How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you change into your favorite sweats and order a pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.

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

Check the Locks on Your Car

If you lose your car keys, it's always best to start by checking your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, especially when we're busy or distracted. Finding lost electric key car keys can be fairly easy when your car is thoroughly searched.

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

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from the distance. These devices usually have an internal chip that communicates with the car to let you into the vehicle and start the engine. If you've lost your car key fob, you'll need go to the dealership to get a new one made.

Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost keys one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths will be in a position to make a replacement key for you as long as you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

You can also get a new replacement from the dealership, but this will be much more expensive. The dealer must connect an electronic chip to your car. This can cost between $200 and $250, depending on your car's model and make.

Before you make a payment for an auto key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This will help if you ever need it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance, so you are likely to find a service near 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 each vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report crashes and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your car and driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, like your registration for your vehicle title, insurance and title documents.

It is important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new one made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer for your specific model, which will then work with your lock.

The VIN is typically located on a label on the dashboard of the driver's side, where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the side of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a theft security measure.

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

VINs first came into use in 1954. However, 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 will be able to get new keys at most dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will require a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could call your local dealership to have new keys made. It's more complicated today. If you're in the market to have your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your most ideal option.

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

Before you contact someone to replace your lost car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be required to create a replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN can be found on the driver's side dashboard, or it may be included in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for the majority of automobile manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll be able to help you. It is dependent on your model and make, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complicated programming. If you're unsure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your vehicle into the store and speak with the service manager.

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

The process is now more involved than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra cost to restore this feature. A dealer can also provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the one you have in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, be sure to carry all the information needed with you, as well as an identification photo. This will help everyone to get through the process.

Call a locksmith

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

Before you call a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you've inspected every possible place where your keys may be. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also, check any other bags you may have used. You can also look for your keys in areas that you wouldn't normally place them, such as on the floor under the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all this but are still not able to locate your keys, it's time for you to call someone.

For traditional keys, a locksmith will be able to repair them in a matter of $20. This is less than what you would pay to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars that have more advanced features, such as smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require you to provide the VIN number of your car, but professional locksmiths has the right tools to complete this right on the spot for you.

The majority of locksmiths also have the capability of removing broken or bent keys that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. If you attempt to do it yourself could cause more damage.

In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been lost locksmiths can also provide advice on how to stop future keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping an extra 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.