How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. You find that your car keys have disappeared.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are a variety of ways to replace the car key that was lost however the majority of these require a locksmith or dealership.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to check your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget where they are, particularly if we're distracted or in a rush. Finding keys lost in the car can be relatively easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start with the driver’s seat. Examine every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and forth. Also, feel around compartments with zippers or small spaces to find the keys. You should also carefully check your purse, backpack, or tote bag, for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually include an internal chip that communicates to the car in order to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the motor. You'll need to go to your dealer to get an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith may be able to make an alternative key for you if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer is also able to provide an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealership will have to pair a computer chip with your car, which could be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Additionally, it's worth asking your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage that will assist you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages, so you will be able to locate services near you.

Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It is also used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the motor block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, such as your registration for your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car, so it's best to keep it safe. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get a new key lost in car that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label located at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb on the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even embedded into your windshield or windows to provide an security measure against theft.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth report on your vehicle including the manufacturer, model body type, engine size, assembly facility, and year of manufacture.

VINs first came into use in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 1981, they were available in various configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.

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

Contact Your Dealership

In the past the loss of your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could call your local dealership to get new keys made. Today, it's a lot more complicated than it used to be. The dealership might not be the best option in case you want to replace the keys to your car that you lost.

You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership, but it's best to contact an auto lock. They're more likely be able to get you back on the road quickly and likely to charge less than the dealership would.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost keys. This is important because you will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car or it could be printed in the owner's guide.

Dealerships can replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, it's not a guarantee that they'll be able help you. It depends on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as whether or not the keys have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and inquire for a service manager if you aren't sure if they can help.

If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security features require a specific type of key to reset and work properly.

The process is now more involved than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. Dealers can also provide you with another key lost in car that's identical to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, be sure to carry all the necessary information with you along with an identification photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing lost car keys. A locksmith who has experience will be able program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. However, they'll require the year and make of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will do it).

Before you call a locksmith's number however, ensure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys might be. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you've used. You can also search for your keys in places that you might not normally go like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or Key Lost In Car under the couch. If you've tried all of this and are still struggling to locate your keys, it's time for Key Lost in car you to call someone.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport your car to a dealership to purchase a new key.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number of your vehicle, but a locksmith will be able to cut and program the key on the spot.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove damaged or bent keys, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is best to leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. Doing it yourself could result in further damage.

A locksmith can help replace keys to your car that have been lost and provide advice on how to avoid future keys from being lost or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards making sure you never lose your car keys again.