How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.

Be aware of your options before you be in a panic. There are several ways to replace lost car keys but the majority involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

It's best to inspect your car first if you lose your keys. After all, we often forget where they're especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is relatively easy if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search in your vehicle.

Start with the driver’s seat. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as up and down to check every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Also, check the zippered areas or small compartments to find the keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for the keys.

Many modern cars come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car in order to let you in and start the engine. You'll need to visit your dealer to obtain a new key fob if you've lost it.

Some older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be in a position to make a replacement key for you, as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

The dealer may also offer an alternative however, it will cost more. The dealer must connect an electronic chip to your car. It could cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car's make and model.

Before you pay for an auto key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive, you may be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This can be useful should you ever require it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans which means you should be able to find an option near you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and track inventory. It is also used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb and sometimes even in front of the motor block. You may also find your VIN in other places, including your registration for your vehicle, title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle, so it's a good idea to keep it safe. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get new keys that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

The VIN is typically located on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also look for it on the door jamb for the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft security measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a 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 came into use in 1954. However, up to 1981, they were available in different configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format 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 automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will have to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace lost car key cost your key. In other cases, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys weren't a big deal. You could easily call your local dealer to purchase a new set. Nowadays, it's much more complicated than that. The dealership may not be the best option in case you want to replace your car keys that have been lost.

While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They will be able get you back on your way faster and charge less than the dealership.

Before you call someone to replace your car keys, note down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is vital as it will be required to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN is located on the dashboard of the driver's side or printed inside of your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able replace lost car key cost car keys for the majority of manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll help you. It is all dependent on the model and make, as well as whether the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealer for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security features require a particular type of key to be reset and function properly.

This process is more complicated than it was in the past be, so you should be prepared to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. If your original key is damaged or stolen, a dealership can offer you a similar backup. If you choose to go this route, be sure to have all the information needed on hand, as well as an ID photo. This will help everyone to get through the process.

Call for a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing a lost car key keys for your car that have been lost. A skilled locksmith will be able cut and program an entirely new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will require the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle with evidence of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Before you call a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you've inspected every possible spot where your keys might be. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, check any other bags that you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places where you don't usually put them, like on the floor under a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should seek help.

For traditional keys locksmiths is likely to be able replace them in a matter of $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport you car to a dealership to purchase a new key.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program the new key for more advanced types of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, however locksmiths will be able to complete the task on the spot.

Many locksmiths can also remove bent or broken keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key car lost on your own can cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to the experts.

In addition to helping you replace lost key your keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can provide advice on how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards ensuring that you don't lose your car keys again.