How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. However, you discover that your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Be aware of your options before you be in a panic. 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

When you lose car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, broken especially if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is fairly easy when you take the time to do an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver’s seat. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for your car keys. Be sure to feel around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, broken too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. They usually contain an internal chip that communicates to the car to allow you access to the vehicle and then start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to obtain the new key fob in case you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still use traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith could be able to make keys for you if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.

The dealer is also able to provide a replacement however, it will cost more. The dealer must pair up a computer chip for your vehicle. This can cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car's make and model.

Before you pay for a car key replacement make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a replacement key. It's also important to inquire with 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 packages. You should be able to locate one close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

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

Your VIN is unique to your car It's recommended to store it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new key that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your specific model, which will then work with your lock.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's located at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or in front the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a prevention measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year it was made.

VINs were first introduced in 1954, but up to 1981, they were available in a variety. 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 get new keys at most dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you car requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit a dealer or locksmith that will replace your key with one that will be able to start your vehicle. In other cases, you can buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago, losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply call your local dealer to purchase a new set. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.

Although you could obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and probably cost less than the dealership would.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is vital as it will be needed in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or included in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. It is not a 100% guarantee however. It is all dependent on the make and model, and whether the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

If your smart key was lost or stolen it must be replaced by a dealership. This is because your car's security functions require a specific kind of key to reset and function correctly.

This process is more complicated than it used to be and you should make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. A dealer will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the one you have in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, be sure to carry all the necessary information on hand, as well as an ID photo. This will help everyone to go through the process.

Call for a locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing lost keys to a car keys to your car that have been lost is to call locksmith. A locksmith with experience will be able program and cut a new car key while you are waiting. But, they'll require the year and make of your vehicle as well as proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys before you call a locksmith. Check the pockets of the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you might have used. You can also search for your keys in places you might not normally go like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all of this but are still struggling to locate your keys, then it's time to call someone.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is less than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance take your vehicle to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more advanced models of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. These more complex keys might require that you provide the VIN number of the car however an experienced locksmith should have the right tools to do this right on the spot for you.

The majority of locksmiths also have the capability of removing broken keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. It is best to leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. Trying to do it yourself could result in further damage.

In addition to helping you replace your keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can also give you advice about how to avoid keys from being lost keys to my car or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.