15 Things You've Never Known About Replace Lost Car Keys

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your favorite TV show. However, you discover that your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are many methods to replace lost car keys but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to inspect your car first if you lose your keys. In the end, we tend to forget where we put them, especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is relatively easy if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forth. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from an extended distance.  similar resource site  include an internal chip that can communicate to the car to allow you into the vehicle and then start the motor. You'll need to visit your dealer to purchase an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be capable of creating a new key for you, as long as you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

The dealer may also offer an alternative however it will cost more. The dealership will need to connect a computer chip to your car, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your car.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage you might be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could help in the event that you need it. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able to locate one close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

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

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's best to keep it safe. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get new keys made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and get the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a label on the dashboard of the driver at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even written on your windows or windshields as part of a security measure to prevent theft.

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

VINs first came into use in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 1981 they were available in different configurations. In that year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from a variety of locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will have to visit a 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 a huge deal. You could easily call your local dealer to get a new set. Today, it's more complicated than that. If you're in the market to get your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your most ideal option.

While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely be able to get you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership would.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because you will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be printed inside of the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. It is not a 100% warranty, however. It depends on the make and model of your car, as well as whether or not the keys have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

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

The process is now more complex than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen the dealership will be able to provide you with an identical backup. If you opt to do this, make sure you have all of the necessary information, including a photo ID. This will help everyone to get through the process.

Contact a locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A skilled locksmith will be able cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Be sure to check every possible location for your keys before you contact a locksmith. Check pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, look through any other bags you might have used. You may also search for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor under the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of this and are still unable to find your keys, then it's time to contact someone.

For keys that are traditional locksmiths is likely to be able replace keys on the spot for about $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance take 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, including transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys 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.

Locksmiths are also able to capability of removing broken or bent keys which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own could cause more damage, and this task should be left to professionals.

A locksmith can help replace keys to your car that have been lost and give advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.