How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You’re exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.

Be aware of your options before you be in a panic. There are several ways to replace the car key that was lost car keys replacement near me however, the majority of these require a locksmith or dealership.

Check Your Car’s Locks

It’s best to inspect your car first when you lose your keys. We often don’t know where they are, particularly if we’re distracted or in a rush. Fortunately the search for lost my key car keys is relatively easy if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver’s seat. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Also, check the zippered areas or small compartments to find keys. Also, you should carefully search your purse, backpack, or tote bag for the keys.

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

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith could be able to create a replacement key for you, if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide the replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer must connect a computer chip for your car. This could cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car’s make and model.

Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. Ask your insurance company whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This can come in handy if you ever need it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able find one near you.

Check your vehicle’s identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle that is on the road. It’s used to identify vehicles, keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and more. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into a label or plate on the dashboard of your vehicle or the driver’s side door jamb and sometimes, in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places such as your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly obtain a new key that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and get the manufacturer’s code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles 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 of the driver or in front the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle to serve as a prevention measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth analysis of your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model body type, engine size, assembly facility and year of manufacturing.

VINs were first used in 1954, however, until 1981, they were available in a variety. 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 dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. If not, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago, losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could easily contact your local dealer and request a new set. It’s more complicated today. If you’re in the market to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn’t always the best option.

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

Before calling someone to replace your lost car key with no spare car keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important because it will be required in order for someone to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be printed in the owner’s manual.

Dealerships can replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, this doesn’t assurance that they’ll assist you. It’s dependent on the model and make of your car and whether or not the keys have complex programming. If you’re not sure whether the dealership you’re dealing with can assist you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If your smart key was lost or stolen the key will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a certain type of key to function correctly and reset.

This process is more complicated than it was previously be, so make sure you’re prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. Dealers 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 choose to go this way, make sure you have all the information needed including an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Contact a locksmith

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

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. Examine the pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places where you might not normally go, such as the floor behind the 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 for you to call someone.

For keys that are traditional locksmiths should be able to replace them on the spot for about $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance transport your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new one.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more sophisticated automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require you to provide the VIN number of the car however a professional locksmith has the right tools to complete this on the spot for you.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove broken or bent keys, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. If you attempt to do it yourself could result in further damage.

In addition to helping you replace keys that were cheap lost car key replacement in your car, a locksmith can give you advice about how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.