What to Do When You've Lost Your Car Keys

Getting a replacement key depends on your car's age and whether you have a spare

If you've lost your car keys, you have three main routes: call a locksmith, contact your car's dealership, or call roadside assistance if you're a member. The fastest and cheapest option depends on whether your car has a traditional key or a modern electronic fob, and whether you're locked out right now or just need a replacement for later.

A locksmith can usually cut a new key on the spot for older cars (typically pre-2000s models with simple mechanical keys). For newer cars with electronic fobs or push-button ignition, you'll almost always need the dealership, because they have the equipment to program the key to your specific vehicle. Roadside assistance like AAA can dispatch a locksmith to you, but they'll still charge you the locksmith's fee.

The dealership is the most expensive route but the most reliable for newer vehicles. They can verify you own the car, order a replacement key, and program it to your vehicle's security system. This typically takes one to three business days and costs $200 to $500 depending on your car's make and model.

Key Takeaways

• Locksmiths can cut traditional keys on the spot for older cars, but newer cars with electronic fobs require the dealership.
• The dealership is the most expensive option ($200 to $500) but the only reliable choice for cars with electronic security systems.
• You'll need proof of ownership (title, registration, or driver's license) before any locksmith or dealership will make you a new key.
• Roadside assistance programs can send a locksmith to you, but you still pay the locksmith's full fee.
• If you're locked out and need immediate access, a locksmith is faster than the dealership, but may not work on newer vehicles.

Locksmiths: speed and cost for older vehicles

A locksmith can cut a new key in 15 to 30 minutes if your car has a traditional mechanical key. This works well for most vehicles made before 2000. The cost is usually $50 to $150, depending on your location and the locksmith's rates. You can find locksmiths through Google Maps, Yelp, or by calling local gunsmiths or hardware stores that offer key-cutting services.

Bring your driver's license or vehicle registration so the locksmith can confirm you own the car. Some locksmiths will ask to see your title or registration before cutting a key, especially if you're not the registered owner. If your car has an electronic fob or keyless entry system, a locksmith cannot program it — you'll need the dealership.

Check the locksmith's reviews before calling, and ask for a quote over the phone. Some locksmiths charge extra for after-hours service or for coming to your location. If you're locked out of your car, the locksmith can also unlock the door, but that's a separate service and may cost an additional $50 to $150.

Dealerships: the only option for electronic keys and fobs

If your car has a key fob, push-button ignition, or any electronic security system, you must go to the dealership. They have the proprietary equipment to program a new key to your vehicle's computer system. A locksmith cannot do this, no matter how experienced they are.

Call the dealership's service department and tell them you've lost your keys. They'll ask for your vehicle identification number (VIN), which you can find on your registration, title, or on the driver's side of your windshield. Bring your driver's license and vehicle registration to the dealership. The service department will verify that you own the car, order the key, and program it.

Dealership replacement keys typically cost $200 to $500, depending on your car's make and model. Some dealerships charge extra for programming. The process usually takes one to three business days if they have the key in stock, or up to two weeks if they need to order it from the manufacturer. Ask the dealership for a loaner car or rental car coverage while you wait, though not all dealerships offer this.

Roadside assistance: when you're locked out right now

If you're a member of AAA, Better World Club, or your car's roadside assistance program, you can call them to send a locksmith to your location. This is useful if you're locked out and need access to your car immediately. The roadside assistance program dispatches the locksmith, but you still pay the locksmith's full fee — roadside assistance doesn't cover the cost of key replacement, only the dispatch.

Roadside assistance typically covers lockout service (unlocking your car door) but not key replacement. If you need a new key cut, the locksmith will do that on the spot for older cars, and you'll pay them directly. For newer cars with electronic fobs, the locksmith will unlock your car but cannot make a new key — you'll still need to go to the dealership later.

Check your roadside assistance membership before calling to see what services are covered. Some programs include a certain number of lockout calls per year, while others charge per call. If you don't have roadside assistance, you can still call a locksmith directly, but you'll pay a dispatch fee on top of the service fee.

What you need to bring or have ready

Whether you go to a locksmith or the dealership, bring your driver's license and vehicle registration. Some locksmiths will cut a key without these documents, but most will ask to see proof that you own the car. If you don't have your registration with you, you can show your driver's license and the car's title, or call the dealership with your VIN and they can look up your ownership in their system.

Have your vehicle identification number (VIN) ready. You can find it on your registration, title, insurance card, or on the driver's side of your windshield at the base of the glass. The VIN is a 17-character code that identifies your specific vehicle. The dealership will need this to order the correct key and program it to your car.

If you have a spare key at home, you don't need to rush. You can take your time finding a locksmith or scheduling a dealership appointment. If you're locked out and don't have a spare, call a locksmith or roadside assistance immediately.

Preventing future lockouts: spare keys and key tracking

The best way to avoid this situation is to make a spare key now, while you have your original. If you have a traditional key, any locksmith can cut a spare for $10 to $30. If you have an electronic fob, the dealership can make a spare for $100 to $200. Keep the spare in a safe place at home, not in your car.

Consider a key tracking device like Apple AirTag, Tile, or Samsung SmartTag. These small devices attach to your keychain and send a signal to your phone if your keys go missing. They cost $25 to $40 and can save you hundreds in locksmith or dealership fees. Some newer cars have built-in key tracking through their mobile app.

If you frequently lose things, a key tracking device is worth the investment. You can also leave a spare key with a trusted friend or family member who lives nearby, so you have a backup if you lose your primary key.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace a lost car key?

A traditional key cut by a locksmith costs $50 to $150. An electronic fob from the dealership costs $200 to $500, depending on your car's make and model. Some dealerships charge extra for programming. Call your dealership or a local locksmith for a specific quote.

Can I drive my car if I've lost my keys?

No, you cannot drive your car without a key or fob. If you're locked out, call a locksmith or roadside assistance to unlock the door. Once inside, you'll still need a working key to start the engine. For newer cars with electronic ignition, the engine won't start without the programmed key fob.

What if I only have one key and I lose it?

You'll need to contact a locksmith or the dealership to make a new key. Once you have a replacement, make a spare immediately and keep it in a safe place at home. This prevents the same situation from happening again.

Can a locksmith make a key for a car with a push-button start?

No. A locksmith can unlock your car door, but they cannot program an electronic key fob or push-button key. You must go to the dealership for this service. The dealership has the equipment to program the key to your vehicle's security system.

How long does it take to get a replacement key from the dealership?

If the dealership has the key in stock, it usually takes one to three business days. If they need to order it from the manufacturer, it can take up to two weeks. Call the dealership to ask if they have the key available before you go in.