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How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweats take a bite of pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You discover that your car keys lost keys have disappeared.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are several ways to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where we've put them, especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your car for your car key. Be sure to feel around compartments with zippers and small spaces for keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from the distance. They usually have an internal chip that connects to the car to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to purchase an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost keys for my car one of keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be in a position to make a replacement key for you as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

You can also get a new replacement from a dealer, but this will be much more expensive. The dealership will need to connect a computer chip to your car, which can cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Before you purchase a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy 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 if you ever need it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance and you will be able to locate an option close to you.

Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your vehicle, jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your car. In the event that you lose your keys, you can utilize it to have a replacement key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code specific to your lock which can then be used with your lock.

The VIN is typically located on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also locate it on the door jamb on the driver's side, or in 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 etched into your windows or windshields as part of an security measure against theft.

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

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

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to get new keys at most dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll need to visit a dealer or locksmith that can replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. In other cases, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could just call your local dealership to have new keys made. It's more complicated today. If you're in the market to have your lost car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the 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 will be able get you back on the faster and for less than the dealership.

Before calling someone to replace your car keys, make a note of the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important because it will be required to create a replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN can be found on the driver's dashboard, or it may be included in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll be able assist you. It is all dependent on the model and make, and if the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. Bring your car to the dealership and inquire for an expert in service if you are unsure if they can help.

If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership to get 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, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater cost to restore this feature. A dealership can also provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original in case your lost car keys with no spare one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route ensure that you have all of the required information including an identification photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Contact a locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step to replace lost keys to your car. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. However, they'll require the year, make and model of your car along with proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets in jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you might have used. You may also search for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, like on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've done this but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for help.

For traditional keys, a locksmith should be able to replace keys in a matter of $20. This is cheaper than what you would pay to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealership and buy a replacement key.

Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require you to provide the car's VIN number, but an experienced locksmith will have the tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.

Most locksmiths also have the capability of removing broken or bent keys which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. It is best to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Trying to do it yourself can cause further damage.

In addition to helping you replace lost car keys, a locksmith can provide advice on how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home could help you to never lose your car key ever again.