How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You’re exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweats take a bite of pizza and binge your latest TV show. However, you realize the keys to your car aren’t to be found.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are several ways to replace the car key that was lost however, the majority of they require a locksmith or dealer.

Check Your Car’s Locks

If you’ve Lost electric Key your car keys, it’s always best to start by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they’re particularly when we’re in a hurry or distracted. Finding i lost my only car key car keys can be relatively easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start by sitting in the driver’s seat. Examine every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forward. Also, feel around zippered areas or small compartments to find the keys. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that communicates to the car in order to allow you into the vehicle and to start the engine. If you’ve lost your car’s key fob, you’ll have to visit a dealership to have a new one made.

Certain older cars still have keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of keys, it’s likely that a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you, as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide the replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer must pair up the computer chip with your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car’s model and make.

Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to purchase a new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage you may be able to claim it to cover 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. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans and you are likely to find a service close to you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (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, keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car and jambs on the door of the driver’s side, and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car and it’s recommended to store it safe. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get a new one that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer’s key code specific to your lock that will then work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label situated 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 on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft security measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year of its production.

VINs were first used in 1954, but up to 1981, they were available in a variety. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format 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 have to visit a locksmith prices for lost car keys or dealer to replace your key. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could simply call your local dealer to get a new set. Today, it’s more complicated than it used to be. The dealership may not be the best option for replacing your lost car keys with no spare car keys.

While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to call an auto 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 anyone to replace your car keys, write down the number for 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 located on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be printed in your owner’s manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance, however. It’s dependent on the model and make of your vehicle and whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. If you’re unsure whether or the dealership you’re dealing with can assist you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that’s been 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 function correctly and reset.

The process is now more complicated than it was in the past so make sure you’re willing to pay the additional cost to have this feature restored. A dealer will also be able to provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original one in the event that your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route ensure that you have all the information needed, including an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Contact for a locksmith

The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost keys to my car is to contact locksmith. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Before calling a locksmith’s number, though, make sure that you’ve checked every possible spot where your keys may be. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you might have used. You may also search for your keys in places where you don’t usually put them, like on the floor under the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you’ve tried all of this and are still not able to locate your keys, then it’s time to contact someone.

For traditional keys locksmiths is likely to be able replace keys on the spot for around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance tow your car to a dealership to buy a new key.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more advanced types of automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number for your car, but a locksmith will be able to do it on the spot.

Many locksmiths can also remove broken or bent keys that are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own can cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to experts.

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 getting misplaced or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in making sure you never lose your car keys again.