How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and binge your latest TV show. You find that your car keys have disappeared.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are several ways to replace a lost car key however, the majority of them require a locksmith or dealer.

Check Your Car's Locks

If you've lost key car your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where we put them especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats back and forwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your car for your car key. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for the keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. They usually have an internal chip that can communicate to the car to allow you access to the vehicle and then start the motor. You'll have to visit your dealer to obtain the new key fob in case you've lost it.

Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith may be able create keys for you if you've got evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide an alternative however it will cost more. The dealer will have to pair up an electronic chip to your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250 depending on the model and make.

Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. If you have coverage that is comprehensive, you may be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Ask your insurance company whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could come in handy should you ever require it. 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.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and much more. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or a plate that's affixed to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other documents such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's best to keep it safe. That way, if you should ever lose your keys, you can use it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is typically located on a label on the dashboard of the driver's side, replacing where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the door jamb of the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft security measure.

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

VINs first came into use in 1954, but up to 1981, they were available 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 valid, then you'll be able to get new keys at the majority of dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit a dealer or locksmith that will replace your key with one that will start your vehicle. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago losing your car keys wasn't a huge deal. You could simply call your local dealer to get a new set. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership may not be the best option if you need to replace your lost car keys.

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

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is important as the person who needs it will create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be found in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll be able to help you. It all depends on your model and make, and whether the keys are smart or have complex programming. If you're unsure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that's been replacing lost car key or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealership to get it replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key to be reset and function correctly.

This process is much more complex than it used to be and you should make sure you're willing to pay the additional price to have this feature restored. A dealership will also be able to provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route ensure that you have all the information needed, including an identification photo. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.

Contact a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. An experienced locksmith can cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. But, 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).

Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys prior to you contact a locksmith. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places where you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or under the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to seek help.

For traditional keys, a locksmith is likely to be able replace keys in a matter of $20. This is less expensive than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealership and buy a replacement key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program a new key for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, but locksmiths will be able to do it in a flash.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. It is recommended to leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. If you attempt to do it yourself could cause more damage.

A locksmith can assist you replace keys to your car that have been lost and give guidance on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could assist you in avoiding losing your car keys once more.