How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweats Grab a pizza and binge your latest TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.

Know your options before you panic. There are many methods to replace lost car keys, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. We often don't know where they are, particularly when we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately finding keys to your car isn't difficult if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. Move the seats back and forwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for damaged keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to get the new key fob in case you've lost it.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith may be able to create keys 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 will have to connect a computer chip to your car, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your car.

Be sure to check your insurance policy before you purchase a new car key. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This could come in handy in the event that you need it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans which means you should be able to find an option 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 every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your vehicle, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes, in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places such as your vehicle registration, title, and insurance documents.

It is important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. In the event that you ever lose your keys, you'll be able to utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and locate the key code from the manufacturer for your particular model, which will then work with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a sticker on the driver's-side dashboard at the point where the windshield joins it. You can also locate it on the driver's side door jamb or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a prevention measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size, assembly plant and the year of its production.

VINs were first used in 1954, but until 1981, they were available in a variety of configurations. In the year 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. For instance, if your vehicle requires an ignition chip you'll need to visit a dealer or locksmith that can replace your key with one that will be able to start your vehicle. You can also purchase basic keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past the loss of your car keys was not a huge deal. You could easily call your local dealer to get a new set. It's more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best place to go in case you want to replace your car keys that have been lost.

While you may purchase a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able get you back on the quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your lost keys. This is crucial because the person who needs it will create the replacement car keys for damaged you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your car, or may be found in the owner's guide.

Dealerships can replace cars keys for most manufacturers. This is not a guarantee, however. It depends on the make and model of your car and whether keys are equipped with complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and request an expert in service if you aren't sure if they can help.

If your smart key has been lost or stolen it must be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car's security features require a specific kind of key to reset and work correctly.

The process is more complicated than it was in the past be, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. If your original key is stolen or damaged, a dealership can provide you with a duplicate backup. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have all of the required information including an ID photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step to replace lost car keys. A skilled locksmith can 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 the car (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

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 the pockets of jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places where you wouldn't normally look like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.

For traditional keys, a locksmith is likely to be able replace them in a matter of $20. This is cheaper than the cost to have roadside assistance take your car to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. These more complex keys might require you to provide the VIN number of the car however a professional locksmith will have the tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken or bent keys, which can occur when you accidentally lock them in your car. It is recommended to leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. Doing it yourself could cause more damage.

In addition to helping you replace your keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can also provide advice on how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys ever again.