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. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Know your options before you be in a panic. There are several ways to replace a lost car key, but the majority of these require a locksmith or dealer.

Check the locks on your car.

If you lose your keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they're especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy when you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.

Begin by putting your feet on the driver's side. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for the car key. Also, check the small compartments or zippered areas to locate the keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll have to visit the dealership to have a new one made.

Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith may be able to create keys for you if you have proof of ownership like your registration or title.

The dealer is also able to provide the replacement however it will cost more. The dealer will have to connect a computer chip for your car. It could cost between $200 and $250 depending on the model and make.

Before you purchase the replacement of your car key make sure you check your insurance policy. You could be able to claim your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of purchasing an additional car key. It's also worth asking your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance insurance that can aid you in the case of an emergency. There are many companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one in your area.

Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for each vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and monitor remote inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes on the motor block. You can also find your VIN in other places, including your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your car. This way, should you lose your keys, you can utilize it to have an alternative key quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the key code of the manufacturer for your particular model that will then work with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb on the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some instances, the VIN is even written into your windows or windshields as part of a security measure to prevent theft.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth look at your vehicle including the manufacturer, model, body type, engine size, assembly facility and the year of its production.

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

If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also purchase regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could just contact your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than that. If you're looking 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 better to call an automotive lock. They will be able get you back on the faster and for less than a dealership.

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

Dealerships can repair keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this doesn't assurance that they'll be able assist you. It is dependent on your model and make, as well as whether the keys are intelligent or have complicated programming. If you're unsure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll need to visit your dealer to get it replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key to reset and function properly.

The process is now more involved than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to have this feature restored. A dealer can also provide you with another key that's identical to the original in case your lost car key replacement one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, be sure to carry all the necessary information on hand along with a photo ID. This will help all to complete the process.

Call a Locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing lost car key lost keys to your car. An experienced locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. Check the pockets of the pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags that you might have used. You can also look for your keys in areas where you don't usually put them, like on the floor in front of a doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport you car to a dealership to purchase a new one.

Locksmiths often cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number of your vehicle, but locksmiths will be able to do it on the spot.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove broken or bent keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own could cause more damage, so this task should be left to the professionals.

In addition to helping you replace keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can also offer advice on how to avoid keys from being lost or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home could assist you in avoiding losing your car key ever again.

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