How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you change into your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your latest TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Know your options before you panic. There are a few different ways to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the Locks on Your Car

When you lose keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. After all, we often forget where they're particularly when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is fairly easy if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and back as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for your car key. Also, check the small compartments or zippered areas to find keys. Also, be sure to check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for the keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll have to visit the dealership to have a new one made.

Some older cars still use traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith could be able create a replacement key for you if you have evidence 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 connect an electronic chip to your car. It could cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car's make and model.

Before you make a payment for the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of replacing a key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This could be useful in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance and you will be able to locate services near you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle that is on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's a good idea to keep it in a safe place. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get a new key lost car that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and get the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is typically located on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also look for it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some cases it is possible that the VIN is even embedded into your windshield or windows as part of an security measure against theft.

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

VINs first came into use in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, up to 1981, they were offered in different configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs 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 go to an auto locksmith or dealer that can replace your key with one that will be able to start your vehicle. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily call your local dealer and request a new set. It's more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best place to go if you need to replace your car keys that have been lost.

Although you could get a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to call an auto locksmith. They will be able get you back on your faster and for less than the dealership.

Before calling someone to replace your car keys, make a note of the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important as the person who needs it will create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN can be found on the driver's dashboard or found in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. However, it's not a guarantee that they'll be able to help you. It is dependent on your model and make, and if the keys are smart or have complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and inquire for the service manager if aren't sure if they can assist.

If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key in order to reset and function properly.

This process is much more complex than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. Dealers will also be able to provide you with another key that's identical to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route ensure that you have all the necessary information including a photo ID. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call for a locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing lost car keys is to contact an experienced locksmith. An experienced locksmith will be able to cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Before calling a locksmith over the phone, though, make sure that you have checked all possible places where your keys may be. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places you wouldn't normally look, such as the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all of these methods and still are unable to find your keys, then it's time for you to contact someone.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is less than what you would pay for roadside assistance to tow your vehicle to the dealership and buy a replacement key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program a new key for more sophisticated automobiles, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the car's VIN number however an experienced locksmith has the right tools to complete this on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths can also remove bent or broken keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to professionals.

A locksmith can help replace keys to your car that have been lost and FOBs provide guidance on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will assist you in avoiding losing your car key once more.