10 Places Where You Can Find Replace Lost Car Keys

How to Replace Lost Car Keys
You're exhausted, so you put on your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your latest TV show. You discover that your car keys are missing.
Be aware of your options prior to be in a panic. There are a few different ways to replace car keys that have been lost, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.
Check the Locks on Your Car
It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget where they are, particularly when we're distracted or are in a hurry. Finding keys lost in the car can be relatively easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.
Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for the car key. Also, check the zippered areas or small compartments to find the keys. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.
A lot of modern cars have key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually contain an internal chip that connects to the car to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to purchase the new key fob in case you've lost it.
replacing lost car key use traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith might be able to create a replacement key for you if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
You can also get a new replacement from a dealer, but this will be more expensive. The dealership will have to pair a computer chip with your car, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of buying an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This will come in handy if you ever need it. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able to locate one close to you.
Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.
It is essential to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get new keys made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your particular model, which will then work with your lock.
The VIN is usually located on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver, where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the driver-side door jamb or on the front of 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 security measure.
You can verify your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year it was made.
VINs first came into use in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, up to 1981 they were available in a variety of 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 a variety of dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.
Contact Your Dealership
It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could simply call your local dealer to get a new set. Today, it's more complex than that. The dealership may not be the best place to go for replacing the keys to your car that you lost.
While you may get a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road fast and probably cost less than the dealership.
Before calling someone to replace your car keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is vital as it will be required to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your vehicle, or may be printed in your owner's manual.
Dealerships can replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. It is not a 100% warranty, however. It's dependent on the model and make of your car as well as whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a service manager if you are unsure whether they can help.
If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership to get it replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific kind of key in order to reset and function properly.
This process is more complex than it used to, so make sure you're willing to pay a higher price to restore this feature. A dealership will also be able to provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you opt to do this ensure that you have all of the necessary information including a photo ID. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.
Call for a locksmith
The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact an experienced locksmith. A skilled locksmith can cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).
Before calling a locksmith's number However, you must ensure that you have checked every possible spot where your keys could be. Check the pockets of the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places you might not normally go, such as the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all this but are still struggling to locate your keys, then it's time to call someone.
A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance transport your vehicle to a dealer to buy a new key.
In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more sophisticated automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your car, however locksmiths is likely to be able do it in a flash.
Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. Doing it yourself could result in further damage.
In addition to helping you replace lost car keys, a locksmith can also provide advice on how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Taking preventative 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 again.