How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you put on your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Know your options before you be in a panic. There are several ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost, but the majority of these require a locksmith or dealership.

Check the locks on your car.

When you lose car keys, it's always best to start by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they are, especially when we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately the search for lost car keys isn't difficult when you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Be sure to look around compartments with zippers and small spaces for keys, too. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for keys.

Many modern cars 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. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need to visit a dealership to have a new one made.

Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith might be able to make keys for you if you've got proof of ownership like your registration or title.

You can also get an upgrade from a dealer, but it will be more expensive. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your car, which can cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your car.

Before you purchase the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive, you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of replacing a key. Ask your insurance company whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This can help in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance which means you are likely to find an option close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle that is 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 vehicle and driver's side door jamb, and sometimes, in front of the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like your vehicle registration, title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's a good idea to keep it somewhere safe. This way, should you lose your keys, you can make use of it to get an alternative key quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your specific model, which 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 in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the driver's side door jamb or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some instances there are instances where the VIN is even written into your windows or windshields as part of a anti-theft measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model body type, engine size, fob assembly facility and the year of manufacture.

VINs first came into use in 1954, however, until 1981, they came in a variety of formats. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.