What to Do if You Lose Your Car Keys
If you lose your car keys they can be replaced by a locksmith or dealership, depending on the type of key.
Written by Andrew Biro
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
In the unfortunate event that you lose your car keys, you’ll need to take note of a few key pieces of information before you visit a locksmith, have your car towed to a dealership, or order a new key online—depending on the type of car key you’ve lost.
As long as you can provide a locksmith or authorized dealership with proof of ownership, along with the vehicle identification number, an ID, and the vehicle make and model, getting a new key made shouldn’t take too much of your time.
In any case, losing your car keys can be a stressful experience—that’s why licensed
car insurance
comparison app and broker Jerry
has put together this guide on everything you need to know about what to do when you lose your car keys.What should you do if you lose your car keys?
Once you realize you’ve lost your keys, the first thing you should do is retrace your steps or, if you’re at home, thoroughly check everywhere they could conceivably be—no one wants to buy a new key and then find their old one a week later.
The process for getting a replacement key depends on what kind of key you’ve lost—traditional car keys can be replaced by a locksmith, whereas key fobs may be ordered online or from a dealership. Transponder and smart keys will sometimes require towing your vehicle to a local dealership before they can be replaced.
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* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Call a locksmith
Nowadays, locksmiths can replace just about any key you’ve lost, including transponders and smart keys, but most specialize in traditional, remote, and switchblade keys. For them to cut or program a new key, you’ll need to provide them with the following information:
- Your ID
- Your vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Your vehicle make and model
- Your current location
With regard to needing your location—most locksmiths have mobile equipment, meaning they can come to you if you’re stranded somewhere without a key.
Order online
If it’s just the key fob you’ve lost, you can find aftermarket remotes online or even at your local dealership or auto parts store. Once you buy a new one, all you have to do is program it—to ensure it pairs with your vehicle—and everything should be good as new.
Visit the dealership
In some cases—particularly for transponders and smart keys—you may need to have your vehicle towed to a dealership to have a new key programmed. Be ready to show your registration and proof of ownership.
If the dealer has what you need in stock, they can electronically pair the new computer chip (transponder) or sensor (smart key) with your vehicle.
How much does it cost to have a new key made?
Depending on the type of key you’ve lost, the make and model of your vehicle, and whether you’re paying a service fee, replacing a key, or having a new one made can range anywhere from $20 to $350.
A traditional key will likely only cost around $50 and you can order a new key online for as low as $20, or have a locksmith program one for you, albeit at a higher price.
Replacing a transponder, on the other hand, will cost close to $200-$250 and a new smart key will usually run upwards of $300, not counting potential towing fees.
How to save money on car insurance
Just like losing your keys, overpaying for your car insurance isn’t an enjoyable experience—make sure you aren’t being ripped off by your provider with licensed
car insurance
broker app Jerry
.All you have to do is download the app, fill out a short questionnaire, and Jerry will start comparing dozens of quotes from the nation’s top insurance companies to find you the best rates possible—on average, Jerry users save $887 a year on their car insurance!
Once you find a better policy, Jerry will even help you cancel your old plan while you switch over to your new one, all without forcing you through hours of tedious paperwork.
“Jerryblew my mind, honestly. From start to finish, using the app took me 10 minutes and I ended up with $100 of savings a month. Best of all, customer service answered all my questions about rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance.” —Savanna R.
Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Get ahead of my car maintenance
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
FAQ
Do I need to have my key to get a new one made?
No—if you need to have a traditional key replaced, an experienced locksmith can make a new one without having the original, as long as you can provide the following information: the vehicle identification number, your ID, the vehicle registration, and the vehicle make and model.
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