15 Things You've Never Known About Replace Lost Car Keys

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Be aware of your options prior to get in a panic. There are a few different ways to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the Locks on Your Car

If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, especially if we're busy or distracted. Finding lost car keys can be fairly easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

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

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices typically include an internal chip that connects to the car to allow you access to the vehicle and start the motor. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need to visit the dealership to have an alternative one created.

Some older vehicles still use traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, lost keys a locksmith might be able to make keys for you, if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

You can also get an entirely new replacement at the dealership, however this will be more expensive. The dealership will have to integrate a computer chip into your car, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your car.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage you might be able to claim on it to cover the cost of replacing a key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This could come in handy in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans, so you are likely to find a service close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. 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, and sometimes behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places such as your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's best to keep it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain a new key made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and get the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's situated between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the door jamb of the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even etched into your windshield or windows as part of an security measure against theft.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will provide you with a complete report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, model and make, body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year it was manufactured.

VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 1981, they were offered in various configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs 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 type of key your car requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll need to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too 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 complicated than that. The dealership might not be the best place to go in case you want to replace your car keys that have been lost.

While you may obtain a traditional key from the dealership, your best bet 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 you call someone to replace your keys. This is vital as it will be required to create a replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your vehicle, or may be printed in the owner's guide.

Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, it's not a assurance that they'll be able to help you. It is all dependent on the model and make, as well as whether the keys are smart or have complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and ask for the service manager if are unsure whether they can help.

If your smart key has been lost or stolen the key will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a certain type of key in order to reset and function properly.

This process is much more involved than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen the dealership will be able to provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to take this route, make sure to have all the required information with you, as well as a photo ID. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Call an expert locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing 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 the make, model, and year of your vehicle, with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Before calling a locksmith's number However, you must ensure that you've inspected every possible spot where your keys might be. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in areas where you don't usually put them, like on the floor behind the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to contact a professional for assistance.

For traditional keys locksmiths is likely to be able replace them on the spot for around $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance take your car to a dealership to buy a new key.

Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, like smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your car keys lost replacement, however locksmiths is likely to be able cut and lost keys program the key in a flash.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, so this task should be left to the experts.

A locksmith can help replace lost car keys and also offer guidance on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Taking preventative steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet can go a long way towards making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.