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How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you put on your favorite sweats and grab a slice of pizza to binge-watch 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 lost car keys, but most of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check your car's locks

If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they are, especially if we're busy or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car isn't difficult when you take the time to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver’s seat. Examine every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Also, look around small compartments or zippered areas to locate keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag carefully for keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that communicates with the car to allow you access to the vehicle and then start the engine. If you've lost keys of car your car's keys fob, you'll have to visit a dealership to have a new one created.

Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of keys, it's likely that a locksmith will be capable of creating a new key for you, as provided you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

The dealer can also provide a replacement however it will cost more. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your car, which could cost between $200 and $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 could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Moreover, it's also worth asking your car insurance company if they have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. There are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages. You should be able find one in your area.

Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into a label or plate on the dashboard of your car or the driver's side door jamb and sometimes, in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car, so it's best to keep it somewhere safe. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new one made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and get the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock.

The majority of 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 find it on the door jamb for the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even embedded into your windshield or windows as part of a security measure against theft.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth analysis of your vehicle's manufacturer, model, body type, engine size, assembly facility, and year of manufacture.

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

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to obtain new keys at the majority of dealerships and locksmiths for automobiles, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. In other cases, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could just call your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. Today, it's more complex than that. The dealership might not be the best place to go in case you want to replace your lost car keys.

While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best choice is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely be capable of getting you back on the road fast and will probably charge less than the dealership would.

Before you contact someone to replace your car keys, write down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is vital as it will be required to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be printed in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll assist you. It is dependent on your model and make, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complicated programming. Bring your car to the dealership and inquire for the service manager if aren't sure if they can help.

If your smart key was stolen or lost it must be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a certain type of key in order to reset and function properly.

This process is more complex than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. A dealership will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the original one in the event that the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, make sure to carry all the required information on hand and an ID photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Contact an expert locksmith

The most crucial step to take in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call a locksmith. A locksmith with experience will be able program and cut a new car key while you wait. But, they'll require the year and make of your vehicle, as well as proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should do it).

Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys prior to when you call a locksmith. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places you might not normally go like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should seek help.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance tow your vehicle to a dealer to buy a new key.

Locksmiths are often able to program and cut new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the VIN number of your car however a professional locksmith will have the tools to do this on the spot for you.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own can cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to experts.

A locksmith can help replace keys to your car that have been lost and give advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Taking preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can help in ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.