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How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and watch the latest TV show. You find that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are a few different methods to replace lost car keys but the majority involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check your car's locks

If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly simple in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start with the driver’s seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forth. Also, check the zippered areas or small compartments to find keys. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually include an internal chip that can communicate to the car in order to let you into the vehicle and then start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll have to go to the dealership to get a new one created.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith may be able create an alternative key for you if you've got evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer is also able to provide the replacement however it will cost more. The dealer will have to connect the computer chip with your car. It could cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car's make and model.

Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This could come in handy should you ever require it. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance plans. You should be able find one in your area.

Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into an image or a plate on your car's dashboard, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your registration for your vehicle, title, and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's best to keep it in a safe place. This way, should you ever lose your keys, you'll be in a position to use it to get an alternative key quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your specific model which can then be used with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's situated at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side.  Our Site  can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or in front the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. In some cases it is possible that the VIN is even etched into your windshield or windows to provide an security measure to prevent theft.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with a complete report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year of its production.

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

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to purchase new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who can replace your key with one that will be able to start your car. Otherwise, you can simply purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply call your local dealer to purchase a new set. It's more complicated today. If you're in the market to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership, but it's best to contact an automotive lock. They're more likely be in a position to get you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership.

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

Dealerships are able to replace cars keys for most manufacturers. This isn't a guarantee, however. It's contingent on the make and model of your vehicle and whether or not the keys have complex programming. If you're not sure whether your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If your smart key was lost or stolen, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key to be reset and function correctly.

This process is more complicated than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra cost to restore this feature. A dealer will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the original one in the event that your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you opt to go this route ensure you have all the necessary information, including a photo ID. This will help all to complete the process.

Call a Locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call locksmith. A locksmith with expertise will be able to program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. However, they will require the year model, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will do it).

Before calling a locksmith on the phone however, ensure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys could be. Check pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you might have used. You may also search for your keys in areas where you don't usually put them, such as 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 contact a professional for assistance.

For keys that are traditional locksmiths should be able to replace keys on the spot for about $20. This is less than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealership and purchase a new key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program a new key for more advanced types of automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. These keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the VIN number of the car, but a professional locksmith should have the right tools to do this in a flash for you.

Many locksmiths can also take out broken or bent keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them in your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to professionals.

In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can also give you advice about how to stop future keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet can go a long way towards making sure you never lose your car keys again.