How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweats take a bite of pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys have disappeared.

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

Check the locks on your car.

When you lose keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. After all, we often forget where we put them especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car isn't difficult if you take the time to do an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

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

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. They usually contain an internal chip that can communicate to the car in order to allow you into the vehicle and start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to get a new key fob if you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be able to create a new key for you as long as you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

You can also purchase an upgrade at the dealership, however this will be much more expensive. The dealer will have to pair up an electronic chip to your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250 depending on the model and make.

Before you pay for the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you might be able to claim it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Moreover, it's also important to inquire with your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage to assist you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans which means you will be able to locate services close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to 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 typically the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car or 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 vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's recommended to store it safe. If you lose your keys, you can quickly and easily get new keys that is based on the VIN. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer for your specific model which can then be used with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver's side in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the driver-side door jamb or on the side of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some cases it is possible that the VIN is even etched on your windows or windshields to provide an anti-theft measure.

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

VINs were first introduced in 1954, however, until 1981, they came in a variety of configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from a variety of locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit a dealer or locksmith that can replace your key with one that will be able to start your vehicle. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago the loss of your car keys wasn't an issue. You could easily call your local dealer to get a new set. Today, it's more complex than that. If you're in the market to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the most ideal option.

You can still get a traditional car key from the dealership but it is best to contact an automotive lock. They can get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your lost keys. This is important as the person who needs it will create a replacement car key for you. The VIN can be found on the driver's dashboard, or it may be found in your owner's manual.

Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of car manufacturers. This is not a guarantee however. It's dependent on the make and model of your car, as well as whether or not the keys have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and inquire for an expert in service if you are unsure whether they can assist.

If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a particular type of key to reset and work properly.

This process is more complex than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the extra cost to have this feature restored. In the event that your original key is lost or damaged A dealership could provide you with a duplicate backup. If you opt to go this route ensure that you have all of the required information, including an ID photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Call an expert locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call an experienced locksmith. An experienced locksmith can 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 proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should do it).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. Examine the pockets on pants, broken jackets and purses. Also check any other bags that you may have 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 under the couch. If you've tried this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for help.

A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow your vehicle to a dealer to buy a new key.

Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, including transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, but a locksmith will be able to complete the task immediately.

Locksmiths are also able to ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. It is best to leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. If you attempt to do it yourself can cause further damage.

In addition to helping you replace lost a car key car keys, a locksmith can also offer advice on how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can help you to never lose your car keys ever again.