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How to Replace Lost Car Keys You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and order a pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared. Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are many methods to replace lost car keys however, the majority of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith. Check the locks on your car. It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. We often don't know where they are, especially if we're distracted or in a rush. Finding keys to your car may be fairly easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched. Start with the driver’s seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Make sure you check zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Check your purse, backpack 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. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to purchase the new key fob in case you've lost it. Some older cars still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths will be able to create a new key for you, as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. The dealer is also able to provide an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealer must pair up an electronic chip to your car. This can cost between $200 and $250, depending on the model and make. Make sure to verify your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This will help if you ever need it. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages and you are likely to find a service close to you. Check 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, track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States, the VIN is typically the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car or jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes, in front of the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, including your vehicle registration, title and insurance documents. Your VIN is unique to your car It's recommended to store it safe. That way, if you lose your keys, you can use it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock. The VIN is typically located on a sticker on the driver's-side dashboard at the point where the windshield joins it. It can also be found on the door jamb for the driver or in front the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even etched into your windows or windshields as part of a security measure against theft. Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth look at your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility, and the year of manufacture. VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until 1981 they were available in different configurations. In that year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters. If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to purchase new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automobiles, based on the type of key your car requires. For example, if your car requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who can swap your key for one that will start your vehicle. You can also purchase standard keys at hardware stores. Contact i lost my car keys what do i do wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily call your local dealer to purchase a new set. Today, it's a lot more complicated than that. If you're in the market 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, the best choice is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road fast and will probably charge less than the dealership. Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because it will be required in order for someone to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be printed in your owner's guide. Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. However, it's not a guarantee that they'll be able to assist you. It is all dependent on the model and make, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager. If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a particular type of key to reset and work properly. The process is more complicated than it was previously, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged A dealership could provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to go this way ensure you have all of the information needed, including an identification photo. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process. Contact for a locksmith Contacting a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost car keys. A locksmith with experience will be able to program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. But, they'll require the year and make of your vehicle, as well as proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice). Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys before you contact a locksmith. Check pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through 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 table behind the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all of this but are still not able to locate your keys, then it's time for you to contact someone. For keys that are traditional, a locksmith is likely to be able replace them in a matter of $20. This is cheaper than what you would pay for roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the dealership and purchase a new key. Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars that have more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require you to provide the VIN number of your car however an experienced locksmith has the right tools to do this on the spot for you. Many locksmiths are also able to remove keys that are bent or broken, which are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. Doing it yourself could result in further damage. A locksmith can help replace lost car keys and also provide advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car key once more.