Ten Replace Lost Car Keys Products That Can Help You Live Better

How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so change into your sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. However, you discover that the keys to your car aren't to be found.

Know your options before you panic. There are several ways to replace the car key that was lost however, the majority of them require a locksmith or a dealership.

Check the Locks on Your Car

It's best to inspect your car first if you lose your keys. In the end, we tend to forget where we put them, especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. 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 backwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Also, check the compartments with zippers or small spaces to find keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse or tote bag, for keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from an extended 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 an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Certain older cars still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of keys, it's likely 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.

You can also get an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but this will be much more expensive. The dealer will have to connect an electronic chip to your car. This could cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car's model and make.

Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. You could be able to claim your comprehensive insurance plan to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This could be useful should you ever require it. There are many companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able locate one close to you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

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

It is essential to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get a new key that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code specific to your lock that will then work with your lock.

The VIN is typically located on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver's side, where the windshield meets it. You can also look for it on the driver's side door jamb, 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 to provide an security measure against theft.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year of its production.

VINs were first used in 1954, however, until 1981, they were offered in a variety of formats. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to obtain new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll have to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also get regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago, losing your car keys was not an issue. You could simply call your local dealer and request a new set. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best place to go if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost.

Although you could obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They are more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road fast and likely to charge less than the dealership.

Note down  www.g28carkeys.co.uk  (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is important as someone will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be found in the owner's guide.

Dealerships are able to replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. This is not a guarantee, however. It depends on the make and model of your car as well as whether keys have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a service manager if you are unsure whether they can assist.

If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership to get it replaced. This is because the security features in your car require a specific type of key to function correctly and reset.

This process is more complex than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra cost to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is lost or damaged, a dealership can provide you with a duplicate backup. If you choose to do this ensure that you have all of the required information, including an identification photo. This will help everyone to get through the process.

Call a Locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step to replace lost keys to your car. A skilled locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle, along with proof of ownership (a copy your registration or title).

Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to you contact a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places where you wouldn't normally look, such as the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried this but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to seek help.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is less than what you would pay to have roadside assistance take your car to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your car, however locksmiths will be able to cut and program the key in a flash.

Many locksmiths can also remove bent or broken keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. If you attempt to do it yourself could result in further damage.

A locksmith can assist you replace keys to your car that have been lost and give tips on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will aid you in never losing your car keys once more.