Seven Reasons To Explain Why Replace Lost Car Keys Is Important

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

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

Be aware of your options before you panic. There are several ways to replace lost car keys, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget where they're especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly 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 car for your car key. Be sure to feel around compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse or tote bag, for keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices usually contain an internal chip that connects to the car in order to let you into the vehicle and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll have to go to the dealership to get a new one created.

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

You can also get a new replacement at the dealership, however this will be more expensive. The dealership must pair a computer chip with your car, which could be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the model and make of your car.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to purchase a new car key. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you might be able to claim it to cover the cost of a replacement key. It's also worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance insurance that can 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 an option near you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, or sometimes on the motor block. You can also find your VIN in other places, including the registration of your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.

It is important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. That way, if you should ever lose your keys, car keys lost no spare you can utilize it to have a replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your specific model that will then work with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver's side at the point where the windshield joins it. It can also be found on the door jamb for the driver or on the front of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.

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

VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 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 valid, you can obtain new keys from a variety of locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. For example, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll need to visit an auto locksmith or car keys lost no spare dealer that can replace your key with one that can start your vehicle. Otherwise, you can simply purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could simply call your local dealer and request a new set. It's more complicated today. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the most ideal option.

Although you could purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely to be able to get you back on the road quickly and likely to charge less than the dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is important because it will be needed to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN can be found on the driver's side dashboard or found in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. This is not a guarantee, however. It is all dependent on the model and make, as well as if the keys are smart or have complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and request an expert in service if you are unsure if they can help.

If your smart key has been lost or stolen it must be replaced by a dealership. This is because your car keys lost no spare's security features require a specific type of key to be reset and function correctly.

This process is much more complicated than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to have this feature restored. A dealership will also be able to provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, make sure to carry all the necessary information along with you and a photo ID. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Contact for a locksmith

The most important step in replacing lost car keys is to contact a locksmith. A locksmith with experience will be able to program and cut a new car key while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to 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 wouldn't normally look, such as the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.

For traditional keys, a locksmith will be able to repair them on the spot for about $20. This is less than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to a dealer and purchase a replacement key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number of your vehicle, but a locksmith is likely to be able do it immediately.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove broken or bent keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.

A locksmith can help replace lost car keys and also provide tips on how to prevent future keys from being lost the keys to my car or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home could aid you in never losing your car keys ever again.