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How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch the latest TV show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Before you panic, consider 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

If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget the location of our keys, especially if we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately the search for lost car keys price car keys is fairly easy when you make the effort to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forth. Be sure to look around compartments with zippers and small spaces for keys, too. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag for the keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that communicates with the car to let you into the vehicle and then start the motor. 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 into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith may be able create a replacement key for you, if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also purchase an upgrade from a dealer, but it will be more expensive. The dealership must pair a computer chip with your car, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your car.

Before you pay for the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This will come in handy in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance, so you will be able to locate an option near you.

Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)

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

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's recommended to store it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly obtain a new key made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code specific to your lock that will then work with your lock.

The VIN is usually located on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver's side at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also locate 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. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle to serve as a security measure.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was made.

VINs first appeared in 1954. However, up to 1981 they were available in a variety of configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format 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 automobiles, based on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit a dealer or locksmith that can replace your key with one that can start your car. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's more complicated than it used to be. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.

Although you could obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best choice is to call an auto locksmith. They can get you back on your way faster and charge less than the dealership.

Before you call anyone to replace your car keys, write down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be required in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side or included in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. This is not a warranty, however. It depends on the model and make of your vehicle, as well as whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. Bring your car to the dealership and ask for a service manager if you are unsure whether they can help.

If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need 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 properly.

This process is more involved than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to restore this feature. If your original key is lost or damaged the dealership will be able to offer you a similar backup. If you decide to go this way ensure you have all the required information including an identification photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call a Locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call a locksmith. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle with evidence of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys before you call a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You may also search for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, like on the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are not able to locate your keys, then it's time to call someone.

For keys that are traditional, a locksmith will be able to repair keys on the spot for around $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance tow your car to a dealership to purchase a new one.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced models of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number of your car, but a locksmith will be able to do it in a flash.

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

A locksmith can assist you replace keys to your car that have been lost and give guidance on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.