10 Quick Tips For Replace Lost Car Keys

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweats take a bite of pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.

Know your options before you get in a panic. There are many methods to replace lost car keys however, the majority of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check your car's locks

It's best to inspect your car first if you lose your keys. After all, we often forget where we put them especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is fairly easy when you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and back and forth. Be sure to feel around small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to obtain the new key fob in case you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith could be able to create keys for you if you've got proof of ownership like your registration or title.

You can also purchase an entirely new replacement at the dealership, however this will be more expensive. The dealer must connect a computer chip for your car. This could cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car's make and model.

Before you pay for the replacement of your car key make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you may be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Ask your insurance company whether they have roadside service coverage. This can help should you ever require it. There are many companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able to find one near you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car and jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your registration for your vehicle, title, and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's best to keep it in a safe place. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get 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 VIN is usually located on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver's side in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also look for it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a security measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder.  Find Out More  will give you an entire report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year it was made.

VINs first appeared in 1954. 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 number is correct, you can get new keys from many dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will require an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily call your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's more complicated than it used to be. The dealership may not be the best place to go for replacing the keys to your car that you lost.

While you may obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best choice is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and probably cost less than the dealership would.

Before calling someone to replace your lost car keys, make a note of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important because someone will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your car, or may be printed in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance however. It is all dependent on the make and model, and if the keys are smart or have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and inquire for a service manager if you are unsure whether they can help.

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

This process is much more complex than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional cost to restore this feature. A dealer can also provide you with 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 required information on hand along with an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Contact a locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost. An experienced locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Make sure you check every possible location for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you've used. You could also search for your keys in places you would not normally look like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've done this but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to contact a professional for assistance.

For traditional keys, a locksmith should be able to replace keys in a matter of $20. This is less expensive than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program the new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. These more complex keys might require you to provide the car's VIN number however a professional locksmith will have the tools to do this on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths can also take out bent or broken keys that are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, and this should be left to the professionals.

In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can also offer advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.