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How to Replace Lost Car Keys You're tired and ready to put on your favorite sweats, grab some pizza, and binge your latest TV show. You find that your car keys are missing. Before you panic, consider your options. There are many ways to replace the car key that was lost, but the majority of them require a locksmith or dealership. Check your car's locks It's best to inspect your car first when you lose your keys. We often don't know where they are, especially if we're busy or distracted. Finding keys lost in the car can be relatively easy when your car is thoroughly searched. Start by sitting in the driver's seat. Make sure to inspect every inch of the car by moving the seats up and down, back and back and forth. Also, feel around zippered areas or small compartments to locate the keys. 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 include an internal chip that communicates with the car to allow you into the vehicle and then start the motor. If you've lost your car's keys fob, you'll have to visit a dealership to have a new one made. Some older vehicles still have traditional metal keys that fit into an ignition cylinder. If you lose one of these keys, it's possible that locksmiths are in a position to make a replacement key for you, as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title. The dealer is also able to provide an alternative however it will cost more. The dealership must integrate a computer chip into your car, which could cost between $200 and $250 or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Make sure you check your insurance policy before you purchase the new car key. You could be able to claim on your comprehensive insurance plan to cover the cost of buying a new car key. Ask your insurance company if you have roadside service coverage. This can come in handy if you ever need it. There are a variety of companies that offer roadside assistance programs. You should be able to find one in your area. Verify 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 each vehicle that is on the road. It is used to identify vehicles as well as track inventory. It is also used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States the VIN is usually stamped on a label or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb and sometimes even behind the motor block. You may also find your VIN in other places, including your vehicle registration, title and insurance documents. Your VIN is unique to your vehicle It's best to keep it safe. In the event that you ever lose your keys, you'll be able to make use of it to get the replacement key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN to find the key code of the manufacturer for your specific model which can then be used with your lock. Most passenger cars have their VIN on a sticker that's situated at the point where the windshield meets the dash on the driver's side. You can also locate it on the door jamb of the driver or on the front of the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Certain VINs are etched directly into the windshield or windows of your vehicle to serve as a security measure. You can check your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will provide you with a complete report on your vehicle, including manufacturer, model and make, body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year it was made. VINs first appeared in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until 1981 they were available in different configurations. In 1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current one of 17 characters. If your VIN is correct, then you will be able to purchase new keys at most dealerships and automotive locksmiths, depending on the kind of key your vehicle requires. For example, if your car requires an ignition chip, you'll have to visit a dealer or locksmith that can swap your key for one that will start your car. Otherwise, you can simply buy standard keys at hardware stores. Contact Your Dealership It wasn't that long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could easily contact your local dealer to get a new set. It's a lot more complicated today. If you're looking to have your car keys replaced, a dealership isn't always the best option. While you can certainly still purchase a traditional key at the dealership, the best choice is to contact an automotive locksmith. They can to get you back on your faster and for less than the dealership. Before you call anyone to replace your lost car keys , note down the number for your vehicle identification (VIN). This is vital as it will be needed in order for someone to create a new replacement car key for your vehicle. The VIN is located on the driver's dashboard or included in the owner's manual. Dealerships can replace cars keys for most manufacturers. However, this isn't a assurance that they'll be able assist you. It is dependent on your model and make, and whether the keys are intelligent or have complex programming. If you're unsure whether or not your dealership can help you, bring your vehicle to the dealership and request a chat with the service manager. If your smart key has been lost or stolen the key will need to be replaced by a dealership. This is because the security features of your car require a specific kind of key to be reset and function correctly. This process is much more complex than it was in the past, so be sure that you're willing to pay the additional price to restore this feature. If your original key is lost or damaged the dealership will be able to provide you with an identical backup. If you decide to go this route, be sure to carry all the information needed on hand and an ID photo. This will make it easier for all to complete the process. Contact for a locksmith The most important step to take when replacing keys to your car that have been lost is to contact locksmith. A reputable locksmith will be able to cut and program a new key for your car while you wait. However, they'll require the year model, make and model of your car along with evidence that you own the car (a copy of your registration or title should suffice). Make sure you check all possible locations for your keys before you contact a locksmith. Check the pockets of pants, jackets and purses. Also, check any other bags that you might have used. You could also search for your keys in places you would not normally look like the floor behind the doorway table or under the couch. If you have done this and still cannot find your keys, it's time to seek help. A locksmith should be able replace traditional keys on the spot, for about $20. This is cheaper than the cost for roadside assistance to tow your car to the dealership and buy a replacement key. Locksmiths often cut and program new keys for cars equipped with more advanced features, like smart keys, transponder keys, or switchblade keys. Certain of these keys require you to provide the VIN number for your vehicle, but locksmiths is likely to be able do it in a flash. Many locksmiths can also take out bent or broken keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them in your vehicle. It is recommended to leave the removal of a broken 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 stop future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventive measures, such as keeping an extra set of keys at home or in your wallet, can help in making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.