3 Ways In Which The Replace Lost Car Keys Influences Your Life

How to replace a lost car key Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your favorite TV show. However, you realize the keys to your car aren't to be found.

Be aware of your options before you get in a panic. There are many ways to replace the car key that was lost however the majority of they require a locksmith or a dealership.

Check the Locks on Your Car

When you lose keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where we put them, especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is relatively easy if you take the time to do an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver’s seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for the car key. Also, check the zippered areas or small compartments to locate the keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse or tote bag for the keys.

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

Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be capable of creating a new key for you as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer may also offer a replacement, but it will cost more. The dealer will have to pair up an electronic chip to your car. This can cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car's make and model.

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to purchase a new car key lost. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you might be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This will be useful in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance and you will be able to locate a service close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes behind the motor block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, like your registration for your vehicle, title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's a good idea to keep it in a safe place. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get a new one that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label situated at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb on the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even embedded into your windows or windshields to provide an anti-theft measure.

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

VINs first came into use in 1954. However, up to 1981, they were offered in various configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to obtain new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. If not, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer to purchase a new set. Today, it's more complicated than it used to be. If you're in the market to get your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the most ideal option.

While you can certainly still purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road in a hurry and probably cost less than the dealership.

Before calling someone to replace your i lost my car keys what do i do car keys, make a note of the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is crucial because someone will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be printed in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll help you. It is all dependent on the model and make, and if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a service manager if you are unsure if they can help.

If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealership to get it replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a specific kind of key to reset and work properly.

The process is now more involved than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can provide you with an identical backup. If you decide to take this route, be sure to carry all the necessary information on hand, as well as an ID photo. This will help everyone to get through the process.

Call a locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A skilled locksmith will be able cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Before you call a locksmith on the phone however, ensure that you've inspected every possible place where your keys might be. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all of this but are still not able to locate your keys, then it's time to call someone.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is less than what you would pay to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealership and buy a replacement key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. These keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the VIN number of the car, but a professional locksmith has the right tools to do this on the spot for you.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove broken or bent keys, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this task should be left to the professionals.

In addition to helping you replace keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can provide advice on how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in ensuring that you don't lose your car keys again.