How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You’re tired, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your favorite TV show. However, you realize the keys to your car aren’t to be found.

Before you panic, know your options. There are many ways to replace the car key that was lost, but the majority of these require a locksmith or dealership.

Check the Locks on Your Car

When you lose car keys, it’s always recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget where they’re particularly when we’re in a rush or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be relatively easy when your car is thoroughly searched.

Start with the driver’s seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forth. Make sure you check compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag for keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices typically contain an internal chip that connects to the car to let you into the vehicle and to start the motor. You’ll need to visit your dealer to get the new key fob in case you’ve lost it.

Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit inside 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, such as your registration or title.

You can also get a new replacement at the dealership, however it will be 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 make and model of your car.

Before you pay for the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Moreover, it’s also worthwhile to ask your insurance company about whether 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 locate one close to you.

Check your vehicle’s identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to each vehicle on the road. It’s used to identify vehicles, track inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, the driver’s side door jamb, and sometimes behind the motor block. You may also find your VIN in other places, including your vehicle registration, title and insurance documents.

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

The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed on the driver’s-side dashboard, where the windshield meets it. It can also be found on the door jamb for the driver or on the front of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even etched on your windows or windshields as part of an security measure to prevent theft.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a web-based VIN decoder. This will give you a complete report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, make and model, body style, engine size as well as the assembly plant year of its production.

VINs first appeared in 1954, when VINs were first introduced. However, up to 1981 they were available 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 correct, you can get new keys from most dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you’ll need to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago losing your car keys wasn’t an issue. You could simply call your local dealer to get a new set. It’s more complicated today. The dealership may not be the best option if you need to replace your car keys that have been lost keys for my car.

Although you could obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They are more likely to be in a position to get you back on the road in a hurry and likely to charge less than the dealership would.

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

Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. This isn’t a assurance, however. It all depends on your model and make, and if the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you’re not sure whether the dealership you’re dealing with can assist you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager.

If you have an electronic key that’s been lost or stolen, you’ll need to visit your dealership to get it replaced. This is because your car’s security functions require a specific kind of key to reset and work correctly.

The process is now more involved than it used to be, so be sure that you’re willing to pay the additional price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged, a dealership can provide you with an identical backup. If you decide to take this route, make sure to carry all the required information on hand along with an identification photo. This will help all to complete the process.

Contact a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step to replace lost keys to your car. A locksmith with experience will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you are waiting. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle with evidence of ownership (a copy your registration or title).

Before calling a locksmith over the phone however, ensure that you have checked all possible places where your keys could be. Examine the pockets on jackets, pants and purses. Also check any other bags that you might have used. You may also search for your keys in areas that you wouldn’t normally place them, like on the floor in front of the doorway table or under the couch. If you’ve tried this but are still unable to locate your keys, it’s time to contact a professional for assistance.

For traditional keys locksmiths should be able to replace keys on the spot for about $20. This is cheaper than the cost to have roadside assistance take your car to a dealership and buy a replacement key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program the new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number of your car, but locksmiths should be able to complete the task immediately.

The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you lock them accidentally 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 result in further damage.

In addition to helping you replace lost car keys locksmiths can also give you advice about how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home can aid you in never losing your car keys again.