The Story Behind Replace Lost Car Keys Will Haunt You For The Rest Of Your Life!

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. But, you realize that the keys to your car aren't to be found.

Before you panic, know your options. There are many methods to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check your car's locks

When you lose car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget where they are, particularly when we're busy or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car isn't difficult when you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for the car key. Be sure to feel around small compartments and zippered areas for keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your purse, backpack, or tote bag, for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost key to car no spare your car key fob, you'll need to visit the dealership to have a new one made.

Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths are able to create a new key for you, as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also get an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but this will be much more expensive. The dealer will need to pair up an electronic chip to your car. This can cost between $200 and $250, depending on the model and make.

Before you make a payment for a car key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance policy to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. Moreover, it's also worth asking your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage to assist you in the event of an emergency. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able find one near you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for each vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes on the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car, so it's recommended to store it safe. That way, if you ever lose your keys, you'll be in a position to make use of it to get an alternative key quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and locate the key code from the manufacturer for your specific model that will then work with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a sticker on the driver's-side dashboard in the area where the windshield meets it. It can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or in front the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth analysis of your vehicle's model, manufacturer, body type, engine size, assembly facility, and the year of its production.

VINs first appeared in 1954. However, up to 1981 they were available in various configurations. In that year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to purchase new keys at most dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys lost weren't a big deal. You could simply call your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's more complex than that. The dealership might not be the best option in case you want to replace the keys to your car that you lost.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They will be able get you back on the quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost my keys keys. This is important as you will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be included in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. However, it's not a assurance that they'll assist you. It all depends on your model and make, and if the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. If you're unsure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle into the store and speak with the service manager.

If your smart key has been stolen or lost it must be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key to reset and function properly.

This process is more complex than it was previously be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. 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 opt to do this, make sure you have all of the necessary information, including an ID photo. This will help all to complete the process.

Call a locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. A locksmith with expertise will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. But, they'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will do it).

Before you get a locksmith on the phone, though, make sure that you've checked all possible places where your keys might be. Examine the pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags that you may have used. You can also look for your keys in areas where you don't usually put them, like on the floor behind a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of this but are still unable to find your keys, it's time to contact someone.

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 take your car to the dealership and buy a replacement key.

Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars that have more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the VIN number of your car however a professional locksmith should have the right tools to complete this right on the spot for you.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to the experts.

A locksmith can assist you replace keys to your car that have been I Lost My Keys and offer guidance on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will aid you in never losing your car keys again.