10 Locations Where You Can Find Replace Lost Car Keys How to Replace Lost Car Keys

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

Be aware of your options prior to panic. There are many ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost however, the majority of they require a locksmith or dealership.

Check Your Car's Locks

It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. In the end, we tend to forget where we've put them, especially when we're rushing or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is fairly easy if you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved forward and backwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your vehicle for your car key. Be sure to feel around small compartments and zippered areas for the keys, too. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag for keys.

Many modern cars have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from an extended distance. Usually, these devices have 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 have to visit the dealership to have a new one made.

Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith may be able to make an alternative key for you if you've got evidence of ownership such as your registration or title.

The dealer is also able to provide a replacement, but it will cost more. The dealer will have to connect an electronic chip to your car. It could cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car's model and make.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to purchase the new car key. You might be able to claim your comprehensive insurance plan to pay for the cost of buying an additional car key. It's also worthwhile to ask your insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage that will help you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages and you should be able to find a service close to you.

Verify the Identification Number of Your Vehicle (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, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States, the VIN is usually engraved into a label or plate on the dashboard of your vehicle or jambs on the door of the driver's side, and sometimes in front of the engine block. You can also find your VIN in other places, such as your registration for your vehicle, 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 get the manufacturer's codes for your particular model. This will work with your lock.

Most passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's located between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. It can also be found on the driver-side door jamb or on the side of the engine block of commercial and larger vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle as a prevention measure.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, including manufacturer, make and model, body style, 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 of configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current format of 17 characters.


If your VIN number is correct, you can get new keys from most dealerships or automotive locksmiths depending on the type key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you'll need to visit an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past losing your car keys was not a huge deal. You could just contact your local dealer to get new keys made. Today, it's a lot more complex than that. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always your best option.

You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to call an automotive lock. They're more likely be capable of getting you back on the road quickly and will probably charge less than the dealership.

Before you call anyone to replace your car keys, write down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is crucial because the person who needs it will create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is found on the dashboard of your car or it could be found in the owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for a majority of car manufacturers. However, this isn't a guarantee that they'll assist you. lost my keys depends on the make and model of your car as well as whether or not the keys have complex programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and ask for the service manager if aren't sure if they can help.

If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a certain type of key to function correctly and reset.

This process is much more involved than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional price to restore this feature. A dealership can also give you a backup key that's similar to the original in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you decide to take this route, be sure to carry all the information needed with you, as well as a photo ID. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.

Call a Locksmith

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

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. Check the pockets of the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you might have used. You can also search for your keys in places you might not normally go for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you've done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.

For traditional keys, a locksmith is likely to be able replace them on the spot for about $20. This is less expensive than the cost to have roadside assistance take your car to the dealer and purchase a replacement key.

Locksmiths often program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complex keys require the VIN number of your vehicle, but a locksmith will be able to do it immediately.

Many locksmiths can also take out keys that are bent or broken, which are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. It is best to leave the removal of a damaged key to professionals. If you attempt to do it yourself could cause more damage.

In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys, a locksmith can provide advice on how to prevent future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet, can make a huge difference in ensuring that you never lose your car keys ever again.