How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are a variety of ways to replace a lost my car keys no spare car key however the majority of them require a locksmith or dealer.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to check your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget the location of our keys, especially if we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately finding keys to your car isn't difficult when you make the effort to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver’s seat. The seats can be moved back and forwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for your car keys. Also, look around small compartments or zippered areas to find the keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag with care for keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that connects with the car to let you into the vehicle and start the motor. You'll have to visit your dealer to obtain the new key fob in case you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith may be able create keys for you if you've got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also get an entirely new replacement from the dealership, but this will be much more expensive. The dealership must pair a computer chip with your car, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your car.

Be sure to check your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of replacing a key. Moreover, it's also important to inquire with your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance insurance that can assist you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans and you should be able to find an option 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 on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It can also be used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb and sometimes even behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car, so it's a good idea to keep it somewhere safe. In the event that you 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 can then be used with your lock.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's placed where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the driver's side door jamb, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle to serve as a security measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with a complete report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make, body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.

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

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could just call your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. Today, it's a lot more complex than that. The dealership may not be the best option for replacing your car keys that have been i lost my keys.

Although you could obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and likely to charge less than the dealership would.

Before you contact anyone to replace your lost car keys, write down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important because it will be required to create a replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle, or may be printed in the owner's guide.

Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll be able help you. It all depends on your model and make, as well as whether the keys are intelligent or are complex in their programming. Bring your car to the dealership and inquire for a service manager if you are unsure if they can help.

If your smart key was lost or stolen it must be replaced by a dealership. This is because your car's security features require a specific kind of key to reset and function properly.

The process is more complicated than it was in the past be, so you should be prepared to pay a greater cost to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is lost or damaged, a dealership can offer you a similar backup. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have all the required information, including an identification photo. This will help everyone to get through the process.

Call a Locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost key car is to call a locksmith. A locksmith with experience will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. However, they will need to know the year model, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Before you get a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you have checked every possible spot where your keys might be. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you've used. You may also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor in front of a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried this and still cannot find your keys, you should call for help.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot for around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new one.

Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, such as transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require you to provide the VIN number of the car however a professional locksmith should have the right tools to do this on the spot for you.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you accidentally lock them in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own could cause more damage, and this should be left to professionals.

In addition to helping you replace your keys that were i lost my car keys what do i do in your car locksmiths can also give you advice about how to stop future keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can help in making sure you never lose your car keys again.