10 Places To Find Replace Lost Car Keys

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and want to change into your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch the latest TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.

Know your options before you panic. There are a variety of ways to replace a lost car key, but the majority of they require a locksmith or dealer.

Check the locks on your car.

If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy when you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver’s seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Make sure you check zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices typically include an internal chip that can communicate with the car to let you into the vehicle and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need go to the dealership to get a new one created.

Some older vehicles still use traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose 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 a new replacement from a dealer, but it will be more expensive. The dealership must integrate a computer chip into your car, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Be sure to check your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of a new key. It's also worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage that will aid you in the case of an emergency. There are many companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one in your area.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, as well as more. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb, or sometimes on the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places such as your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.

It's important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain a new one that is based on 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 cars have their VIN on a sticker that's located between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the driver's side door jamb or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even written into your windshield or windows as part of a anti-theft measure.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth report on your vehicle including the manufacturer, model of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility, and year of production.

VINs were first introduced in 1954, but up to 1981, they were offered in a variety of formats. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to get new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit a dealer or locksmith that can replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. You can also get standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer to get a new set. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than it used to be. The dealership may not be the best option in case you want to replace your car keys that have been lost.

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

Before you call someone to replace your lost car keys, make a note of the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is crucial because it will be needed to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your car or could be printed in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a assurance, however. It's dependent on the model and make of your car as well as whether or not the keys have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and ask for an expert in service if you are unsure if they can assist.

If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific kind of key in order to be reset and function properly.

This process is much more involved than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged A dealership could provide you with an identical backup. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have all the necessary information with you, as well as an ID photo. This will help everyone to get through the process.

Contact a locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call a locksmith. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle with proof of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Be sure to check every possible location for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags that you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places you would not normally look like the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If  replace lost car key  tried this but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for help.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is less expensive than the cost to have roadside assistance take your car to the dealership and purchase a new key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program the new key for more advanced models of automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. These keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the car's VIN number however, professional locksmiths should have the right tools to do this on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths can also remove broken or bent keys that are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. Trying to do it yourself could cause more damage.

In addition to helping you replace keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can also offer advice on how to stop future keys from 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 ensuring that you don't lose your car keys ever again.