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The One Replace Lost Car Keys Mistake Every Beginner Makes
How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're exhausted and are ready to change into your favorite sweatshirt take a bite of pizza and watch your favorite TV show. However, you realize the keys to your car aren't to be found.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are several ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost, but the majority of these require a locksmith or a dealership.

Check Your Car's Locks

It's best to inspect your car first when you lose your keys. After all, we often forget where they're especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Fortunately, finding lost car keys is fairly easy if you take the time to conduct an exhaustive search of your vehicle.

Start with 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 forward. Be sure to look around zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse or tote bag, for keys.

A lot of modern cars have key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually have an internal chip that can communicate with the car to allow you into the vehicle and to start the engine. If you've lost your car's key fob, you'll need to visit the dealership to have an alternative one created.

Some older vehicles still use traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths will be capable of creating a new key for you, as provided you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.


The dealer may also offer a replacement however it will cost more. The dealer will have to connect an electronic chip to your car. This can cost between $200 and $250, dependent on the car's model and make.

Be sure to check your insurance policy prior to purchase a new car key. If you have coverage that is comprehensive, you may be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a new key. Moreover, it's also worthwhile to ask your insurance company if they have roadside assistance insurance that can help you in the event of an emergency. There are many companies that provide roadside assistance programs. You should be able find one in your area.

Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN)

The number for identification of the vehicle is an alpha-numeric number that is unique to 17 numbers for every vehicle on the road. It is 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 an image or a plate on the dashboard of your vehicle, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes on the engine block. Your VIN can be found in different 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 in a safe place. If you lose your keys you can easily and quickly get a new key that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN to 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 situated where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also find it on the door jamb on the driver's side, or in front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some cases it is possible that the VIN is even embedded into your windshield or windows to provide an security measure against theft.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year of its production.

VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, up to 1981, they were offered in a variety of configurations. In the year 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized VINs to the current 17-character format.

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to obtain new keys at the majority of dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the type of key your car requires. If your car has an ignition chip, you will need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. Otherwise, you can simply get standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could simply call your local dealer to purchase a new set. It's a lot more difficult today. If you're looking to have your lost car keys replaced, the dealership isn't always the best option.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to contact an automotive lock. They can get you back on the faster and for less than the dealership.

Write down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before calling someone to replace your lost keys. This is vital as it will be needed in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle or it could be printed in the owner's guide.

Dealerships can replace keys for the majority of car manufacturers. This isn't a assurance however. It's contingent on the model and make of your car as well as whether keys have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether or the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your car into the store and speak with the service manager.

If your smart key has been stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a specific type of key in order to be reset and function properly.

This process is more involved than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the extra price to restore this feature. Dealers will also be able to provide you with a backup key that's similar to the original one in the event that your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, make sure you have all the necessary information on hand and an ID photo. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.

Call an expert locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step to replace lost car keys . A reputable locksmith can cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. They will need the year model, make, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a copy of your registration or title).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys prior to you call a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of pants and jackets as well as purses and other bags you may have used. You could also search for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally look for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you've tried all these methods and still are unable to find your keys, then it's time to contact someone.

A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, for around $20. This is less than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance take your vehicle to the dealership and purchase a new key.

Locksmiths often program and cut new keys for cars that have 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 locksmiths should be able to cut and program the key immediately.

Many locksmiths can also remove broken or bent keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them inside your vehicle. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, so this task should be left to the professionals.

A locksmith can help replace keys to your car that have been lost and offer tips on how to prevent future keys being misplaced or stolen. The best preventative measures include keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will aid you in never losing your car key ever again.

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