How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweats take a bite of pizza and binge your latest TV show. However, you realize your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are many methods to replace lost car keys however, the majority of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the Locks on Your Car

When you lose car keys, it's always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, especially when we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately, finding lost key car car keys is fairly easy when you take the time to do an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver’s seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forth. Also, feel around compartments with zippers or small spaces to locate keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for keys.

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

Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost these keys, a locksmith might be able create an alternative key for you, if you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.

The dealer may also offer the replacement, but it will cost more. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your car, which could cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Before you purchase the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of buying an additional car key. It's also worthwhile to ask your insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage that will aid you in the case of an emergency. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans and you will be able to locate an option near you.

Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The number for identification of the vehicle is a unique 17-digit alpha-numeric code for every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and monitor inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb and sometimes even behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your registration for your vehicle and title as well as insurance documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. That way, if you ever lose your keys, you can use it to get the replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode the VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft prevention measure.

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

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

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from many dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you'll require an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also find basic keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could easily call your local dealer and request a new set. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your best option.

Although you could obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able get you back on your way faster and charge less than the dealership.

Before calling anyone to replace your car keys, note down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is crucial because it will be needed to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or found in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. It is not a 100% warranty, however. It depends on the make and model of your vehicle and whether or not the keys have complex programming. If you're not sure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership in order to have it replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key in order to function correctly and reset.

The process is now more complicated than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional price to have this feature restored. Dealers can also give you another key that's identical to the original in case the lost the keys To my car key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, be sure you have all the information needed on hand along with an ID photo. This will help all to complete the process.

Call a Locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing lost car keys is to call a locksmith. A skilled locksmith will be able cut and program the new key for your car while you wait. However, they will need to know the year and make of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should do it).

Make sure you check every possible location for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants or purses, as well as any other bags you might have used. You may also search for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, like on the floor in front of the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've tried all this and are still struggling to locate your keys, it's time for you to call someone.

For traditional keys locksmiths is likely to be able replace them in a matter of $20. This is cheaper than the cost for roadside assistance to tow your car to a dealership and buy a replacement key.

Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require that you provide the car's VIN number however, professional locksmiths will have the tools to complete this in a flash for you.

Many locksmiths can also take out broken or bent keys that are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own could cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to the experts.

In addition to helping you replace keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can also offer advice on how to stop future keys from being lost or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will aid you in never losing your car key lost replacement key once more.