How to Replace Lost Car Keys

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

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

Check the locks on your car.

If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they're especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy if you make the effort to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start by sitting in 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 key. Be sure to feel around small compartments and zippered areas for keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse, or tote bag, for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that communicates to the car to let you into the vehicle and to start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to purchase an alternative key fob if you've lost my key it.

Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith might be able to create an alternative key for you if you've got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

You can also purchase an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but this will be much more expensive. The dealership must pair a computer chip with your car, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the make and model of your car.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to deciding to purchase a new car key. If you have comprehensive coverage you might be able to claim it to pay for the cost of a new key. Moreover, 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 locate one close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, or sometimes in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance 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 easily and quickly obtain a new key that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

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

You can check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will provide you with the complete information about your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size, motor assembly plant and the year it was manufactured.

VINs first came into use in 1954. However, up to 1981, they were offered in a variety of configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from most dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. For example, if your car requires an ignition chip, you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer who will replace your key with one that can start your vehicle. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could just contact your local dealer to get new keys made. Today, it's a lot more complicated than it used to be. The dealership may not be the best place to go for replacing your car keys that have been lost.

You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to call an automotive lock. They're more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road fast and probably cost less than the dealership.

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

Dealerships can replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. It is not a 100% guarantee, however. It is dependent on your model and make, and if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. Bring your car to the dealership and request the service manager if are unsure whether they can assist.

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

This process is more complicated than it used to be, so make sure you're willing to pay a higher price to restore this feature. A dealership can also provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original one in the event that your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route ensure you have all the information needed including an identification photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Contact a locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step to replace lost keys to your car. An experienced locksmith can cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. However, they will require the year, make and model of your vehicle as well as proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will do it).

Before you call a locksmith on the phone however, ensure that you've checked every possible spot where your keys could be. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor behind the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to contact a professional for assistance.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is cheaper than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance tow your car to the dealership and buy a replacement key.

Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number for your vehicle, but locksmiths should be able to cut and program the key in a flash.

Many locksmiths can also take out keys that are bent or broken, which are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.

A locksmith can assist you replace lost keys replacement car keys and also provide advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can help in ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.