How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Before you panic, know your options. There are a few different methods to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check Your Car's Locks

If you lose your car key lost keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where we put them especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car key with no spare car keys is fairly easy when you take the time to do an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Start with the driver’s seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for your car key. Be sure to look around compartments with zippers and small spaces for keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. They usually include an internal chip that connects to the car to allow you into the vehicle and to start the motor. You'll have to visit your dealer to obtain a new key fob if you've lost it.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith may be able create keys for you if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide the replacement however it will cost more. The dealership must connect a computer chip to your car, which can cost $200-$250 or fobs more depending on the model and make of your car.

Before you make a payment for the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you might be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of replacing a key. Additionally, it's worthwhile to ask your insurance company if they have roadside assistance insurance that can assist you in the event of an emergency. There are many companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one in your area.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, and sometimes behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.

It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get new keys that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is usually found 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 door jamb on 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 windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.

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

VINs were first used in 1954, but up to 1981, they came in a variety of formats. 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 purchase new keys at most dealerships as well as automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily call your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's a lot more complicated than that. The dealership may not be the best option for replacing your lost car keys.

While you may get a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely to be able to get you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership.

Before you contact someone to replace your lost car keys, note down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important as the person who needs it will create an alternative car key for you. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or found in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, this isn't a assurance that they'll help you. It is dependent on your make and model, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complex programming. If you're unsure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager.

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

The process is now more complex than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. Dealers can also give you another key that's identical to the original in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have all the information needed along with you, as well as an identification photo. This will help everyone to get through the process.

Contact for a locksmith

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

Before calling a locksmith on the phone However, you must ensure that you've inspected every possible spot where your keys might be. Check the pockets of the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places you would not normally look like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all of this but are still struggling to locate your keys, it's time for you to call someone.

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

Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, fobs like smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complex 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 usually the result of accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.

A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and provide guidance on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car key again.