The Reasons To Work With This Replace Lost Car Keys

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. However, you discover that the keys to your car aren't to be found.

Be aware of your options prior to be in a panic. There are several methods to replace car keys that have been lost, but most of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

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. Fortunately the search for lost car keys isn't difficult if you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forward. Also, feel around small compartments or zippered areas to locate keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for the keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from the distance. They usually have an internal chip that communicates to the car to allow you access to the vehicle and start the motor. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll have to go to the dealership to get a new one made.

lost keys  have keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith could be able create keys for you if you've got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also purchase a new replacement from a dealer, but this will be more expensive. The dealer will need to connect the computer chip with your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car's make and model.

Before you make a payment for a car key replacement make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage you might be able to claim it to pay for the cost of replacing a key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This can help should you ever require it. There are a variety of companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able find one in your area.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It is 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 usually stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your registration for your vehicle and title as well as insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's recommended to store it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain a new key made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's located between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the door jamb for the driver's side, or in 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 theft prevention measure.

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

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

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago, losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. Today, it's more complex than that. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your best option.

While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and probably cost less than the dealership.

Before calling anyone to replace your car keys, write down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be needed in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be printed in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. This isn't a warranty however. It's contingent on the model and make of your vehicle as well as whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. If you're not sure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your vehicle into the store and speak with the service manager.

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

This process is more complicated than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional price to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen the dealership will be able to offer you a similar backup. If you choose to go this route ensure that you have all of the required information including a photo ID. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call for a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost. A skilled locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. But, they'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should do it).

Make sure you check every possible location for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. Check pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you may have used. You may also search for your keys in areas where you don't usually put them, like on the floor in front of the doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.

For keys that are traditional locksmiths will be able to repair keys in a matter of $20. This is less than the cost to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealership and purchase a new key.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Some of these more complex keys require you to provide the VIN number for your vehicle, but a locksmith will be able to do it in a flash.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys, which can occur when you accidentally lock them in your car. It is recommended to leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. If you attempt to do it yourself could result in further damage.

In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can also provide advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will aid you in never losing your car key once more.