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. However, you realize the keys to your car aren't to be found.

Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are many methods to replace lost car keys but the majority 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. After all, we often forget where we've put them especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost key replacement car car keys isn't difficult if you make the effort to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats back and forwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your vehicle for the car key. Also, check the small compartments or zippered areas to locate keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse or tote bag, for keys.

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

Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost a car key one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths are able to create a new key for you as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

You can also purchase a new replacement at the dealership, however this will be much more expensive. The dealership will need to integrate a computer chip into your vehicle, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Be sure to check your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy, you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of replacing a key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This can come in handy if you ever need it. The good news is that there are many companies offering roadside assistance plans, so you should be able to find a service near you.

Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

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

It's important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. This way, should you ever lose your keys, you can utilize it to have a replacement key made quickly and quickly. Locksmiths can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code for your specific model which can then be used with your lock.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's placed between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the driver's side door jamb 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 security measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth look at 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, but until 1981, they were offered in a variety of formats. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from many locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also purchase standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could just contact your local dealer to get a new set of keys made. Today, it's more complex than that. If you're in the market to get your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.

While you may obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They can get you back on the way faster and charge less than the dealership.

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

Dealerships are able replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll be able assist you. It is all dependent on the make and model, and if the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. Bring your car to the dealership and ask for an expert in service if you aren't sure if they can help.

If your smart key was stolen or lost keys for my car, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific type of key to reset and function properly.

The process is more complicated than it was in the past, so make sure you're willing to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. Dealers will also be able to provide you with another key that's identical to the original one in the event that the lost car keys no spare key was damaged or stolen. If you opt to do this ensure that you have all the necessary information, including an identification photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved.

Contact an expert locksmith

Contacting a locksmith is the first step to replace lost keys for car car keys. An experienced locksmith can cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. However, they'll need to know the year, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Before you get a locksmith's number, though, make sure that you have checked all possible places where your keys might be. This includes checking the pockets of jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places where you wouldn't normally look like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or underneath the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to seek help.

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

Locksmiths can often cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number of your car, however a locksmith should be able to complete the task immediately.

Many locksmiths can also take out broken or bent keys that are usually caused by locking them in your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own can cause more damage, and this is something that should be left to the professionals.

A locksmith can help you replace lost car keys (look at here) and also provide guidance on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet can help in ensuring that you never lose your car keys again.