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How to Replace Lost Car Keys You're tired, so you put on your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found. Know your options before you get in a panic. There are several ways to replace car keys that have been lost, but most of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith. Check Your Car's Locks It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget the location of our keys, especially if we're busy or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched. Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and back and forth. Be sure to feel around small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag, for keys. A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. click through the up coming website page have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to get the new key fob in case you've lost it. Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be in a position to make a replacement key for you, as long as you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title. The dealer can also provide the replacement however, it will cost more. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your car, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Before you purchase the replacement of your car key make sure you check your insurance policy. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance plan to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Ask your insurance company whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could be useful if you ever need it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able find one near you. Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN). The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car and driver's side door jamb, and sometimes, in front of the engine block. You may also find your VIN in other places, such as the registration of your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents. It's important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly obtain a new key that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your specific model which can then be used with your lock. The VIN is typically located on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also locate it on the driver's side door jamb, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even written on your windows or windshields as part of an anti-theft measure. Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth report on your vehicle including the model, manufacturer body type, engine size, assembly facility and the year of its manufacture. VINs first appeared in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, until 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 is correct, then you will be able to purchase new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if you car requires an ignition chip you'll need to go to an authorized locksmith or dealer who will replace your key with one that will start your car. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores. Contact Your Dealership A few years ago losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could easily contact your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's more complex than that. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your best option. While you may obtain a traditional key from the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto 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. Before calling someone to replace your lost car keys, write down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is crucial because it will be needed to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN can be found on the driver's side dashboard or printed inside of the owner's manual. Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. It is not a 100% warranty, however. It is all dependent on the model and make, and if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager. If your smart key has been lost or stolen, it will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because your car's security features require a specific kind of key to reset and work correctly. This process is more complicated than it was in the past be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. Dealers can also 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 do this ensure that you have all of the necessary information, including an ID photo. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process. Contact a locksmith The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact an experienced locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able to cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. But, they'll require the year, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should suffice). Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. This includes checking pockets in pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You may also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally place them, such as on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help. For keys that are traditional locksmiths is likely to be able replace keys on the spot for around $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance transport you car to a dealership to buy a new key. Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars that have more advanced features, such as smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, however a locksmith is likely to be able cut and program the key on the spot. Many locksmiths are also able to remove broken or bent keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key by yourself could cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to the experts. In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys, a locksmith can give you advice about how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in ensuring that you never lose your car keys ever again.