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How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your favorite TV show. However, you realize your car keys aren't to be found.

Be aware of your options before you panic. There are many methods to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the Locks on Your Car

If you've lost your car keys, it's always best to start by checking your vehicle. After all, we often forget where we put them especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for your car key. Be sure to feel around compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag for the keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need go to the dealership to get an alternative one created.

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


You can also get an upgrade at the dealership, however this will be more expensive. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your car, which can cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance policy to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. Additionally, lost keys to car asking your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance insurance that can help you in the event of an emergency. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance plans. You should be able locate one close to you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (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 as well as track inventory. It is also used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes on the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your registration for your vehicle, title, and insurance documents.

It is important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. 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 majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's situated at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for 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 cases it is possible that the VIN is even written into your windshield or windows to provide an anti-theft measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size assembly plant, and the year it was manufactured.

VINs first appeared in 1954. However, up to 1981, they were offered 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 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 instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll need to go to a dealer or locksmith that can swap your key for one that can start your car. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago, losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could easily contact your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's a lot more complicated than that. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your best option.

While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They can to get you back on your faster and for less than a dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is vital as it will be needed to create a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be found in the owner's manual.

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

If your smart key was stolen or lost it must be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car's security features require a specific kind of key to reset and work correctly.

This process is much more complicated than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to restore this feature. Dealers will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the original one in the event that your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route ensure that you have all the necessary information including a photo ID. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Contact an expert locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact an experienced locksmith. A locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. But, they'll require the year model, make and model of your car along with proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Before you get a locksmith on the phone however, ensure that you have checked all possible places where your keys might be. Check pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you may have used. You could also search for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, such as on the floor in front of a 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.

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

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program a new key for more advanced models of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. These more complex keys may require you to provide the VIN number of the car however, professional locksmiths will have the tools to complete this in a flash for you.

Many locksmiths can also remove bent or broken keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. If you attempt to do it yourself could result in further damage.

In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys, a locksmith can offer advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will aid you in never losing your car keys once more.

Homepage: https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/replace-lost-car-keys-near-me/