How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your favorite TV show. However, you realize your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Know your options before you get in a panic. There are a few different methods to replace car keys that have been lost, but most of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the Locks on Your Car

If you've lost your keys to your car, it's best to start by checking your vehicle. We often forget the location of our keys, especially when we're busy or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys isn't difficult when you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Make sure you check compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag with care for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. They usually have an internal chip that can communicate to the car to allow you into the vehicle and start the motor. You'll need to visit your dealer to purchase a new key fob if you've lost my keys it.

Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith might be able to make a replacement key 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 it will be more expensive. The dealership will have to integrate a computer chip into your car, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your car.

Before you pay for an auto key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider if you have roadside service coverage. This will come in handy if you ever need it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able to find one near you.

Check your vehicle's identification (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 and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the motor block. You may also find your VIN in other places, such as the registration of your vehicle, title and insurance documents.

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

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker 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 as well as other commercial vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft security measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, How to Replace Lost Car Keys including the manufacturer, model and make body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year of its production.

VINs first came into use in 1954, but up to 1981, they were offered in a variety. 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 get new keys from most locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type 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. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys was not a big deal. You could just contact your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership may not be the best option if you need to replace your car keys that have been lost.

While you can certainly still 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 faster and for less than a dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is important as you will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your car or it could be printed in your owner's guide.

Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. However, this doesn't guarantee that they'll be able to help you. It depends on the model and make of your vehicle and whether or not the keys have complex programming. Bring your car to the dealership and ask for an expert in service if you aren't sure if they can help.

If you have an electronic key that's been lost car keys replacement cost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealer for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security features require a particular type of key to be reset and function properly.

The process is now more involved than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to restore this feature. A dealer can also give you a backup key that's similar to the original in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, make sure you have all the required information, including an ID photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Contact a locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. An experienced locksmith will be able cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. But, they'll require the year model, make and model of your vehicle as well as proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will do it).

Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets or purses, as well as any other bags you've used. You can also search for your keys in places where you would not normally look, such as the floor behind the doorway table or underneath the couch. If you've tried all of these methods and still are not able to locate your keys, then it's time to contact someone.

For traditional keys, a locksmith should be able to replace keys on the spot for around $20. This is cheaper than the cost for roadside assistance to tow your car to a dealership and purchase a new key.

Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, like smart keys, How to Replace Lost Car Keys transponder keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require you to provide the VIN number of your car however an experienced locksmith should have the right tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you lock them accidentally in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, and this task should be left to the professionals.

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