7 Tips About Replace Lost Car Keys That Nobody Can Tell You

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, 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.

Be aware of your options before you get in a panic. There are several ways to replace the car key that was lost however the majority of they require a locksmith or a dealership.

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 are in a hurry. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy if you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Check every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and back and forth. Also, look around small compartments or zippered areas to find keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag with care for keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that communicates with the car to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to obtain a new key fob if you've lost it.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith may be able to create keys for you, if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide a replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer will have to connect a computer chip for your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car's model and make.

Before you make a payment for the replacement of your car key lost be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive, you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of a new key. It's also important to inquire with your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance insurance that can assist you in the event of an emergency. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able locate one close to you.

Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. You may also find your VIN in other places, like your vehicle registration title, insurance and title documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. This way, should you lose your keys, you'll be in a position to use it to get a replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer specific to your lock that will then work with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's located at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb for the driver or on the side of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even etched on your windows or windshields to provide an security measure to prevent theft.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth look at your vehicle, including the model, manufacturer of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility, and year of manufacture.

VINs were first used in 1954, but until 1981, they were offered in a variety of configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from many 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 prices for lost car keys with no spare car keys (talks about it) or dealer in order to replace your key. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer and request 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.

While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and probably cost less than the dealership.

Before you call someone to replace your car keys, note down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be required to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN can be found on the driver's dashboard or found in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able replace cars keys for most manufacturers. This is not a guarantee, however. It is dependent on your make and model, and whether the keys are smart or have complex programming. If you're not sure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If your smart key was lost keys for my car or stolen it must be replaced by a dealership. This is because your car's security functions require a specific type of key to reset and work correctly.

This process is much more involved than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. A dealership can also provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, be sure to carry all the necessary information on hand along with an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Contact a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost car keys cost to replace car keys. A locksmith who has experience will be able program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. However, they will require the year and make of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Before calling a locksmith on the phone however, ensure that you've checked every possible place where your keys may be. This includes checking the pockets of jackets and pants as well as purses and other bags you've used. You could also search for your keys in places where you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should seek help.

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

Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number of your vehicle, but locksmiths will be able to do it in a flash.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to professionals.

In addition to helping you replace your keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can also offer advice on how to replace a lost car key to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys ever again.