How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your sweats and order a pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are several ways to replace a lost car key however the majority of them require a locksmith or dealer.

Check the locks on your car.

If you've lost your keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they are, particularly if we're busy or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is fairly easy if you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for your car keys. Also, look around zippered areas or small compartments to find the keys. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. They usually 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 the dealership to have a new one made.

Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths are capable of creating a new key for you, as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide a replacement lost car keys, but it will cost more. The dealership will have to connect a computer chip to your vehicle, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Be sure to check your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Ask your insurance company whether they have roadside service coverage. This could help should you ever require it. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance plans and you should be able to find services close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It is also used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into a label or plate on your car's dashboard or the driver's side door jamb and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get a new one that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer for your specific model, which will then work with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver, where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the driver-side door jamb or on the front of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even etched into your windshield or windows to provide an anti-theft measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth look at your vehicle's model, manufacturer of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and the year of its manufacturing.

VINs were first introduced in 1954, but until 1981, they were available in a variety. 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 get new keys at most dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you will require an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could contact your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. It's more complicated today. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.

Although you could obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best choice is to call an auto locksmith. They are more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership would.

Before calling anyone to replace your lost car keys, make a note of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is crucial because the person who needs it will create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle, or may be printed in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. It is not a 100% assurance however. It is dependent on your make and model, and whether the keys are smart or have complicated programming. Bring your car to the dealership and request a service manager if you aren't sure if they can assist.

If your smart key has been lost or stolen, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car's security features require a particular type of key to reset and function properly.

This process is more involved than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. Dealers can also give you another key that's identical to the original in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, make sure to have all the necessary information along with you and an ID photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Call for a locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call a locksmith. A skilled locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle with proof of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. Check pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you may have used. You could also search for nearest your keys in places you might not normally go like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under 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, for about $20. This is cheaper than what you would pay for roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars with 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, but locksmiths should be able to cut and program the key immediately.

Many locksmiths can also remove broken or bent keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. It is best to leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.

A locksmith can help replace keys to your car that have been lost and provide tips on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative steps, like 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 again.