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How to Replace Lost Car Keys<br />You're tired, so put on your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. You find that your car keys have disappeared.<br />Be aware of your options prior to panic. There are many ways to replace a lost car key, but the majority of them require a locksmith or dealership.<br />Check Your Car's Locks<br />When you lose keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where we've put them particularly when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys isn't difficult if you make the effort to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.<br />Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and forward. Be sure to feel around small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag for keys.<br />Many modern cars come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices typically have an internal chip that connects with the car to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the motor. You'll need to go to your dealer to purchase a new key fob if you've lost it.<br />Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith could be able create keys for you if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.<br />You can also get an entirely new replacement at the dealership, however this will be much more expensive. The dealer must pair up an electronic chip to your car. It could cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car's model and make.<br />Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase the new car key. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. Additionally, [https://articlescad.com/10-unexpected-lost-car-keys-no-spare-tips-608601.html car key lost replacement] asking your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage that will help you in the event of an emergency. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one near you.<br />Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).<br />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, track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your registration for your vehicle, title, and insurance documents.<br />Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's recommended to store it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get a new key made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.<br />[https://www.openlearning.com/u/hvidlaustsen-sma8ph/blog/AreYouResponsibleForTheKeyLostCarBudget10AmazingWaysToSpendYourMoney lost a car key how to replace] of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label that's located where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even written on your windows or windshields as part of a anti-theft measure.<br />You can verify your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth look at your vehicle, including the model, manufacturer of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility, and the year of manufacture.<br />VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 1981 they were available in different configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format.<br />If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from a variety of dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit a dealer or locksmith that will replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. In other cases, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.<br />Contact Your Dealership<br />A few years ago losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer to get a new set. Today, it's more complex than it used to be. The dealership might not be the best option if you need to replace your lost car keys.<br />You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to contact an automotive lock. They will be able to get you back on your way faster and charge less than the dealership.<br />Before calling anyone to replace your car keys, note down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important because someone will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard, or it may be found in the owner's manual.<br />Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, it's not a assurance that they'll assist you. It's dependent on the make and model of your car as well as whether or not the keys have complex programming. If you're unsure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your vehicle into the store and speak with the service manager.<br />If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific type of key in order to be reset and function properly.<br />This process is more complex than it was previously be, so you should be willing to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. A dealer will also be able to provide you with another key that's identical to the original one in the event that the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, be sure to have all the required information on hand along with a photo ID. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.<br />Call a locksmith<br />The most important step in replacing lost car keys is to call a locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).<br />Before you call a locksmith over the phone, though, make sure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys might be. This includes checking pockets in pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you've used. You can also search for your keys in places where you might not normally go for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all of these methods and still are not able to locate your keys, it's time to contact someone.<br />A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport your car to a dealership to purchase a new key.<br />Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the car's VIN number however a professional locksmith will have the tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.<br />Many locksmiths are also able to remove keys that are bent or broken, which are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. Doing it yourself could result in further damage.<br />In addition to helping you replace keys that were lost in your car locksmiths can also give you advice about how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can help in ensuring that you don't lose your car keys again.<br />