10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Replace Lost Car Keys

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweats take a bite of pizza and watch the latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys aren't to be found.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are a few different ways to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. We often forget where we put them especially when we're rushing or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly simple in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Be sure to feel around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that connects to the car in order to let you into the vehicle and to start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to purchase an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be able to create a new key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

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

Before you purchase a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This will be useful should you ever require it.  lost keys to car  is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance plans which means you will be able to locate a service near you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

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

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's best to keep it safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly obtain new keys that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer specific to your lock which can then be used with your lock.

The VIN is typically located on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver, where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even written into your windows or windshields as part of a anti-theft measure.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will provide you with a complete report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year it was manufactured.

VINs were first used in 1954, but until 1981, they were offered in a variety. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from a variety of locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also get regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could easily call your local dealer to purchase a new set. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're in the market to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your best option.

While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to contact an automotive locksmith. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership would.

Before you contact someone to replace your car keys, note down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important because you will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be printed in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This is not a guarantee, however. It all depends on your model and make, as well as if the keys are smart or have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and request the service manager if aren't sure if they can help.

If your smart key was lost or stolen the key will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car's security functions require a particular type of key to reset and function correctly.

This process is more involved than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional price to restore this feature. A dealership can also give you an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you opt to go this route ensure that you have all of the required information, including an ID photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Call a Locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. However, they'll need to know the year model, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Before you get a locksmith on the phone, though, make sure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys could be. This includes checking pockets in jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you may have used. You can also look for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, such as on the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all this and are still not able to locate your keys, then it's time to contact someone.

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

lost keys of car  can often program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, like smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, but a locksmith is likely to be able complete the task on the spot.

Many locksmiths can also take out bent or broken keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is best to leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. Trying to do it yourself could cause more damage.

A locksmith can help you replace keys to your car that have been lost and provide advice on how to avoid future keys being misplaced or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could help you to never lose your car keys once more.