How to Find a Car Key Lost

When car keys are lost, it's a major problem. Replacing keys can cost several hundred dollars depending on the kind of key and what features are included.

For traditional keys made of metal, you can typically locate a replacement at a locksmith or hardware store. For smart keys, you'll need find your vehicle identification number (VIN) and visit a dealership to order a new one and have it paired to your vehicle.

Identifying your keys

The most stressful thing that can occur to any driver is the loss of their keys to their car. It can be a bit confusing to know what to say when you can't find your keys in your pocket or bag. To find your keys, it is best to remain in a calm state and follow a step by step approach.

Start by identifying which type of car key you have. If you have a traditional mechanical key that only opens the locks, you can ask a locksmith to create copies at a reasonable price. You can also purchase an alternative from the dealer but they're usually more expensive.

Most newer cars use a smart key that triggers an internal sensor to allow keyless entry and ignition. These keys are more difficult to lose because they have a built-in feature that keeps an eye on the location of the key. Keep your smart key close to your side or you could have trouble finding it.

You should first check your regular places of hiding first before moving to other areas. Look in your coat pockets, in the shoes you're wearing and in any bags you've carried around throughout the day. You can also retrace your steps and walk back through the day to check the key you've lost my key.

If you've exhausted all your options for searching and you are unable to locate your car keys, it's time to call a locksmith or a dealership to get help. They'll make a replacement for you, provided that you have proof of ownership. If you own a vehicle without transponder chips, you can have a basic copy created at Home Depot.

It's always a good idea to have an extra key handy even when you don't lose keys often. It's possible to accomplish this in a variety of different ways one of which is to give the duplicate key to someone in your family or a trusted friend. You can also invest in an Bluetooth tracker that you attach to your keys. The app will tell you where they are at all times.

Making an Copy

It's easy to misplace keys, which are an essential part of your vehicle. Many car keys lost owners are in situations where their keys are lost or stop working at the most inconvenient times. It doesn't matter if it's at the gas station, when loading groceries into the trunk, or after working for a long time Losing your keys can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient.

If you have an extra key, this can be a lifesaver in such situations. If you don't have an extra key you can easily and cheaply make a duplicate at many hardware stores or locksmiths. You should also keep an extra set of keys in your wallet just in case.

Many people believe that they need to go to a dealer in order to purchase a new car key. This is not always the situation. The complexity of the key and the type you own will determine how it functions.

Modern cars have keys with more than just blades of metal. They also have chips that require programming to turn on the car. These aren't the kind keys that you can cut at the self-service kiosks located at the mall. They also won't work with other keys.

To make a copy of the key, go to your local AutoZone. A member of the team will make use of a machine to examine the contours of the key. They will then match it to a blank key. This is a simple process that takes only about a minute to complete. Some places even have a tool that can program the key to your specific model of car.

Other places that can also assist you with the copy of your car key include family owned hardware stores as well as big box home improvement stores and some chain grocery stores. It is important to know that these copies only work for the ignitions and doors of your car and not for remote keys. It is recommended to contact a locksmith to duplicate the smart key or dealer chip key, because they can only be copied by a professional who has the right tools and machines.

Getting an Replacement

There are several options for getting a new car key if it's lost. You can either go to the dealer which sells your car or go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost you a different amount. It also depends on the type of key your car is equipped with. Certain cars come with a simple double-edged key while others have more intricate keys.

Search engines can help you find locksmiths for your car in your area. You should find an auto locksmith that is specialized in auto-related services and has an auto division. Then you can contact them to get a quote for making you a new key. Some companies have mobile units which can make keys at your location. This is extremely convenient if you have a traditional key that does not have a chip inside it.

A majority of automobiles today come with keys that are tiny electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your car from a distance. The fob is also used to start the engine and to control other features of your vehicle. A fob can be easy to lose. There are ways to avoid this from happening, for instance by keeping a spare in your pocket.

Dealerships can repair your keys that are lost however, it can be costly. They might also charge an additional fee for this service, which is the reason many people opt to use an automotive locksmith instead. Certain locksmiths specialize in replacing keys to cars, which could be a much cheaper alternative to going to the dealer.

You'll need to take your car to the dealer to get it replaced in the event that you have a smart-key. They will have to program the new key to your vehicle. This typically involves opening and closing doors and/or turning on lights and electronics and off. You will be asked for the VIN number for your vehicle as well as a photo ID and any other keys you may have.

Losing a car key is always a source of frustration, but it can be even more frustrating when you're on a tight schedule and you need to travel. There is no need to panic, however. Remember to look for your keys in a thorough manner and get a key-finder label to make them easier to find and also to think about buying an extra fob to prevent this occurring again.

Get Assistance

Sometimes, we get distracted or forgetful and end up losing our keys to our car. These accidents can be frustrating in the event that you drop keys in a river when fishing, or forget them at an eatery while eating. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent these situations from occurring in the future and to minimize the damage when they do occur.

Always keep a spare set of keys on hand. This will avoid the trouble of having to go back to your steps or pay for expensive locksmith service. Another alternative is to invest in a Bluetooth-based key-finder tag that can help you find your lost keys quickly. These tags are sold online for a reasonable price.

For those with older cars that have a mechanical key, it's possible to have a new key cut at a variety of hardware stores for a couple of dollars. But, many modern cars utilize key fobs with many features built in. If you lose these keys, they could be costly to replace lost car key cost.

If you have roadside protection and your insurance company is able to provide a locksmith with the cost of creating copies. Depending on the type of key you have, this could be much less expensive than having a brand-new key created at a dealership.

Another option is to call the car dealership where you bought your car and see if they can help you in creating an entirely new key. This could be more expensive than working with a locksmith, but it could also be less stressful to work with a dealership that you trust.

The final option is to hire a locksmith deprogram the old key so that it doesn't work anymore. It is best to let a professional handle this procedure as it could be very risky. Certain locksmiths can perform this without removing the key however, it's more common to have a dealership do it for you, so that you can be sure that it's done properly.