How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and order a pizza to watch your latest TV show. But, repairs you realize that your car keys aren't to be found.

Be aware of your options prior to be in a panic. There are a few different ways to replace car keys that have been lost, 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 if you lose your keys. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially if we're busy or distracted. Finding lost car keys can be relatively easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start with the driver's seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forth. Be sure to look around compartments with zippers and small spaces for keys, too. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need to go to the dealership to get a new one made.

Certain older cars still have keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths are able to create a new key for you, as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

You can also get an upgrade at the dealership, however this will be much more expensive. The dealership will have to pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. If you have coverage that is comprehensive, you may be able to claim it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This could come in handy should you ever require it. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance packages which means you are likely to find services near you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, and more. In the United States, the VIN is typically an image or a plate on the dashboard of your vehicle or driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's recommended to store it safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new key that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's code for your model. This will 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 find it on the door jamb on the driver's side, or replace lost keys in front 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 theft security measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will provide you with a complete report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year of its production.

VINs first appeared in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, until 1981 they were available in different configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from many dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. In other cases, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could simply call your local dealer and request a new set. Today, it's more complicated than that. The dealership might not be the best option in case you want to replace your car keys lost what to do keys that have been lost.

You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an automotive lock. They are more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership would.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is important because it will be required in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or found in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. This is not a guarantee however. It is all dependent on the make and model, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a service manager if you are unsure if they can help.

If you have a smart key that's been lost keys to my car or stolen, you'll need 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 to reset and work properly.

This process is more complex than it was in the past be, so you should be willing to pay a higher price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can offer you a similar backup. If you opt to go this way ensure you have all the necessary information, including an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Call a locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to call a locksmith. A skilled locksmith will be able to cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. However, they will 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 will suffice).

Before you call a locksmith over the phone, though, make sure that you have checked all possible places where your keys might be. This includes checking pockets in jackets and pants as well as purses and other bags you've used. You can also search for your keys in places where you would not normally look for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all this and are still unable to find your keys, it's time for you to contact someone.

For keys that are traditional locksmiths is likely to be able replace them on the spot for about $20. This is less than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealership and purchase a new key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more advanced types of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number for your vehicle, but a locksmith should be able to complete the task immediately.

The majority of 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 that you leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. Doing it yourself could cause more damage.

A locksmith can help you replace lost car keys and also offer tips 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 aid you in never losing your car key again.