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11 Strategies To Completely Redesign Your Replace Lost Car Key
How to Replace Lost Car Keys

Things tend to get lost in the hustle of getting kids to and from school, running errands and working. One of the most frequently lost things that get lost is the keys to our car.

In the past you could easily replace this at the local locksmith or hardware store. However, this isn't the situation anymore.

1. Contact Your Car Dealership

If you have lost your car key The first person you should call is your dealer. The majority of dealers have a record for every key made for their vehicles, so they will be able to locate yours. It is expensive to visit a dealer, so you should shop around. You might be able to find a cheaper option by using an auto locksmith.

You will most likely need to provide the dealership with your vehicle identification number, or VIN, and evidence of ownership (such as a copy registration or title) to receive the replacement key. The dealership will then purchase a new key and pair it with your vehicle. This could be a long process, and you will be waiting for the dealer to complete the task.

A lot of cars today come with keys that are specialized known as a smart key. They are designed to work with a proximity sensor to be activated within the car, allowing keyless entry and starting. They are usually used with ignitions that have a push-to-start feature. You can buy a new smart key from the dealership, but the cost is a bit high. A local auto locksmith can create the smart key at a fraction of what you'd purchase from a dealership.

You can also get a traditional key replacement from your local hardware store. They can make you a standard key that fits your vehicle's lock cylinder. They'll need the year of manufacture of your car and also the VIN. If you're unable to find the VIN it's typically stamped on a metal plate that is located on the driver's side doorpost or the dashboard. Even if you don't have the original, most locksmiths in the automotive industry will be able to provide you with an alternative car key. However, in some cases, they may need to remove the ignition and door locks to accomplish this. This is not a hazardous job, but it requires some technical knowledge.

2. Call a Locksmith

The most frequent reason for seeking roadside assistance is when you've lost your car keys. It is essential to keep a spare key handy with you and make sure you keep it in a safe place. However, even the most careful people can lose their car keys. It is important to thoroughly search for the key and inform your insurance company as soon as you can to minimize the chance of being denied a claim in the event that it is found later stolen.

Contacting a locksmith is the next best option when you don't have an extra. Locksmiths can usually offer a replacement key for less than the cost a dealership would charge. They can also usually visit your place and make the key on the spot, which is much more efficient than having to take your vehicle back to the dealership.

The type of car key that you have could affect the cost of replacing it. Traditional keys are able to be replaced at the majority of hardware stores for around $10 each and are the cheapest. If your car has an ignition key fob that acts as a remote that can be used to unlock and start the engine, or a smart key which can only be replaced by dealers and will typically cost more than the traditional key.

A locksmith can replace the smart key or key fob in most cases as long as they have the VIN number of your vehicle. This is usually found on the metal plaque on the driver's doorpost or stamped on the windshield. They will also need proof that you own the car and have the registration or title.

Some locksmiths aren't licensed or insured, so be sure to investigate them prior to hiring them. You can locate reputable auto locksmiths by looking online or asking friends and family for recommendations. Be aware that using an unauthorized key to start your vehicle could cause an infringement of warranty. Unauthorized keys can cause damage to the lock of your vehicle. If you don't want to take this risk you should consider to contact roadside assistance instead of a locksmith and wait for your replacement key from the dealer.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

Panic is among the worst reactions you can experience when you lose your keys. Take a deep breath and then try to rationalize your situation. It is more likely you lost your keys than they were stolen. The next step is to retrace the steps you took and attempt to determine where your keys went missing. You may want to look in areas you're not usually checking like the pockets of your pants, bag or coat that you use to run in. After you've looked through all of these areas, it's a good idea contact your insurance company.

Most modern cars are equipped with electronic key fobs that connect to your car through chip. This communication process allows the car to recognize and open the doors, and also start the engine. If you lose your keys, it's important to report this immediately so that unauthorized people can't enter your car and use it.

Some car insurance providers offer an add-on to their policies that will cover the cost of replacing a lost car key. Check with your insurance company to see if this type of insurance is offered or if a locksmith will cover the costs.

You can usually get a replacement for the mechanical key at most hardware stores for a reasonable cost. If your car has an electronic key that connects to your vehicle via the chip, you will have to visit the dealership to obtain a replacement. It's not cheap but it's cheaper than hiring an expert locksmith.

In addition to the expense of replacing your car key, filing an insurance claim for a stolen key can cause your insurance rates to rise. This is because the insurance company will consider you to be a high-risk driver for losing your car key and could increase your premiums to offset the cost of making an insurance claim. Fortunately, you can often reduce the costs by buying a tracking device that can locate your car key that has been lost or having a locksmith make the new key without cloning the original.

4. Call a tow truck

Everyone would hate to lose their car keys. It is the worst thing that can happen. If it happens, it can be expensive to replace the key and get back on the road. This is why it's important to be prepared for when it does, so you don't have to call a tow truck and keep your cash in your wallet.

When you've lost your car keys, the very first thing to do is retrace your steps. This can help you figure out exactly where they are and can aid in calming your panic. You might remember doing something at the supermarket or putting your keys on the table when ordering pizza. This will help you identify your starting point.

If you can't locate your keys, search in places where you may have placed them, like the pockets of the clothes you were wearing, or in the bag you used to transport them home. If you can't locate them, take some time to relax and then call an locksmith or a tow truck.


A key tracker with bluetooth can be used with your phone. These are tiny devices you can attach to your keyring and use an app for your phone to show you where your keys are, so you don't need to search every drawer or pocket in your house.

The cost to replace a lost car key can differ based on the type of key you own. If you have a conventional key that is used for automotive, a locksmith can typically make a new one in a matter of minutes without the original one, which will save you some money. If you have an electronic key that utilizes a proximity sensor to open the door or turn on the engine, you'll have go to the dealer to purchase a new one.

It is essential to have a plan in place to deal with the loss of your car keys so that you will not have the hassle of having to pay for a tow truck or a locksmith. When you're stressed or distracted, it's easy to lose your keys to your car. However, by following these steps to ensure that your keys won't vanish forever, and you have a backup plan for when they do.

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