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How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.

Know your options before you panic. There are many ways to replace lost car keys, but most of them require the 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 don't know where they are, especially if we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately finding keys to your car isn't difficult if you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver’s seat. Move the seats back and forwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Make sure you check zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices usually contain an internal chip that connects to the car in order to let you into the vehicle and then start the motor. You'll need to visit your dealer to purchase an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Some older cars still have keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths are in a position to make a replacement key for you, as long as you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

You can also purchase an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but this will be much more expensive. The dealer will need to pair up a computer chip for your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250 depending on the make and model.

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you might be able to claim it to cover the cost of replacing lost keys to a car a key. It's also worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage to assist you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance plans which means you should be able to find services close to 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 and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically a label or plate on your car's dashboard, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other places such as your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.

It is important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. This way, should you should ever lose your keys, you can utilize it to have an alternative key quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode the VIN and get the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is usually located on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver's side, where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the door jamb for the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even etched into your windshield or windows as part of a security measure against theft.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle including the model, manufacturer, body type, engine size, assembly facility and year of manufacturing.

VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 1981 they were available in a variety of configurations. In that year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to get new keys at most dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you'll require an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago losing your car keys was not an issue. You could call your local dealership to have new keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best place to go for replacing your car keys that have been lost.

While you may purchase a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to contact an automotive locksmith. They can get you back on your faster and for less than the dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is important because it will be needed to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your car, or may be printed in your owner's guide.

Dealerships can replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll help you. It is dependent on your make and model, and if the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and ask for the service manager if aren't sure if they can help.

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

This process is more complex than it was previously be, so make sure you're willing to pay a higher price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is lost or damaged, a dealership can provide you with an identical backup. If you opt to go this way ensure you have all of the information needed, including an identification photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to contact locksmith. A locksmith with experience will be able program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. However, they'll require the year model, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will do it).

Before you get a locksmith on the phone However, you must ensure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys may be. Check the pockets of the pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags that you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor under the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of this but are still struggling to locate your keys, it's time for you to call someone.

For keys that are traditional locksmiths is likely to be able replace them in a matter of $20. This is less than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the dealership and replacing purchase a new key.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced types of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number of your vehicle, but locksmiths is likely to be able do it immediately.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. It is recommended to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. If you attempt to do it yourself could result in further damage.

In addition to helping you replace keys that were lost in your car locksmiths can also offer advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost my car keys or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car keys once more.