How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so change into your sweats and grab some pizza to watch your favorite TV show. However, you discover that your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are several ways to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where we've put them especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is relatively easy when you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. The seats can be moved back and forwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Be sure to feel around compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. 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. They usually include an internal chip that can communicate to the car in order to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need to visit the dealership to have a new one made.

Some older vehicles still use traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths are able to create a new key for you as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide an alternative however it will cost more. The dealership must integrate a computer chip into your vehicle, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Before you make a payment for a car key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Additionally, it's worth asking your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage to aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans which means you should be able to find an option near you.

Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and vehicle much more. In the United States, the VIN is typically an image or a plate on the dashboard of your vehicle and the driver's side door jamb and sometimes on the engine block. You may also find your VIN in other places, such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's best to keep it somewhere safe. In the event that you ever lose your keys, you'll be able to use it to get an alternative key quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your particular model that will then work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the door jamb for the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a security measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year it was manufactured.

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

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to get new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automotive, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For example, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer that can swap your key for one that can start your vehicle. You can also get standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago the loss of your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could just call your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. It's more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best option if you need to replace your lost car keys.

While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They can to get you back on your way faster and charge less than the dealership.

Before you call someone to replace your car keys, make a note of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is crucial because it will be needed in order for someone to make a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be printed in your owner's guide.

Dealerships are able replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll help you. It's contingent on the make and model of your vehicle and whether or not the keys have complex programming. If you're unsure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

If your smart key was lost or stolen the key will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific kind of key to be reset and function properly.

This process is much more complicated than it used to be and you should make sure you're willing to pay the extra cost to restore this feature. If your original key is stolen or damaged A dealership could offer you a similar backup. If you decide to do this ensure that you have all the information needed, including a photo ID. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.

Call for a locksmith

The most important step in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact a locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. But, they'll need to know the year model, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should do it).

Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys before you contact a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in areas that you would not normally put them, such as on the floor behind the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've done this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is less than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program a 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 of your vehicle, vehicle but a locksmith is likely to be able complete the task in a flash.

Many locksmiths can also take out broken or bent keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to the experts.

A locksmith can assist you replace keys that are lost in your car and offer advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home can aid you in never losing your car key once more.