How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and watch the latest TV show. But, you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are a few different ways to replace lost car keys, but most of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

When you lose car keys, it's always best to start by checking your vehicle. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially when we're busy or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys isn't difficult when you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Examine every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. You should also carefully check your purse, backpack, or tote bag for the keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from the distance. They usually contain an internal chip that can communicate with the car to allow you access to the vehicle and to start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to obtain an alternative key fob if you've lost it.

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

The dealer can also provide an alternative however it will cost more. The dealership must pair a computer chip with your car, which could be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the model and make of your car.

Before you make a payment for the replacement of your car key lost in car make sure you check your insurance policy. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This can help in the event that you need it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance plans. You should be able find one in your area.

Verify 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 every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles, keep track of inventory, report accidents and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into an image or a plate on the dashboard of your vehicle, jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your registration for your vehicle as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's recommended to store it in a safe place. This way, should you should ever lose your keys, you can utilize it to have a replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer specific to your lock which can then be used with your lock.

The majority of passenger vehicles have their VIN on a label located between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb for 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 embedded into your windshield or windows as part of an security measure against theft.

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

VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 1981, they were available in different configurations. In that year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to obtain new keys at the majority of dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also get basic keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago the loss of your car key lost replacement keys wasn't a huge deal. You could just contact your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complex than that. The dealership may not be the best place to go for replacing your car keys that have been lost.

You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to contact an auto lock. They are more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and likely to charge less than the dealership would.

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

Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a warranty however. It's dependent on the model and make of your vehicle, as well as whether or not the keys have complicated programming. Bring your car to the dealership and request the service manager if aren't sure if they can assist.

If your smart key has been stolen or lost my car keys, it will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because your car's security features require a specific type of key to reset and function correctly.

The process is now more involved than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to restore this feature. A dealership will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the one you have in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you opt to do this ensure you have all the required information, including an identification photo. This will help all to complete the process.

Call a Locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing a lost car key Lost Car Keys Replacement Cost car keys is to call locksmith. An experienced locksmith will be able cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they will need to know the year model, make and model of your vehicle, as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Be sure to check every possible location for your keys before you call a locksmith. Check pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags that you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places where you might not normally go like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all of this and are still unable to find 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 less expensive than what you would pay to have roadside assistance take your vehicle to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program the new key for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. These more complex keys may require that you provide the VIN number of your car however a professional locksmith should have the right tools to do this right on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths can also remove keys that are bent or broken, which are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.

In addition to helping you replace lost car keys locksmiths can also offer advice on how to avoid keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can help in making sure you never lose your car keys again.