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 find that your car keys have disappeared.

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

Check the locks on your car.

If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget where they are, especially if we're busy or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be fairly easy when your car is thoroughly searched.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved back and forwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your car for your car keys. Also, check the zippered areas or small compartments to find keys. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that can communicate to the car to allow you access to the vehicle and start the motor. You'll have to visit your dealer to obtain the new key fob in case you've lost it.

Some older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith may be able create an alternative key for you if you've got proof of ownership like your registration or title.

You can also get a new replacement at the dealership, however this will be much more expensive. The dealership must integrate a computer chip into your vehicle, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Make sure you check your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Additionally, it's worthwhile to ask your insurance company if they have roadside assistance insurance that can aid you in the case of an emergency. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance plans. You should be able to find one in your area.

Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)

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

It is essential to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get new keys made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label that's located at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even written into your windshield or windows to provide an security measure against theft.

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

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

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

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago the loss of your car keys wasn't an issue. You could contact your local dealer to get a new set of keys made. It's more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best option in case you want to replace your lost keys to car car keys.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an automotive lock. They can get you back on the quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.

Before you contact anyone to replace your car keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important as someone will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or included in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. This isn't a warranty however. It all depends on your model and make, as well as whether the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. If you're unsure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a particular type of key to reset and work correctly.

The process is more complicated than it was in the past, so make sure you're prepared to pay a greater price to restore this feature. A dealership can also provide you with another key that's identical to the original one in the event that the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you choose to do this ensure you have all the information needed, including an ID photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call a Locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to contact locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able to cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. However, they will require the year, make and model of your car along with proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will do it).

Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to you contact a locksmith. This includes checking the pockets of jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you may have used. You may also search for your keys in places where you don't usually put them, like on the floor in front of a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are struggling to locate your keys, it's time to call someone.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new one.

Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, such as transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the car's VIN number however, an experienced locksmith will have the tools to do this right on the spot for you.

The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to the professionals.

In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys, a locksmith can also offer advice on how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could assist you in avoiding losing your car keys once more.