How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are many ways to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check your car's locks

When you lose car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, especially if we're busy or distracted. Finding keys to your car may be fairly simple in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start with the driver's seat. The seats can be moved forward and back as well as up and down to search every inch of your car for your car key. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. Be sure to check your backpack, purse or tote bag carefully for keys.

A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock the car from a distance. Most of the time, these devices come with an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll need to visit the dealership to have a new one made.

Certain older cars still have traditional keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost a car key one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be able to create a new key for you, as provided you have evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

You can also get an entirely new replacement from the dealership, but it will be more expensive. The dealer will have to pair up an electronic chip to your vehicle. It could cost between $200 and $250 dependent on the car's make and model.

Before you purchase an auto key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage, you may be able to claim it to cover the cost of a replacement key. Additionally, it's worth asking your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one in your area.

Verify your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for every vehicle that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It is also used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States the VIN is typically stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb, or sometimes in front of the motor block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your registration for your vehicle, title, and insurance documents.

It is essential to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. In the event that you should ever lose your keys, you'll be able to use it to get a replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label located between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb for the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. In some instances it is possible that the VIN is even written on your windows or windshields to provide an security measure to prevent theft.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth report on your vehicle, including the model, manufacturer, body type, engine size, assembly facility and year of manufacture.

VINs were first used in 1954, but until 1981, they were offered in a variety of configurations. In the year 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

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

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could contact your local dealership to get a new set of keys made. Today, it's more complex than that. If you're in the market to have your car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your most ideal option.

While you may purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely to be capable of getting you back on the road fast and likely to charge less than the dealership would.

Before calling anyone to replace your car keys, make a note of the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important because it will be required in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your car, or may be printed in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace lost car key cost keys for the majority of car manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll be able to help you. It's contingent on the make and model of your car, as well as whether keys have complex programming. If you're not sure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If your smart key has been stolen or lost auto key replacement the key will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features in your car require a specific type of key to function correctly and reset.

This process is more involved than it was in the past and you should make sure you're willing to pay the extra cost to restore this feature. Dealers can also provide you with another key that's identical to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, be sure to have all the required information along with you, as well as an identification photo. This will make it easier for everyone to get through the process.

Call a locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step to replace keys for your car that have been lost. A locksmith who has experience will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. However, they'll require the year, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Before you call a locksmith's number however, ensure that you've inspected all possible places where your keys could be. Check pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you might have used. You may also look for your keys in places that you would not normally look for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or underneath the couch. If you have done this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should seek help.

For keys that are traditional locksmiths is likely to be able replace them on the spot for around $20. This is less expensive than having roadside assistance tow you car to a dealership to purchase a new key.

Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. These more complex keys may require you to provide the VIN number of the car however a professional locksmith has the right tools to complete this right on the spot for you.

The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken which can happen when you lock them accidentally in your car. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to professionals.

In addition to helping you replace keys to your car that have been i lost the key to my car locksmiths can also give you advice about how to stop future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home can help you to never lose your car key ever again.