Why You Should Be Working With This Replace Lost Car Keys How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired, so you change into your sweats and grab a slice of pizza to watch your latest TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.

Know your options before you be in a panic. There are many methods to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check your car's locks

It is best to look in your car first if you lose your keys. We often forget where we put them particularly when we're in a rush or distracted. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is fairly easy when you make the effort to conduct a thorough search of your vehicle.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, as well as back and forth. Also, look around small compartments or zippered areas to find keys. Also, you should carefully search your purse, backpack, or tote bag, for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually contain an internal chip that can communicate to the car to allow you access to the vehicle and start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need visit a dealership to have an alternative one created.

Some older cars still have keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be in a position to make a replacement key for you, as provided you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

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

Before you pay for an auto key replacement, be sure to consider your insurance policy. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This can help if you ever need it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance plans and you should be able to find a service close to you.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit alpha and numeric code that's unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report accidents and thefts. In the United States, the VIN is typically stamped into the form of a plate or label on the dashboard of your vehicle or jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other documents like your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.


It is important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly obtain new keys made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN and retrieve the manufacturer's key code specific to your lock that will then work with your lock.

The VIN is typically located on a sticker on the dashboard of the driver's side, where the windshield meets it. You can also find it on the driver-side door jamb or on the side of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle to serve as a security measure.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an entire report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, model and make the body style, the engine size as well as the assembly plant year of its production.

VINs were first used in 1954, but up to 1981, they were available in a variety. In that year the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to get new keys at the majority of dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car has an ignition chip you will require a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also get standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past, losing your car keys was not a huge deal. lost keys for car could simply call your local dealer to purchase a new set. Nowadays, it's much more complex than it used to be. If you're in the market to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.

While you may purchase a traditional key at the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They will be able get you back on the faster and for less than a dealership.

Before you contact someone to replace your lost car keys, make a note of the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important as the person who needs it will create a replacement car key for you. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard, or it may be included in the owner's manual.

Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. It is not a 100% warranty, however. It's contingent on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as whether keys have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and inquire for a service manager if you are unsure if they can help.

If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to visit your dealer for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security functions require a specific kind of key to reset and work correctly.

This process is more involved than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the extra cost to restore this feature. If your original key is stolen or damaged A dealership could provide you with a duplicate backup. If you opt to go this way ensure that you have all the necessary information, including a photo ID. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Contact an expert locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to call a locksmith. A reputable locksmith can cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. However, they will require the year and make of your car along with evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Make sure to look over every possible location for your keys prior to you contact a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you may have used. You can also search for your keys in places where you might not normally go for them, like the floor behind the table behind the doorway or underneath the couch. If you've tried all of this and are still unable to find your keys, then it's time for you to contact someone.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance transport you car to a dealership to purchase a new one.

In many instances, a locksmith can also cut and program keys for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. These keys that are more complicated 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.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove bent or broken keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a broken key to a professional. Doing lost key of car could cause more damage.

In addition to helping you replace keys that were lost in your car, a locksmith can offer advice on how to avoid keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in ensuring that you don't lose your car keys again.