How to Replace Lost Car Keys You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your latest TV show. However, you discover that the keys to your car aren't to be found. Be aware of your options before you be in a panic. There are a few different ways to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith. Check the locks on your car. It's best to inspect your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget the location of our keys, especially when we're busy or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched. Start with the driver's seat. The seats can be moved forward and backwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your car for your car keys. Be sure to feel around small compartments and zippered areas for keys, too. Also, be sure to check your purse, backpack, or tote bag for keys. A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll have to go to the dealership to get a new one made. Some older cars still have keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith may be able create keys for you if you've got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. The dealer is also able to provide a replacement, but it will cost more. The dealer must connect the computer chip with your vehicle. This could cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car's model and make. Before you pay for a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive, you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. It's also worth asking your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance insurance that can help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance packages and you will be able to locate a service close to you. Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN) The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb and sometimes even in front of the motor block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like your vehicle registration title, insurance and title documents. It is important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get a new key that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer specific to your lock, which will then work with your lock. Most 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. You can also look for it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a security measure. Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth look at your vehicle including the model, manufacturer of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and the year of its manufacturing. VINs first appeared in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, until 1981, they were available in various configurations. In that year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format. If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from a variety of locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will require a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also find standard keys at hardware stores. Contact Your Dealership A few years ago losing your car keys was not an issue. You could just contact your local dealer to get new keys made. Today, it's more complicated than that. The dealership might not be the best place to go in case you want to replace the keys to your car that you lost. Although you could obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They are more likely to be able to get you back on the road in a hurry and likely to charge less than the dealership. Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost keys. This is important because someone will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or included in the owner's manual. Dealerships are able to replace cars keys for most manufacturers. This is not a assurance, however. It is dependent on your model and make, and whether the keys are intelligent or are complex in their programming. If you're unsure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager. If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key to reset and function properly. The process is now more complicated than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. If your original key is stolen or damaged A dealership could provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to take this route, be sure to carry all the necessary information on hand and an identification photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved. Call a locksmith A locksmith's call is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. However, they will require the year, make and model of your vehicle, as well as proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice). Before calling a locksmith over the phone However, you must ensure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys could be. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags you may have used. You may also search for your keys in places where you don't usually put them, such as on the floor under the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried this and still cannot find your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance. A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is cheaper than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance take your car to a dealer and purchase a replacement key. Locksmiths are often able to cut and program 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 that you provide the VIN number of your car however, an experienced locksmith should have the right tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you. The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is recommended to leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. If you attempt to do it yourself could result in further damage. A locksmith can help you replace lost car key s and also offer advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could assist you in avoiding losing your car keys again.
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