How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your sweats and grab some pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are many 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.

If you lose your car keys, it's always best to start by checking your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where we put them particularly when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy if you take the time to do an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Start with the driver's seat. The seats can be moved back and forwards as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your car for the car key. Be sure to feel around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that let you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need to go to the dealership to get a new one made.

Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith may be able to create keys for you, if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

You can also get an upgrade from the dealership, but it will be more expensive. The dealership will need to integrate a computer chip into your vehicle, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Before you pay for an auto key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of a replacement key. It's also worthwhile to ask your insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage that will assist you in the event of an emergency. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able to locate one close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

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

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's a good idea to keep it in a safe place. In the event that you should ever lose your keys, you can utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN to retrieve the manufacturer's key code specific to your lock that will then work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's placed between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the driver's side door jamb or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as 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 provide you with an in-depth analysis of your vehicle, including the model, manufacturer of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and the year of its manufacture.

VINs were first used in 1954, but up to 1981, they were offered in a variety of configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.

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

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer and request a new set. It's a lot more difficult today. If you're in the market to get your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your best option.

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

Before you call anyone to replace your car keys, note down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be required to create a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side, or it may be included in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, this isn't a assurance that they'll assist you. It's contingent on the model and make of your vehicle and whether keys have complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and inquire for a service manager if you are unsure if they can help.

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

This process is more complex than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. A dealership can also give you an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, make sure you have all the required information on hand along with an identification photo. This will help everyone to go through the process.

Call an expert locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. A skilled locksmith will be able cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. However, they will need to know the year model, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own the car key lost (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys prior to when 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, such as on the floor in front of a doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this and still cannot find your keys, it's time to contact a professional for assistance.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot at a cost of around $20. This is less than the cost for roadside assistance to tow your car to a dealership and buy a replacement key.

Locksmiths often program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your vehicle, but a locksmith is likely to be able do it immediately.

Many locksmiths can also take out keys that are bent or broken, which 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 experts.

In addition to helping you replace lost car keys, a locksmith can offer advice on how to stop future keys from being lost keys for car or stolen. Taking preventative steps, like keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.