How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You’re tired, so put on your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your latest TV show. You discover that your car keys have disappeared.

Know your options before you get in a panic. There are a variety of ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost however the majority of they require a locksmith or dealership.

Check the locks on your car.

If you lose your keys to your car, it’s recommended to first check your vehicle. In the end, we tend to forget where we put them especially when we’re rushing or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be relatively easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Begin by sitting in the driver’s seat. Move the seats back and forwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for the car key. Make sure you check compartments with zippers and small spaces for keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a 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. If you’ve lost your car key 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 lose these keys, a locksmith might be able to create an alternative key for you if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

You can also get an entirely new replacement at the dealership, however it will be more expensive. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your car, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the make and model of your car.

Before you purchase an auto key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. You could be able to claim your comprehensive insurance to cover the cost of buying an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider whether you have roadside assistance coverage. This could come in handy if you ever need it. The good news is that there are now many companies offering roadside assistance, so you are likely to find services near you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (VIN)

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that is unique to each vehicle on the road. It’s used to identify vehicles, track inventory, report crashes and thefts, and more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into a label or plate on the dashboard of your car and driver’s side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different places like your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

Your VIN is unique to your car and it’s recommended to store it in a safe place. In the event that you lose your keys, you’ll be able to utilize it to have a replacement key made quickly and easily. A locksmith can decode your VIN and find the manufacturer’s code for your model. This will work with your lock.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that’s placed where the windshield meets the dash on the driver’s side. You can also find it on the driver’s side door jamb or replacing on the side of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. In some cases there are instances where the VIN is even embedded into your windshield or windows as part of an anti-theft measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth look at your vehicle including the manufacturer, model, body type, engine size, assembly facility, and the year of its manufacturing.

VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until 1981, they were offered in different configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from many dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if your car requires an ignition chip, you’ll need to go to an authorized locksmith or dealer who can replace your key with one that will be able to start your vehicle. You can also purchase basic keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn’t long ago that losing your car keys wasn’t an issue. You could easily call your local dealer to purchase a new set. It’s a lot more difficult today. The dealership might not be the best option in case you want to replace the keys to your car that you lost.

While you can certainly still purchase a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to contact an automotive locksmith. They’re more likely be in a position to get you back on the road fast and likely to charge less than the dealership would.

Before you contact someone to replace your lost car keys, write down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is crucial because someone will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your car, or may be found in the owner’s manual.

Dealerships are able replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, it’s not a assurance that they’ll be able help you. It is dependent on your model and make, and whether the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you’re not sure whether or the dealership you’re dealing with can assist you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that’s lost or stolen, you’ll need to visit your dealer for it to be replaced. This is because the security features of your car require a certain type of key in order to function correctly and reset.

This process is more complicated than it used to be, so be sure that you’re willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. A dealer can also give you another key that’s identical to the original in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, be sure to have all the required information with you, as well as an identification photo. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved.

Call an expert locksmith

A locksmith’s call is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. A locksmith with experience will be able program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. But, they’ll require the year model, 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 calling a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you’ve checked every possible spot where your keys might be. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also check any other bags you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places where you wouldn’t normally look like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you’ve tried all of these methods and still are not able to locate your keys, it’s time to contact someone.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport your vehicle to a dealer to buy a new key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program a new key for more advanced models of cars, including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number of your car, however locksmiths is likely to be able cut and program the key in a flash.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove keys that are bent or broken, which are usually caused by locking them inside your vehicle. If you attempt to remove a damaged key on your own could cause more damage, so this is something that should be left to professionals.

A locksmith can assist you replace lost keys lost car keys and also give advice on how to avoid future keys being misplaced or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home could aid you in never losing your car keys ever again.