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. You find that your car keys have disappeared.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are several ways to replace lost car keys, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check your car's locks

When you lose car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget where we put them especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as up and down to search every inch of your car for your car key. Make sure you check zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Examine 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 a distance. These devices typically include an internal chip that connects to the car to let you into the vehicle and start the motor. You'll need to go to your dealer to get an alternative 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 lose one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths are able to create a new key for you, as provided you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealership will have 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 a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. You could be able to claim your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. Additionally, it's worth asking your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage that will help you in the event of an emergency. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able find one near you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is typically a label or plate on the dashboard of your vehicle, jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes on the engine block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, including the registration of your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new one that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a label on the dashboard of the driver in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle to serve as a security measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth analysis of your vehicle including the manufacturer, model, body type, engine size, assembly facility and the year of its production.

VINs were first used in 1954, however, until 1981, they were available in a variety of configurations. In that year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from most dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will require a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. If not, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could easily call your local dealer to purchase a new set. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership may not be the best option in case you want to replace your lost car keys.

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

Before you call someone to replace your lost key what to do car keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important as you will need it to create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is located on the driver's side dashboard or printed inside of your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, it's not a assurance that they'll assist you. It's dependent on the model and make of your car, as well as whether or not the keys have complex programming. If you're unsure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your vehicle into the store and 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 in your car require a certain type of key in order to be reset and function properly.

This process is more involved than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional price to restore this feature. If your original key is stolen or damaged the dealership will be able to offer you a similar backup. If you decide to do this, make sure you have all the necessary information, including an identification photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

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

Before you get a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys might be. This includes checking the pockets of jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you may have used. You may also look for fobs your keys in places you wouldn't normally look, such as the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are unable to find your keys, it's time to call someone.

For traditional keys, a locksmith is likely to be able replace them on the spot for about $20. This is less than the cost for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealership and purchase a new key.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. These keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the VIN number of your car, but an experienced locksmith has the right tools to complete this on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove broken or bent keys that are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own could cause more damage, and this task should be left to the professionals.

A locksmith can help you replace lost car keys and also provide tips on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in ensuring that you never lose your car keys ever again.