Question: How Much Do You Know About Replace Lost Car Keys?

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 latest TV show. You discover that your car keys are missing.

Before you panic, know your options. There are a few different methods to replace lost car keys, but most of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check Your Car's Locks

If you lose your keys to your car, it's best to start by checking your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, especially if we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy when you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forth. Make sure you check small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. Also, be sure to check 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. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need visit the dealership to have an alternative one created.

Certain older cars still have keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost car key replacement (you can try thewrightbeef.com) one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you, as provided you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also get a new replacement from a dealer, but this will be much more expensive. The dealership will need to integrate a computer chip into your car, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Before you make a payment for a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. It's also worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage to aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance plans which means you will be able to locate services 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 on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track 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, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes on the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car and it's best to keep it in a safe place. 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 located at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or on the front of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even etched into your windows or windshields to provide an anti-theft measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was made.

VINs were first used in 1954, however, until 1981, they came in a variety of formats. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships as well as automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who will replace your key with one that will start your car. You can also find standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily call your local dealer to get a new set. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best place to go if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost car keys cost to replace.

While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best choice is to call an auto locksmith. They will be able to get you back on your way faster and charge less than the dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost keys. This is important because it will be needed to create a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or printed inside of your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. This isn't a warranty however. It is dependent on your make and model, and if the keys are smart or have complex programming. If you're unsure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealer for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a particular type of key to be reset and function properly.

This process is much more complicated than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional price to restore this feature. If your original key is lost or damaged, a dealership can provide you with a duplicate backup. If you choose to do this ensure that you have all of the information needed, including a photo ID. This will help everyone to get through the process.

Call an expert locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost car keys. A locksmith who has experience will be able program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. However, they'll need to know the year and make of your car along with evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should do it).

Before calling a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you've inspected every possible spot where your keys might be. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also check any other bags that you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look, such as the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you've tried all of this and are still unable to find your keys, then it's time to contact someone.

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

Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, like smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require you to provide the VIN number of your car however, an experienced locksmith has the right tools to complete this on the spot for you.

The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to professionals.

In addition to helping you replace lost car key with no spare car keys, a locksmith can provide advice on how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys again.