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How to Replace Lost Car Keys

You're tired and ready to change into your favorite sweatshirt Grab a pizza and binge your latest TV show. You find that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Before you panic, know your options. There are a few different methods to replace car keys that have been lost however, the majority of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith.

Check your car's locks

It is best to look in your car first when you lose your keys. We often don't know the location of our keys, especially when we're busy or distracted. Fortunately finding keys to your car is fairly easy when you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle.

Start with the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and forth. Also, look around small compartments or zippered areas to locate keys. Check your purse, backpack or tote bag with care for keys.

A lot of modern cars come with key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from the distance. Usually, these devices have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to get the new key fob in case you've lost it.

Some older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit in an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's likely that locksmiths are able to create a new key for you as provided you have proof of ownership such as your registration or title.

You can also purchase an upgrade from a dealer, but this will be more expensive. The dealer must connect an electronic chip to your vehicle. 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 a new car key. You might be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance to pay for the cost of buying a new car key. Check with your insurance provider whether they have roadside service coverage. This will be useful if you ever need it. There are numerous companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able locate one close to you.

Check Your Vehicle's Identification Number (VIN)

The vehicle identification number is an alpha-numeric code with 17 digits for each vehicle on the road. It is used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States, the VIN is typically an image or a plate on your car's dashboard, driver's side door jamb, and sometimes in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other places such as your vehicle registration as well as title and insurance documents.

It's important to keep your VIN safe because it is unique to you and your car. That way, if you should ever lose your keys, you'll be in a position to use it to get a replacement key made quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer for your particular model which can then be used with your lock.

The VIN is usually found on a label that is placed on the dashboard of the driver in the area where the windshield meets it. You can also look for it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks and other commercial vehicles. In some cases it is possible that the VIN is even etched on your windows or windshields as part of an security measure against theft.

Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth analysis of your vehicle including the manufacturer, model body type, engine size, assembly facility, and year of production.


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

If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to get new keys at most dealerships as well as locksmiths for automobiles, based on the type of key your car requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip you will require an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. If not, you can purchase standard keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

Not long ago, losing your car keys wasn't an issue. You could simply contact your local dealer to get new keys made. Today, it's a lot more complex than it used to be. The dealership might not be the best option for replacing the keys to your car that you lost.

You can still purchase a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to contact an auto lock. They're more likely to be able to get you back on the road fast and likely to charge less than the dealership would.

Note down the vehicle identification (VIN) number before you call someone to replace your keys. This is crucial because you will need it to create the replacement car keys for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle or could be printed in your owner's manual.

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

If your smart key has been stolen or lost the key will need to be replaced at the dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific type of key to 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 cost to restore this feature. A dealer will also be able to provide you with another key that's identical to the original one in the event that your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, make sure to have all the required information on hand and an ID photo. This will facilitate the process for everyone involved.

Call for a locksmith

The most important step to take when replacing lost car keys is to contact a locksmith. A skilled locksmith can cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. They will need the year the make, model, and year of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title).

Be sure to check all possible locations for your keys prior to you contact a locksmith. This includes checking pockets of jackets and pants, purses and any other bags you might have used. You can also search for your keys in places you would not normally look for them, like the floor behind the table in front of the doorway or under the couch. If you have done this and still cannot find your keys, you should contact a professional for assistance.

For traditional keys locksmiths is likely to be able replace keys on the spot for about $20. This is a lot less expensive than having roadside assistance tow your car to a dealership to purchase a new key.

In many instances, locksmiths can also cut and program a new key for more advanced models of automobiles, such as smart keys, switchblade keys, transponder keys, and switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number of your car, however a locksmith is likely to be able complete the task in a flash.

Most locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken that can occur if you accidentally lock them in your car. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken key to professionals. Doing it yourself could cause more damage.

In addition to helping you replace lost car keys, a locksmith can also offer advice on how to stop future keys from getting misplaced or stolen. Prevention measures like keeping a spare set of keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car keys again.

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