how to replace lost car keys (his explanation)

You're tired, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. You discover that your car keys have disappeared.

Be aware of your options before you be in a panic. There are several ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost however the majority of they require a locksmith or dealer.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to inspect your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget the location of our keys, especially when we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is relatively easy if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Start with the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need to go to the dealership to get a new one made.

Some older cars still use traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be capable of creating a new key for you, as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

You can also purchase a new replacement from the dealership, but this will be more expensive. The dealership must connect a computer chip to your car, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of buying an additional car key. It's also important to inquire with your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage that will aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance packages which means you will be able to locate a service near 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 on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car and jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes, in front of the engine block. You may also find your VIN in other places, like your registration for your vehicle, title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's best to keep it in a safe place. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get new keys made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer for your specific model that will then work with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver 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 side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft security measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, including manufacturer, model and make, body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.

VINs first came into use in 1954, but up to 1981, they were offered in a variety of formats. In the year 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from most dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type key your vehicle requires. For example, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit an auto locksmith or dealer that can swap your key for one that will start your car. If not, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could simply contact your local dealer to have new keys made. It's more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best place to go if you need to replace your i lost the key to my car car keys.

You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership, but it is better to contact an automotive lock. They're more likely be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and likely to charge less than the 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 a replacement car key for you. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or included in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a guarantee, however. It all depends on your make and model, and whether the keys are intelligent or are complex in their programming. If you're not sure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle into the store and speak with the service manager.

If your smart key was lost keys in car or stolen, it will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key in order to function correctly and reset.

The process is now more involved than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional cost to restore this feature. If your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to take this route, make sure to have all the information needed along with you along with an identification photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Contact a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step to replace lost car keys. A skilled locksmith will be able to cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they'll require the year model, make and model of your vehicle as well as proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys before you contact a locksmith. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, look through any other bags you might have used. You can also look for your keys in areas where you don't usually put them, such as on the floor under the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you have done this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should seek help.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance tow you car to a dealership to purchase a new one.

Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number of your car, however a locksmith is likely to be able complete the task immediately.

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

A locksmith can help you replace keys to your car that have been lost and provide tips on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in making sure you never lose your car key lost keys ever again.