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How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt Grab a pizza and watch the latest TV show. You find that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Know your options before you be in a panic. There are many ways to replace lost car keys but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check Your Car's Locks

If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where they're especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forth. Make sure you check small compartments and zippered areas for keys, too. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need to visit the dealership to have a new one created.

Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths are able to create a new key for you, as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer is also able to provide a replacement however it will cost more. The dealer will have to pair up an electronic chip to your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250 depending on your car's make and model.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage you might be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Ask your insurance company whether they have roadside service coverage. This can be useful should you ever require it. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able to locate one close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to each vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It can also be used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States, the VIN is typically the form of a plate or label on your car's dashboard or the driver's side door jamb and sometimes in front of the engine block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, such as your registration for your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. That way, if you ever lose your keys, you can utilize it to have an alternative key quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer for your specific model, which will then work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's placed at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the door jamb for 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 windows or windshields of your vehicle to serve as a prevention measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.

VINs first came into use in 1954. However, until 1981 they were available in various configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from most dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer that can swap your key for one that will start your car. You can also find standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could easily call your local dealer to purchase a new set. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than it used to be. The dealership may not be the best place to go if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost key replacement.

While you may obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and probably cost less than the dealership would.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost keys. This is important as you will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN can be found on the driver's side dashboard or found in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll be able to help you. It is dependent on your make and model, and whether the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. If you're unsure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership to get it replaced. This is because your car's security features require a particular type of key to reset and work correctly.

The process is now more complex than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the extra cost to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged, a dealership can provide you with an identical backup. If you decide to go this route ensure you i have lost my car keys all of the information needed, including an ID photo. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.

Call a Locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step to replace lost car keys. A locksmith with experience will be able program and cut a new car key while you wait. But, they'll require the year, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should do it).

Before calling a locksmith over the phone, though, make sure that you've inspected every possible spot where your keys could be. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags you might have used. You can also look for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, such as on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've done this and still cannot find your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.

For traditional keys, a locksmith will be able to repair keys in a matter of $20. This is less than what you would pay for roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, like smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number for your car, but a locksmith should be able to cut and program the key immediately.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove damaged or bent keys that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own can cause more damage, and this should be left to the experts.

A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and offer tips on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost my key key to my car (read this post from Didincompany) or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home can aid you in never losing your car key once more.