Everything You Need To Know About Replace Lost Car Keys

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You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweats take a bite of pizza and How to Replace Lost Car Keys watch your favorite TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are many ways to replace the car key that was lost, but the majority of these require a locksmith or dealership.

Check the Locks on Your Car

It's best to check your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget where we put them especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys isn't difficult if you make the effort to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

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

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to get an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith may be able to create keys for you, if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also purchase an upgrade from the dealership, but this will be much more expensive. The dealership must connect a computer chip to your vehicle, which could be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the make and model of your car.

Before you purchase an auto 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 cover the cost of a new key. Ask your insurance company whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could help if you ever need it. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance and you should be able to find services close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that's unique to each vehicle 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 stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, or sometimes in front of the motor 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 vehicle It's best to keep it safe. In the event that you should ever lose your keys, you'll be able to utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's placed where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle to serve as a security measure.

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

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

If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from most locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. In other cases, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily call your local dealer to get a new set. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership may not be the best place to go in case you want to replace your car keys that have been lost.

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

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because it will be needed to create a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car or could be printed in your owner's guide.

Dealerships are able to replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll be able help you. It all depends on your model and make, as well as if the keys are smart or have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and inquire for an expert in service if you aren't sure if they can help.

If your smart key has been stolen or lost it must be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a particular type of key what to do if lost car keys reset and function correctly.

This process is more complicated than it used to be, so you should be prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is lost or damaged A dealership could provide you with an identical backup. If you choose to go this route, be sure to have all the necessary information with you, as well as an ID photo. This will help all to complete the process.

Call a locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to contact a locksmith. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a copy your registration or title).

Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. Check the pockets of the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you might have used. You may also search for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor under a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are struggling to locate your keys, then it's time to contact someone.

For keys that are traditional, a locksmith will be able to repair them on the spot for about $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance transport your car to a dealership to purchase a new key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more sophisticated cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. These more complex keys may require you to provide the car's VIN number however, a professional locksmith should have the right tools to cut and program the key in a flash for you.

Many locksmiths can also take out bent or broken keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is best to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. If you attempt to do it yourself could cause more damage.

In addition to helping you replace lost car keys locksmiths can also offer advice on how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Taking preventative steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, how to replace lost car keys can help in ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.