How to Replace Lost Car Keys You're exhausted and want to put on your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and watch the latest TV show. You discover that your car keys are missing. Before you panic, consider your options. There are a variety of ways to replace keys for cars that have been lost however the majority of them require a locksmith or dealer. Check the locks on your car. If you lose your car keys, it's always recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. After all, we often forget where we put them, especially when we're in a hurry or distracted. Finding lost car keys can be relatively easy when your car is thoroughly searched. Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Check every inch of the vehicle by moving the seats upwards and downwards, back and back and forth. Also, feel around compartments with zippers or small spaces to find keys. You should also carefully check your backpack, purse, or tote bag for the keys. A lot of modern cars have key fobs which allow you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. These devices typically contain an internal chip that connects with the car to let you into the vehicle and then start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to obtain a new key fob if you've lost it. Some older cars still use traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose the keys, a locksmith could be able create a replacement key for you if you've got proof of ownership like your registration or title. You can also purchase a new replacement at the dealership, however it will be more expensive. The dealership will need to pair a computer chip with your vehicle, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the make and model of your car. Before you make a payment for the replacement of your car key be sure to check your insurance policy. If you have coverage that is comprehensive you might be able to claim on it to pay for the cost of a new key. It's also important to inquire with your car insurance company about whether you have roadside assistance coverage to help you in the event of an emergency. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance programs. 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 that is on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track 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, in front of the engine block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your registration for your vehicle and title as well as insurance documents. Your VIN is unique to your car, so it's best to keep it safe. That way, if you should ever lose your keys, you'll be able to make use of it to get an alternative key quickly and easily. Locksmiths can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's code for the model you have. This will work with your lock. The VIN is typically located on a label on the driver's-side dashboard, where the windshield meets it. You can also locate it on the door jamb on the driver's side or on the front of the engine block on larger trucks as well as other commercial vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windshield or windows of your vehicle to serve as a prevention measure. Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will give you an in-depth look at your vehicle including the model, manufacturer of the body, type of engine, size, assembly facility and the year of manufacture. VINs were first introduced in 1954, but until 1981, they were available in a variety. In the year 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized them to the current 17-character format. If your VIN number is valid, you can obtain new keys from most locksmiths, automotive or dealerships based on the type of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you will have to visit a locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also get 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 contact your local dealer to purchase a new set. It's a lot more complicated today. The dealership might not be the best place to go if you need to replace the keys to your car that you lost. While you can certainly still get a traditional key at the dealership, the best option is to call an auto locksmith. They're more likely be in a position to get you back on the road quickly and likely to charge less than the dealership would. Before you contact someone to replace your car keys, make a note of the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is important as the person who needs it will create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle, or may be printed in your owner's manual. Dealerships are able to replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. This isn't a guarantee, however. It all depends on your model and make, as well as whether the keys are smart or have complicated programming. If you're unsure whether or your dealer can assist you, bring your car in and ask to speak with the service manager. If you have an electronic key that's been lost or stolen, you'll need to go to your dealership for it to be replaced. This is because your car's security features require a particular type of key to be reset and function properly. The process is now more complicated than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional price to restore this feature. In the event that your original key is stolen or damaged, a dealership can provide you with a duplicate backup. If you decide to take this route, make sure to carry all the necessary information on hand and an identification photo. This will help make the process easier 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 locksmith who has expertise will be able to program and cut a new key for your car while you wait. They will require the year, make, and model of your vehicle, along with evidence of ownership (a copy your registration or title). Before you call a locksmith over the phone, though, make sure that you've inspected every possible spot where your keys might be. Examine the pockets on pants, jackets and purses. Also check any other bags you may have used. You can also look for your keys in places that you wouldn't normally place them, such as on the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you've tried all of this and are still unable to find your keys, then it's time to call someone. For keys that are traditional, a locksmith should be able to replace keys on the spot for about $20. This is cheaper than the cost to have roadside assistance tow your car to the dealer and purchase a replacement key. Locksmiths are often able to cut and program new keys for cars with more advanced features, such as smart keys, transponder keys or switchblade keys. Some of these more complicated keys require you to provide the VIN number for your car, however locksmiths will be able to complete the task on the spot. The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove broken keys that are bent or broken, which can occur when you lock them accidentally in your car. The attempt to remove a broken key on your own can cause more damage, and this task should be left to the professionals. In addition to helping you replace your lost car keys locksmiths can also provide advice on how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet can make a huge difference in ensuring that you don't lose your car keys again.