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You're exhausted and want to change into your favorite sweats take a bite of pizza and binge your latest TV show. You find that your car keys have disappeared.

Before you panic, consider your options. There are a variety of ways to replace a lost car key, but the majority of them require a locksmith or dealership.

Check the Locks on Your Car

When you lose keys to your car, it's recommended to begin by checking your vehicle. We often forget where they're, especially when we're in a rush or distracted. Finding keys to your car may be relatively easy if your vehicle is thoroughly searched.

Begin by sitting in the driver's seat. The seats can be moved back and forwards as well as up and down to check every inch of your car for the car key. Make sure you check zippered areas and small compartments for keys, too. You should also carefully check your purse, backpack, or tote bag for keys.

Many modern vehicles come with key fobs that allow you to lock and unlock your car remotely. They usually have an internal transponder chip that communicates with the car to let you in and start the engine. You'll need to go to your dealer to get a new key fob if you've lost it.

Certain older cars still have traditional metal keys that fit inside an ignition cylinder. If you have lost one of keys, it's likely that locksmiths are capable of creating a new key for you, as long as you can provide evidence of ownership, like your registration or title.

You can also get an entirely new replacement from the dealership, but it will be more expensive. The dealership will need to integrate a computer chip into your car, which can cost $200-$250 or more depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

Make sure to verify your insurance policy prior to purchase a new car key. If you have a comprehensive insurance policy you might be able to claim on it to cover the cost of a new key. Additionally, it's 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 many companies that provide roadside assistance packages. You should be able to find one near you.

Check your vehicle's identification (VIN).

The vehicle identification number (VIN) is a 17-digit numeric and alpha code that is unique to each vehicle on the road. It's used to identify vehicles and keep track of inventory. It can also be used to report thefts and crashes. In the United States the VIN is typically a sticker or a plate that is attached to your dashboard, the driver's side door jamb, or sometimes behind the motor block. You can also locate your VIN in other places, such as the registration of your vehicle, title and insurance documents.

It's important to keep your VIN secure because it's unique to you and your car. This way, should you lose your keys, you'll be in a position to utilize it to have the replacement key made quickly and quickly. A locksmith can decode your VIN and get the manufacturer's code for your model. This will work 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 find it on the door jamb of the driver or in front the engine block of larger commercial and truck vehicles. Some VINs are permanently etched into the windows or windshields of your vehicle as a prevention measure.

You can verify your VIN by entering it into a online VIN decoder. This will give you the complete information about your vehicle, which includes the manufacturer, model and make, body style, engine size assembly plant, and the year it was manufactured.

VINs first came into use in 1954 when VINs first appeared. However, until 1981 they were available in different configurations. In the year 1981 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standardized their format to the current format of 17 characters.

If your VIN is valid, then you'll be able to get new keys at the majority of 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 an authorized locksmith or dealer to replace your key. You can also get regular keys from hardware stores.

Contact Your Dealership

It wasn't long ago that losing your car keys weren't an issue. You could easily call 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 your car keys that have been lost.

While you may obtain a traditional key from the dealership, the best option is to contact an automotive locksmith. They will be able get you back on the faster and for less than the dealership.

Before you contact anyone to replace your car keys, note down the number of your vehicle identification (VIN). This is crucial because you will need it to create an alternative car key for you. The VIN is on the dashboard of your vehicle, or may be found in the owner's guide.

Dealerships can replace keys to cars for the majority of manufacturers. However, it's not a guarantee that they'll be able to help you. It all depends on your model and make, as well as whether the keys are smart or are complex in their programming. If you're not sure whether your dealer can assist you, bring your vehicle 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 visit your dealer to get it replaced. This is because your car's security features require a specific type of key to reset and function properly.

This process is more complex than it was in the past, so make sure you're willing to pay a higher cost to restore this feature. A dealer can also provide you with a backup key that's similar to the one you have in case your lost one was damaged or stolen. If you choose to go this route, make sure to carry all the necessary information with you, as well as a photo ID. This will make it easier for all to complete the process.

Contact a locksmith

A locksmith's call is the first step in replacing lost car keys. A skilled locksmith will be able to cut and program a new key for your vehicle while you wait. However, they'll require the year and make of your vehicle as well as evidence that you own it (a copy of your registration or title should suffice).

Make sure to look over all possible locations for your keys before you call a locksmith. Check pockets on the pants, jackets and purses. Also, look through any other bags that you may have used. You can also look for your keys in places where you don't usually put them, such as on the floor behind the table in the entryway or under the couch. If you've done this but are still unable to locate your keys, you should call for help.

For traditional keys, a locksmith should be able to replace them on the spot for about $20. This is much cheaper than having roadside assistance take your vehicle to a dealer to purchase a new one.

In many cases, a locksmith can also cut and program a new key for more advanced types of automobiles, how to replace lost car key including smart keys, switchblade keys, and transponder keys. Some of these more complicated keys require the VIN number for your car, however locksmiths will be able to do it on the spot.

Many locksmiths are also able to remove bent or broken keys that are often caused by accidentally locking them in your vehicle. It is recommended that you leave the removal of a damaged key to a professional. Doing it yourself can cause further damage.

In addition to helping you replace your keys to your car that have been lost, a locksmith can also give you advice about how to prevent future keys from being lost or stolen. Preventive steps, like keeping a spare set keys at home or in your wallet, can help in making sure you never lose your car keys ever again.