Five Reasons To Join An Online Replace Lost Car Keys Business And 5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and want to change into your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and binge your latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Before you panic, know your options. There are a few different ways to replace lost car keys but the majority require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check your car's locks

It's best to inspect your car first when you lose your keys. After all, we often forget where we've put them, especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys isn't difficult when 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 check every inch of your car for the car key. Be sure to feel around small compartments and zippered areas for keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that can communicate with the car to let you into the vehicle and then start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need to visit a dealership to have an alternative one created.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If  lost key for car  lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths are capable of creating a new key for you as long as you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

You can also purchase an entirely new replacement at the dealership, however this will be more expensive. The dealer will need to pair up the computer chip with your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250, depending on the model and make.

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase a new car key. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of buying an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This will be useful in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance packages which means you are likely to find an option close to you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle 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 as well as track inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, and sometimes in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your vehicle registration as well as 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 obtain a new key made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer for your specific model which can then be used with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed on the driver's-side dashboard at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also find it on the door jamb of the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a prevention measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth report on your vehicle's manufacturer, model of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility, and the year of its manufacture.

VINs were first used in 1954, but up to 1981, they came in a variety of formats. 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 the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you car requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who can replace your key with one that will start your car. You can also get standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily call your local dealer and request a new set. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best option in case you want to replace the keys to your car that you lost.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to call an automotive lock. They will be able to get you back on your way faster and charge less than the dealership.

Before you call anyone to replace your lost car keys, make a note of the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important because you will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard or printed inside of the owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this isn't a assurance that they'll be able to assist you. It's contingent on the make and model of your vehicle and whether keys are equipped with complex programming. If you're unsure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.

If your smart key has been stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because your car's security functions require a specific kind of key to reset and work correctly.

The process is now more complicated than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the additional price to have this feature restored. Dealers will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the original one in the event that the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you choose to do this, make sure you have all of the necessary information including an identification photo. This will help everyone to go through the process.

Call a Locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing lost car keys is to call a locksmith. An experienced locksmith can cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you might have used. You may also search for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, such as on the floor behind a doorway table or under the couch. If you've done this and still cannot find your keys, it's time to seek help.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is less expensive than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more sophisticated cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, but locksmiths should be able to cut and program the key immediately.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove keys that are bent or broken, which are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to the experts.

In addition to helping you replace lost car keys, a locksmith can offer advice on how to stop future keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys ever again.