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How to Replace Lost Car Keys You're exhausted, so you change into your favorite sweats and grab some pizza to binge-watch your latest TV show. You discover that the keys to your car have disappeared. Be aware of your options before you be in a panic. There are many methods to replace lost car keys, but most of them require a dealership or a professional locksmith. Check the Locks on Your Car When you lose keys to your car, it's recommended to first check your vehicle. We often forget where they are, especially if we're distracted or in a rush. Finding lost car keys can be relatively easy when your car is thoroughly searched. Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats forward and backwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for your car key. Be sure to look around compartments with zippers and small spaces for the keys, too. Examine your backpack, purse or tote bag with care for keys. A majority of modern vehicles have key fobs that let you lock and unlock the car from a distance. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to allow you in and start the engine. You'll have to visit your dealer to get an alternative key fob if you've lost it. Some older cars still have keys made of metal that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose these keys, a locksmith might be able create an alternative key for you if you've got evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. You can also purchase an entirely new replacement from a dealer, but this will be much more expensive. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your car, which can be priced between $200 and $250, or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle. Before you purchase a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have comprehensive coverage, you may be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a new key. Ask your insurance company whether they have roadside service coverage. This will be useful should you ever require it. The good news is that there are numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages and you will be able to locate services near you. Check your vehicle's identification number (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 and track inventory. It can also be used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or plate that's attached to your dashboard, driver's side door jamb and sometimes even behind the motor block. You may also find your VIN in other places, like your registration for your vehicle title, insurance and title documents. It's important to keep your VIN secure as it is unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys, you can easily and quickly get a new key made using the VIN. A locksmith can decode your VIN to locate the key code from the manufacturer for your particular model which can then be used with your lock. The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label that's placed between the windshield and the dash on the driver's side. You can also find 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, the VIN is even written into your windshield or windows to provide an security measure against theft. You can check your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth analysis of your vehicle, including the model, manufacturer of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and year of production. VINs first came into use in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until 1981 they were available in different configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current 17-character format. If your VIN is correct, then you should be able to obtain new keys at most dealerships and locksmiths for automotive, based on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you'll need to visit a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also find regular keys from hardware stores. Contact Your Dealership It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys wasn't a big deal. You could easily call your local dealer to purchase a new set. It's a lot more difficult today. The dealership might not be the best place to go in case you want to replace your car keys that have been lost. You can still get a traditional car key from a dealership, but it's best to call an automotive lock. They will be able to get you back on your quicker and at a lower cost than a dealership. Before you call someone to replace your lost car keys, note down the vehicle identification number (VIN). This is important because you will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car, or may be printed in your owner's manual. Dealerships are able replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, this isn't a assurance that they'll be able to assist you. It all depends on your make and model, and whether the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you're not sure whether the dealership you're dealing with can assist you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager. If you have a smart key that's lost or stolen, you'll have to go to your dealership to get it replaced. This is because the security features of your vehicle require a certain type of key to reset and function properly. This process is much more complex than it used to be so make sure you're willing to pay the additional price to restore this feature. A dealer can also provide you with a backup key that's similar to the original in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you decide to go this route, make sure you have all the necessary information with you along with a photo ID. This will make the process more efficient for everyone involved. Call a locksmith The most crucial step to take in replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to call locksmith. A skilled locksmith can cut and program an entirely new key for your car while you wait. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle, with proof of ownership (a copy of your registration or title). Before you get a locksmith on the phone however, ensure that you've checked all possible places where your keys could be. Examine get more info on pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags that you may have used. You could also search for your keys in areas where you don't usually put them, like on the floor behind a doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of this but are still not able to locate your keys, it's time to call someone. A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, at a cost of around $20. This is less expensive than the price you'd pay to have roadside assistance take your vehicle to the dealership and buy a replacement key. Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars that have more advanced features, including smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number of your car, but a locksmith should be able to cut and program the key in a flash. Locksmiths are also able to capability of removing broken or bent keys that can occur if you lock them accidentally in your car. It is recommended that you 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 also offer advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Making preventative measures, such as keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can go a long way towards ensuring that you never lose your car keys ever again.