How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and binge your latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys aren't to be found.

Know your options before you be in a panic. There are many ways to replace lost car keys but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check Your Car's Locks

If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. After all, we often forget where we put them, especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is fairly easy when you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Check every inch of the car by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forth. Also, check the small compartments or zippered areas to locate the keys. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that connects to the car in order to allow you into the vehicle and start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to obtain a new key fob if you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still use traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith may be able to create a replacement lost car keys key for you, if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

You can also get a new replacement from the dealership, but this will be more expensive. The dealership will have to connect a computer chip to your vehicle, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of a new key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This will come in handy should you ever require it. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able to find one in your area.

Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

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

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's best to keep it safe. This way, should you should ever lose your keys, you'll be able to utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer for your particular model, which will then work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label placed where the windshield meets 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 commercial and larger vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even etched into your windows or windshields as part of a security measure against theft.

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, assembly plant and the year it was made.

VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until 1981 they were available in a variety of configurations. In that year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from a variety of dealerships or locksmiths for automotive based on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll have to visit a dealer or locksmith that can swap your key for one that will start your car. You can also get standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily call your local dealer to get a new set. Today, cost it's more complex than that. If you're looking to get your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your most ideal option.

You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They can get you back on your faster and for less than a dealership.

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

Dealerships are able replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, this isn't a assurance that they'll assist you. It's dependent on the make and model of your car and whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and request the service manager if aren't sure if they can help.

If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security features require a specific kind of key to reset and function correctly.

The process is more complicated than it was previously be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. A dealership will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the one you have in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you opt to go this route ensure that you have all the necessary information, including an identification photo. This will help all to complete the process.

Call a locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to call a locksmith. An experienced locksmith will be able cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they'll need to know the year and make of your car along with evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will do it).

Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. Check pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, look through any other bags you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you would not normally look for them, like the floor behind the table behind 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 for you to contact someone.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is cheaper than what you would pay to have roadside assistance tow your car to the dealership and purchase a new key.

Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, such as transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require you to provide the VIN number of the car however an experienced locksmith has the right tools to complete this right on the spot for you.

Most locksmiths also have the capability of removing broken or bent keys that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this task should be left to professionals.

A locksmith can help you replace keys to your car that have been lost and provide advice on how to replace car keys when lost to avoid future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car key once more.