How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so put on your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your latest TV show. But, lost you realize that the keys to your car aren't to be found.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are many ways to replace lost car keys, but most of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check Your Car's Locks

If you lose your keys to your car, it's best to start by checking your vehicle. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially when we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy when you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search of 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 forward. Also, look around zippered areas or small compartments to locate the keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse or tote bag, for keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to purchase 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 lose one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be in a position to make a replacement key for you, as long as you can provide proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealer will need to pair up a computer chip for your car. This could cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car's model and make.

Be sure to check your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance policy to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. It's also important to inquire with your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance insurance that can aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance which means you are likely to find an option near 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 and track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States, the VIN is typically an image or a plate on the dashboard of your car or the driver's side door jamb and sometimes, in front of the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like your vehicle registration title, insurance and title documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car, so it's a good idea to keep it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get new keys made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a security measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth look at your vehicle, including the manufacturer, model of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility, and the year of production.

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

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to obtain new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could just contact your local dealer to have a new set of keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're in the market to have your lost car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your best option.

While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely to 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 you contact someone to replace your lost keys lost for car. This is important because it will be needed to create a replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN can be found on the driver's dashboard, or it may be printed inside of the owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This is not a assurance, however. It all depends on your model and make, as well as if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealer and request an expert in service if you aren't sure if they can assist.

If your smart key was lost or stolen the key will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a certain type of key to be reset and function properly.

This process is more complicated than it was previously be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a higher price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged A dealership could offer you a similar backup. If you choose to go this route ensure you have all of the necessary information including a photo ID. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Contact a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost. A reputable locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they'll require the year, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should do it).

Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys before you contact a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants as well as purses and other bags you've used. You can also look for your keys in places where you don't usually put them, like on the floor Lost under a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for help.

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

Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, such as smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your car, but a locksmith should be able to cut and program the key on the spot.

Many locksmiths can also remove keys that are bent or broken, which are often caused by accidentally locking them in your vehicle. It is best to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Doing it yourself could cause more damage.

In addition to helping you replace keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can provide advice on how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventive 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 again.