The Hidden Secrets Of Replace Lost Car Keys

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

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

Know your options before you panic. There are several methods to replace lost car keys but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check Your Car's Locks

It's best to check your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget where they are, particularly when we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy if you take the time to do an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Be sure to look around compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to get an alternative key fob if you've lost car keys with no spare it.

Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith may be able to make an alternative key for you if you've got proof of ownership like your registration or title.

You can also get an upgrade from the dealership, but this will be more expensive. The dealer will need to pair up an electronic chip to your car. This could cost between $200 and $250, depending on the make and model.

Be sure to check your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance plan to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. Ask your insurance company whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could come in handy in the event that you need it. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able to locate one close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

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

It's 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 one that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and get the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed 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 side of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. In some instances there are instances where the VIN is even written into your windshield or windows to provide an security measure to prevent theft.

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 manufacturing.

VINs were first used in 1954, but until 1981, they were available in a variety of configurations. In the year 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 many locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply contact your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. Today, it's a lot more complicated than it used to be. If you're in the market to get your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your best option.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from the dealership, but it's best to call an automotive lock. They're more likely be capable of getting you back on the road fast and likely to charge less than the dealership would.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your lost keys. This is important because someone will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your car or could be printed in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll assist you. It's contingent on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as whether keys are equipped with complex programming. If you're not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.

If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific kind of key to be reset and function properly.

This process is more involved than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the additional price to restore this feature. A dealer can also give you another key that's identical to the original one in the event that your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have all the necessary information along with you along with a photo ID. This will help everyone to go through the process.

Call for a locksmith

The most important step in replacing lost car keys is to contact an experienced locksmith. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. However, they'll require the year and make of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Be sure to check every possible location for your keys before you call a locksmith. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places where you might not normally go, How to Replace Lost Car Keys such as the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried 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 around $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow you car to a dealership to purchase a new one.

Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, however a locksmith will be able to do it immediately.

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

A locksmith can help replace lost car keys and also give tips on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home could help you to never lose your car keys once more.