10 Life Lessons We Can Take From Replace Lost Car Keys

how to replace lost car Key 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. You find that your car keys have disappeared.

Know your options before you panic. There are a variety of ways to replace a lost car key however the majority of them require a locksmith or dealer.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to inspect 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 relatively easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for the car key. Be sure to feel around compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from the distance. These devices typically have an internal chip that can communicate with the car to allow you access to the vehicle and start the motor. If you've lost keys for my car your car key fob, you'll need to go to the dealership to get an alternative one created.

Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be in a position to make a replacement key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also get a new replacement from the dealership, but it will be more expensive. The dealer must connect the computer chip with your car. This could cost between $200 and $250, depending on the make and model.

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage you might be able to claim it to cover the cost of replacing a key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service 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, so you are likely to find services close to you.

Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb and sometimes even on the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other documents such as your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.

It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. This way, should you should ever lose your keys, you'll be able to use it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode the VIN and get the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is usually located on a label that is placed on the driver's-side dashboard in the area where the windshield meets it. It can also be found on the door jamb for the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft security measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year it was made.

VINs first came into use in 1954. However, until 1981 they were available in a variety of configurations. In the year 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 get new keys at most dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll need to go to an auto locksmith or dealer that will replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past the loss of your car keys was not an issue. You could easily call your local dealer to get 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 may purchase a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able get you back on the way faster and charge less than a dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost keys. This is important because the person who needs it will create an alternative car key for you. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or found in your owner's manual.

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

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

This process is more complex than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional cost to have this feature restored. Dealers will also be able to provide you with another key that's identical to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, be sure you have all the information needed along with you and an identification photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Contact a locksmith

The most important step in 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 are waiting. However, they will require the year, make and model of your vehicle, as well as proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you've tried this and still cannot find your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.

For traditional keys, a locksmith will be able to repair keys on the spot for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance take you car to a dealership to buy a new key.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more sophisticated automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require you to provide the VIN number of the car however, an experienced locksmith will have the tools to cut and program the key right on the spot for you.

The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you accidentally lock them in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, so this task should be left to the experts.

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