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How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you put on your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

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

Check your car's locks

It's best to check your car first when you lose your keys. After all, we often forget where we put them particularly when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy when you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Examine every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forward. Also, look around zippered areas or small compartments to locate keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag with care for keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. They usually have an internal chip that can communicate to the car to allow you into the vehicle and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to get an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still use traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith might 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 more expensive. The dealership will need to integrate a computer chip into your car, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your car.

Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of a new key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This could come in handy 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 near you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, and sometimes in front of the motor block. You may also find your VIN in other places, including your vehicle registration, title and insurance documents.

It's important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly obtain a new key that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's placed between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the driver's side door jamb, 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 embedded into your windows or windshields to provide an security measure to prevent theft.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.

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

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from many dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you car requires an ignition chip you'll need to go to a dealer or locksmith that will replace your key with one that will be able to start your car. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could easily contact your local dealer to get a new set. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your most ideal option.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road fast and will probably charge less than the dealership would.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost keys. This is important because it will be needed to create a replacement car key lost for your vehicle. The VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard or printed inside of your owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. This is not a assurance however. It is all dependent on the model and make, as well as if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and ask for an expert in service if you aren't sure if they can help.

If your smart key was lost or stolen it must be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key in order to reset and function properly.

This process is more complicated than it was previously, so make sure you're willing to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. Dealers can also give you an alternative key that is similar to the original in case the lost keys of car key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to do this, make sure you have all the required information including an identification photo. This will help everyone to go through the process.

Contact for a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step to replace 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 wait. However, they will require the year and make of your vehicle as well as proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Before you get a locksmith on the phone However, you must ensure that you've inspected every possible place where your keys might be. Examine the pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally place them, such as on the floor in front of a doorway table 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.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, for about $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance tow your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new one.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program the new key for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number for your car, but locksmiths is likely to be able complete the task in a flash.

Many locksmiths can also take out broken or bent keys that are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own could cause more damage, and this should be left to the experts.

In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost locksmiths can also offer advice on how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car key ever again.