How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys aren't to be found.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are many ways to replace a lost car key, but the majority of these require a locksmith or a dealership.

Check the locks on your car.

When you lose car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, particularly if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy if you take the time to do an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Start with the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and back and forth. Also, look around compartments with zippers or small spaces to find keys. You should also carefully check your purse, backpack, or tote bag for the keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from the 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 go to the dealership to get an alternative one created.

Some older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths are in replacing a lost car key position to make a replacement key for you as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer is also able to provide an alternative, but it will cost more. The dealer will need to connect a computer chip for your car. This can cost between $200 and $250 depending on the make and model.

Before you purchase an auto key replacement make sure you check your insurance policy. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. It's also worth asking your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage to aid you in the case of an emergency. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able find one near you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, and sometimes behind the motor block. You may also find your VIN in other places, such as the registration of your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get a new key made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer specific to your lock which can then be used with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label situated between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb for the driver or in front the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a prevention measure.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth look at your vehicle, including the model, manufacturer, body type, engine size, assembly facility and the year of its manufacturing.

VINs were first used in 1954, but up to 1981, they were offered in a variety of configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to get new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit a dealer or locksmith that can swap your key for one that will start your vehicle. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could easily contact your local dealer to purchase a new set. Today, it's a lot more complex than it used to be. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your most ideal option.

While you may purchase a traditional key at the dealership, lost your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They are more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and probably cost less than the dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost keys. This is crucial because it will be required in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be found in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll be able help you. It's contingent on the model and make of your car, as well as whether keys are equipped with complex programming. If you're unsure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If your smart key was lost or stolen, it will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key to reset and function correctly.

This process is more complicated than it was in the past be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged the dealership will be able to offer you a similar backup. If you decide to take this route, be sure to carry all the necessary information with you and an ID photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call 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 key for your car while you wait. However, they'll require the year, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. Examine the pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags you may have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all of this and are still not able to locate your keys, it's time to contact someone.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance take your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new key.

Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, however a locksmith is likely to be able complete the task immediately.

Many locksmiths can also remove bent or broken keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own can cause more damage, so this task should be left to experts.

A locksmith can help you replace lost spare car key car keys and also offer advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home can help you to never lose your car key again.