How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to watch your favorite TV show. You discover that your car keys have disappeared.

Be aware of your options prior to get in a panic. There are a few different methods to replace lost car keys however, the majority of them require the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the locks on your car.

If you've lost your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they are, particularly if we're distracted or are in a hurry. Fortunately the search for lost car keys isn't difficult if you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forward. Be sure to look around compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. Also, you should carefully search your backpack, purse, or tote bag, for keys.

A majority of modern vehicles 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 in order to let you in and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll have to visit a dealership to have a new one made.

Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith may be able create an alternative key for you, if you have evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer may also offer an alternative, but it will cost more. The dealership will have to connect a computer chip to your car, which can be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the make and model of your car.

Before you purchase a car key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You may be able claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of buying an additional car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This will be useful should you ever require it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able find one near you.

Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)

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

It is important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your car. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new key made using the VIN. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and retrieve 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 find it on the door jamb of the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. Some VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a theft security measure.

You can check your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you an entire report on your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year it was manufactured.

VINs first came into use in 1954, but up to 1981, they were offered in a variety of configurations. In 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to purchase new keys at most dealerships as well as automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For example, if your car requires an ignition chip you'll have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer that can swap your key for one that will start your car. You can also get regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

A few years ago losing your car keys was not an issue. You could just contact your local dealership to get new keys made. Nowadays, it's much more complex than that. The dealership may not be the best option in case you want to replace your lost car keys.

You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership but it is best to contact an automotive lock. They're more likely be in a position to get you back on the road in a hurry and likely to charge less than the dealership.

Before calling anyone to replace your lost car keys, make a note of the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is vital as it will be required to make a new replacement car key for your car. The VIN can be found on the driver's dashboard or found in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able replace car keys for the majority of manufacturers. However, lost key to car doesn't assurance that they'll be able to help you. It all depends on your model and make, and whether the keys are smart or have complicated programming. Bring your car to the dealership and inquire for a service manager if you are unsure if they can assist.

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

This process is more complicated than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the extra price to have this feature restored. If your original key is stolen or damaged the dealership will be able to offer you a similar backup. If you choose to go this route, make sure to carry all the required information on hand, as well as an ID photo. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.

Call a locksmith

Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing lost keys to your car. A skilled locksmith will be able cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they will require the year, make and model of your car along with proof that you own it (a copy of your registration or title will suffice).

Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys prior to when you contact a locksmith. Check pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you might have used. You may also search 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 these methods and still are unable to find your keys, then it's time for you to call someone.

For traditional keys locksmiths should be able to replace keys in a matter of $20. This is less expensive than the price you'd pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealership and purchase a new key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program the new key for more sophisticated automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys and transponder keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, however a locksmith is likely to be able complete the task on the spot.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove broken or bent keys that are usually the result of accidentally locking them in your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key by yourself could cause more damage, so this should be left to the experts.

A locksmith can assist you replace keys that are lost in your car and give guidance on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home can help you to never lose your car key ever again.
lost key to car