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How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and binge your latest TV show. However, you discover that the keys to your car aren't to be found.

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

Check Your Car's Locks

It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. In the end, we tend to forget where we've put them, especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is relatively easy if you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as upwards and downwards to check every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Also, feel around compartments with zippers or small spaces to find the keys. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. These devices typically contain an internal chip that connects to the car in order to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need go to the dealership to get a new one created.

Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths will be able to create a new key for you as long as you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer is also able to provide an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealer must pair up an electronic chip to your car. This can cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car's make and model.

Before you purchase an auto key replacement make sure you check your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a replacement key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This can help should you ever require it. There are many companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able find one in your area.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle that is on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It is also used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically a label or plate on your car's dashboard, jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes on the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like your vehicle registration title, insurance and title documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car and it's recommended to store it safe. In the event that you lose your keys, you'll be able to utilize it to have a replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN and get the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a sticker that's placed where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even embedded into your windshield or windows to provide an anti-theft measure.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth analysis of your vehicle including the manufacturer, model body type, engine size, assembly facility and the year of manufacturing.

VINs were first introduced in 1954, however, until 1981, they were offered 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 correct, then you will be able to get new keys at the majority of dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also purchase regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago, losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could just call your local dealership to have new keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than it used to be. If you're in the market to have your lost car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your best option.

While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key lost car from the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They're more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road in a hurry and will probably charge less than the dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you contact someone to replace your keys. This is important because you will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or printed inside of your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. It is not a 100% warranty, however. It's dependent on the model and make of your vehicle, as well as whether keys have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.

If your smart key was stolen or lost it must be replaced at the dealership. This is because your car's security functions require a particular type of key to reset and function correctly.

The process is now more complex than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to do this ensure you have all of the necessary information including an ID photo. This will help everyone to go through the process.

Call a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. A skilled locksmith can cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they'll require the year model, 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 get a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you've inspected all possible places where your keys may be. This includes checking the pockets of pants and jackets, purses and any other bags you've used. You could also search for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor under the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried all of these methods and still are struggling to locate your keys, then it's time to call someone.

For keys that are traditional locksmiths should be able to replace them on the spot for remote about $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance transport your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new one.

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 transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number of your car, but locksmiths will be able to do it in a flash.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove keys that are bent or broken, which are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. It is best to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. If you attempt to do it yourself could result in further damage.

A locksmith can help you replace keys to your car that have been lost and give tips on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car key ever again.