Everything You Need To Learn About Replace Lost Car Keys

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into 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 panic. There are a few different ways to replace car keys that have been lost, but most of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check Your Car's Locks

It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. After all, we often forget where we put them particularly when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is relatively easy when you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

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

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices typically contain an internal chip that can communicate with the car to let you into the vehicle and then start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need to visit a dealership to have an alternative one created.

Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths will be in a position to make a replacement key for you, as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

The dealer may also offer an alternative, but it will cost more. The dealer must connect a computer chip for your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's make and model.

Before you purchase a car key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. Additionally, it's worth asking your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance, so you will be able to locate a service close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number 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 and monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your vehicle or driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, such as the registration of your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.

It's important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. That way, if you should ever lose your keys, you can use it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's situated between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver or in front the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle including the model, manufacturer, body type, engine size, assembly facility, and the year of manufacture.

VINs were first introduced in 1954, however, until 1981, they were available in a variety of formats. In the year 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current 17-character format.

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

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could simply contact your local dealership to have new keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership may not be the best option if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They're more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and will probably charge less than the dealership.

Before you contact someone to replace your lost car keys, make a note of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important as the person who needs it will create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or printed inside of the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll assist you. It all depends on your model and make, as well as whether the keys are intelligent or have complicated programming. Bring your car to the dealership and ask for the service manager if aren't sure if they can help.

If your smart key has been stolen or lost it must be replaced by a dealership. This is because your car's security functions require a specific kind of key to reset and function correctly.

This process is more involved than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the extra cost to restore this feature. Dealers can also give you an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, be sure you have all the necessary information with you and an identification photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Call for a locksmith

The most important step in replacing lost car keys is to contact an experienced locksmith. A skilled locksmith can cut and program a new key for your car key lost replacement while you wait. But, they'll need to know the year and make of your car along with proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. Check pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you may have used. You can also look for your keys in areas where you don't usually put them, like on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried all this but are still struggling to locate your keys, then it's time for you to contact someone.

For keys that are traditional locksmiths is likely to be able replace keys in a matter of $20. This is cheaper than what you would pay to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program keys for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number for your car, but locksmiths should be able to do it immediately.

Many locksmiths can also remove broken or bent keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Doing it yourself could result in further damage.

In addition to helping you replace lost car keys locksmiths can also give you advice about how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Making 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.