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Five Lessons You Can Learn From 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. But, you realize that your car keys aren't to be found.

Know your options before you get in a panic. There are several methods to replace lost car keys but the majority involve the dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check the Locks on Your Car

If you've lost your keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, especially when we're busy or distracted. Finding keys to your car may be relatively easy in the event that your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for the car key. Make sure you check zippered areas and small compartments for the keys, too. Check your purse, backpack 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. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to purchase a new key fob if you've lost it.

Some older vehicles still have traditional keys made of metal that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith could 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 dealer must connect a computer chip for your car. It could cost between $200 and $250 depending on the model and make.

Before you pay for the replacement of your car key, be sure to consider your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage, you may be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a replacement key. Moreover, it's also worth asking your car insurance provider if you have roadside assistance coverage that will assist you in the event of an emergency. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance, so you should be able to find services near you.

Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)

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

Your VIN is unique to your vehicle and it's best to keep it somewhere safe. This way, should you should ever lose your keys, you'll be in a position to make use of it to get a replacement key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN and locate the key code from the manufacturer for your specific model, which will then work with your lock.

The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's located at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also look for it on the door jamb on the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windows or windshields of your vehicle to serve as a prevention measure.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an entire report on your vehicle, including the manufacturer, make and model body style, engine size, assembly plant and the year of its production.


VINs first appeared in 1954. However, until 1981 they were available in a variety of configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN number is correct, you can purchase new keys from many locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. For instance, if you vehicle requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit an auto locksmith or dealer that can replace your key with one that will be able to start your vehicle. If not, you can get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

In the past the loss of your car keys was not an issue. You could just call your local dealership to have a new set of keys made. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the most ideal option.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it is better to contact an auto lock. They will be able get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than the dealership.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because it will be needed to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN can be found on the dashboard of the driver's side or included in your owner's manual.

Dealerships are able to replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. It is not a 100% guarantee, however. It's contingent on the model and make of your vehicle, as well as whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. If you're not sure whether not your dealership can help you, bring your car to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager.

If you have a smart key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because the security features in your car require a certain type of key in order to be reset and function properly.

The process is now more complex than it used to be, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional cost to restore this feature. Dealers will also be able to provide you with an alternative key that is similar to the original in case the lost key was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route ensure you have all of the information needed including an identification photo. This will make it easier for everyone to go through the process.

Call a Locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step to replace lost keys to your car. A reputable locksmith can cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they will require the year model, make and model of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title will do it).

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

replace lost key for car g28carkeys should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is less expensive than the cost to have roadside assistance tow your vehicle to the dealership and buy a replacement key.

Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, such as transponder keys, smart keys or switchblade keys. These keys that are more complicated may require that you provide the VIN number of your car however, professional locksmiths has the right tools to cut and program the key on the spot for you.

Many locksmiths can also take out broken or bent keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them in your vehicle. Trying to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this should be left to experts.

A locksmith can help replace lost car keys and also give guidance on how to prevent the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping a spare set of keys at home or in your wallet can help in ensuring that you don't lose your car keys ever again.

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