Ten Replace Lost Car Keys That Will Help You Live Better

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and watch the latest TV show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are several ways to replace a lost spare car key car key, but the majority of they require a locksmith or dealership.

Check your car's locks

If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget where they are, particularly when we're distracted or in a rush. Finding keys lost my keys in the car can be fairly easy when your car is thoroughly searched.

Start 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 compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from the distance. These devices typically contain an internal chip that connects to the car in order to allow you into the vehicle and then start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need to visit a dealership to have an alternative one created.

Some older cars still use traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith may be able create a replacement key for you if you've got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also get an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but it will be more expensive. The dealer must connect an electronic chip to your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250, depending on the model and make.

Before you purchase the replacement of your car key make sure you check your insurance policy. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This can help if you ever need it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans which means you are likely to find a service close to you.

Check 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 on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It is also used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into an image or a plate on your car's dashboard or driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

It is important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. This way, should you lose your keys, you can use it to get the replacement key made quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and locate the key code from the manufacturer for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.

The VIN is usually located on a label that is placed on the driver's-side dashboard, where the windshield meets it. It can also be found on the door jamb for the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft security measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a 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 of its production.

VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 1981, they were offered in different configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to get new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who can swap your key for one that will start your car. You can also get basic keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could just call your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complex than it used to be. The dealership may not be the best place to go if you need to replace your lost car keys.

You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to contact an auto lock. They can to get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is important as the person who needs it will create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or printed inside of the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. This isn't a guarantee however. It is dependent on your model and make, as well as if the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. If you're not sure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

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

The process is more complicated than it used to, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. If your original key is lost or damaged, a dealership can provide you with a duplicate backup. If you choose to go this route, be sure to carry all the required information along with you and an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. An experienced locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. But, they'll need to know the year and make of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Before you get a locksmith's number However, you must ensure that you've inspected all possible places where your keys might be. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also check any other bags you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places where you would not normally look, such as the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this and still cannot find your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is cheaper than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance tow your car to the dealership and buy a replacement key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program a new key for more sophisticated automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your car, but a locksmith is likely to be able complete the task immediately.

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

A locksmith can help you replace keys to your car that have been lost and offer guidance on how to replace lost car key to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Taking preventative steps, like keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet can help in ensuring that you don't lose your car keys again.