ask for an expert in service if you aren't sure if they can assist.

If your smart key was lost keys car or stolen, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features in your car require a specific type of key in order to function correctly and reset.

The process is more complicated than it used to, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. If your original key is stolen or damaged, a dealership can offer you a similar backup. If you opt to go this way, make sure you have all the necessary information including a photo ID. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.

Call for a locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that I Have Lost My Car Keys been lost key in car is to call locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. They will require the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, with evidence of ownership (a copy your registration or title).

Be sure to check every possible location for your keys before you contact a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you've used. You could also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look, such as the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for help.

For traditional keys, a locksmith should be able to replace keys on the spot for around $20. This is less expensive than the cost for roadside assistance to tow your car to a dealer and purchase a replacement key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program the new key for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, however locksmiths should be able to complete the task on the spot.

Many locksmiths can also remove broken or bent keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this task should be left to experts.

In addition to helping you replace your keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can give you advice about how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home could assist you in avoiding losing your car key again.