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How to Replace Lost Car Keys You're exhausted and are ready to put on your favorite sweatshirt, grab some pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. However, you realize the keys to your car aren't to be found. Before you panic, be aware of your options. There are a few different ways to replace car keys that have been lost but the majority require a dealership or a professional locksmith. Check the locks on your car. When you lose keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often don't know where they are, particularly when we're distracted or in a rush. Fortunately the search for lost car keys is relatively easy when you take the time to do a thorough search of your vehicle. Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. Move the seats back and forwards as well as up and down to search every inch of your vehicle for your car keys. Make sure you check compartments with zippers and small spaces for keys, too. Also, you should carefully search 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 a distance. They usually have 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 an alternative 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 one of these keys, it's possible that a locksmith will be capable of creating a new key for you, as provided you have evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. The dealer may also offer a replacement however it will cost more. The dealership will have to connect a computer chip to your car, which can cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the model and make of your car. Before you purchase a car key replacement be sure to check your insurance policy. You may be able claim your comprehensive insurance policy to pay for the cost of purchasing a new car key. Ask your insurance company whether they have roadside service coverage. This can be useful if you ever need it. The good news is that there are now numerous companies that offer roadside assistance packages which means you will be able to locate services close to you. Check your vehicle's identification number (VIN). The vehicle identification number (VIN) is 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to every vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory, report crashes and thefts, as well as more. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, driver-side door jamb and sometimes even behind the motor block. Your VIN can be found in other places like your vehicle registration and title as well as insurance documents. It is important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your vehicle. If you lose your keys you can quickly and easily get new keys that is based on the VIN. A locksmith can decode the VIN and find the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work with your lock. The majority of passenger cars have their VIN on a label placed at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. key lost can also be found on the door jamb of the driver or on the side of the engine block of larger trucks and commercial vehicles. In some cases, the VIN is even etched into your windshield or windows to provide an security measure against theft. Enter your VIN into an online VIN decoder. This will provide you with an in-depth look at your vehicle's manufacturer, model body type, engine size, assembly facility and the year of its manufacturing. VINs first came into use 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 valid, then you'll be able to purchase new keys at most dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. If your car is equipped with an ignition chip, you'll require a locksmith or dealer in order to replace your key. You can also get standard keys at hardware stores. Contact Your Dealership It wasn't too long ago that losing your car keys was not an issue. You could just contact your local dealer to get new keys made. Today, it's more complicated than it used to be. If you're in the market to have your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always your most ideal option. While you can certainly still obtain a traditional key from the dealership, your best bet is to call an auto locksmith. They can get you back on the faster and for less than a dealership. Before you contact anyone to replace your lost car keys, note down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is crucial because it will be required in order for someone to create a replacement car key for your car. The VIN is on the dashboard of your car or it could be found in the owner's manual. Dealerships can repair keys for the majority of car manufacturers. However, it's not a assurance that they'll be able to help you. It's dependent on the make and model of your car as well as whether keys are equipped with complicated programming. Bring your vehicle to the dealership and inquire for the service manager if aren't sure if they can assist. If your smart key was stolen or lost, it will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because your car's security features require a specific kind of key to reset and function properly. This process is more involved than it was in the past so make sure you're willing to pay the additional cost to have this feature restored. A dealership can also give you a backup key that's similar to the one you have in case your lost one gets damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, make sure to have all the information needed along with you and an ID photo. This will help make the process easier for everyone involved. Call for a locksmith Calling a locksmith is the first step in replacing keys for your car that have been lost. An experienced locksmith will be able to cut and program the new key for your vehicle while you wait. They will need the year, make, and model of your vehicle with proof of ownership (a duplicate of your registration or title). Before you get a locksmith's number however, ensure that you've inspected every possible place where your keys might be. Check pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags you might have used. You may also search for your keys in places that you would not normally put them, such as on the floor in front of the doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this, but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for help. A locksmith should be able to replace traditional keys on the spot for around $20. This is less than what you would pay for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealer and purchase a replacement key. Locksmiths can often program and cut new keys for cars with more advanced features, like transponder keys, smart keys, or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require the VIN number for your vehicle, but a locksmith should be able to do it on the spot. The majority of locksmiths also have the ability to remove damaged or bent keys which can happen when you accidentally lock them in your car. It is recommended to leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. Doing it yourself could result in further damage. A locksmith can help replace keys that are lost in your car and provide advice on how to avoid the possibility of keys being lost or stolen. Preventative measures such as keeping a spare set keys in your wallet or at home will help you to never lose your car key again.