How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and watch the latest TV show. You discover that your car keys are missing.

Be aware of your options before you panic. There are many ways to replace the car key that was lost, but the majority of these require a locksmith or dealer.

Check your car's locks

It's best to check your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget where they are, especially when we're distracted or in a rush. Finding lost car keys can be fairly easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start with the driver’s seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forward. Also, look around zippered areas or small compartments to locate keys. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from the distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to purchase an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Some older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith could be able to make a replacement key for you if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide a replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer must pair up a computer chip for your car. It could cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car's make and model.

Before you purchase a car key replacement make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of replacing a key. Additionally, it's worth asking your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance insurance that can aid you in the case of an emergency. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able locate one 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 on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb, or sometimes behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car and it's recommended to store it somewhere safe. That way, if you lose your keys, you'll be in a position to make use of it to get a replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code specific to your lock, which will then work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's placed at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb of the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft security measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth analysis of your vehicle including the model, manufacturer, body type, engine size, assembly facility and the year of manufacture.

VINs first appeared in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, up to 1981, they were offered 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 purchase new keys from many dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll have to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could just call your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. It's more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best place to go in case you want to replace your lost car keys.

You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership, but it is better to contact an automotive lock. They can to get you back on your faster and for less than the dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your keys. This is vital as it will be required in order for someone to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be printed inside of your owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. This isn't a assurance, however. It is all dependent on the model and make, and whether the keys are smart or have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and Lost Key Car ask for an expert in service if you are unsure if they can assist.

If you have a smart key that's lost key car (click) or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific kind of key in order to reset and function properly.

This process is more complex than it was previously be, so you should be prepared to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. A dealer can also provide you with another key that's identical to the original one in the event that the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, be sure you have all the required information on hand and a photo ID. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Contact for a locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost car keys. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. However, they will require the year and make of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to you contact a locksmith. 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 places that you would not normally look for them, like the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you have done this and still cannot find 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 having roadside assistance tow you car to a dealership to purchase a new key.

Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number of your car, but locksmiths is likely to be able cut and program the key in a flash.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, Lost Key Car so this task should be left to the experts.

In addition to helping you replace your keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can also offer advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can help you to never lose your car keys again.