How to Find a Car Key Lost
If car keys get lost, it's a big problem. The cost of replacing them can be several hundred dollars depending on the type and features.
It is possible to purchase a replacement for traditional metal keys at an hardware store or a locksmith. For smart keys, you'll need find your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then visit a dealership to order the new key and have it paired to your car.
Identifying Your Keys
The most stressful thing that can occur to any driver is losing their car keys. If you reach into your pocket or bag and cannot find keys, it's difficult to decide what to do. To locate your keys it's best to stay in a calm state and follow a step by step method.
Begin by identifying what kind of car keys that you have. You can get a copy of the mechanical key that can operate the locks from a locksmith at an affordable cost in the event that you own one. You can also get a replacement key with a dealer, but it is usually more expensive.
Most modern cars come with smart keys that trigger a sensor inside the car to allow keyless entry and ignition. They are also more resistant to theft, since they have a built in feature that monitors where the key is. Keep your smart keys close at the ready in case you find it difficult to locate.
Find your usual hiding places first, before moving to another place. Check in your coat pockets and in your shoes, and in any bags that you've had on you throughout the day. You can also retrace your steps and walk through the day to see the key you've lost.
You should contact a dealer or locksmith for assistance if have exhausted all options and are still unable to locate your car key. They'll be able to make a new key for you if you can prove ownership. If you have a car without transponder chips, you can also have a basic copy created at Home Depot.
Even if you don't lose your keys frequently it is an excellent idea to have a spare key on your side. You can do this in a few different ways one of which is to give the duplicate key to an individual in your family or a trusted friend. Another alternative is to purchase a Bluetooth key tracker. It can be placed on your keys and linked to an app that will show you where your keys are at any given time.
Making copies
It's easy to lose a key, which is an essential part of your vehicle. Many car owners find themselves in situations where keys are lost or don't work at the most uncomfortable times. It doesn't matter if it's at the gas station, or when loading groceries into the trunk, or after working for a long time the loss of keys can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient.
If you have an extra key, it could be a lifesaver during these situations. If you don't have an additional key you can easily and cheaply make duplicates at most hardware stores or by locksmiths. You should also keep an extra set of keys in your wallet just in the case.
Many people believe that they must go to a dealership to obtain a replacement car key. However, this is not always the case. It depends on the type of key you have, and how complex it is.
Modern cars come with keys that have more than just metal blades. They also have chips that must be programmed to allow the car to start. These aren't the kinds of keys that you can simply cut at a self-serve kiosk in the mall, and they will not typically be compatible with any other key.
The easiest method of making an exact copy of a key is to go to your local AutoZone and ask an associate to use a machine to read the contours of the key, and then match it up to the blank key and cut it for you. This is a very simple process, and it will only take a few minutes to complete. Some places have a tool that can program your key to match your car model.
Other places that can help you with a car key copy include family owned hardware stores and big box home improvement stores, and some chain grocery stores. But it is crucial to keep in mind that these copies are only good for doors and ignitions and not remote key fobs. You should contact locksmiths if you wish to duplicate a smart key, or a dealer's chip key. These keys can only be made by a professional with the correct equipment and tools.
Replacement
There are several options when you lose your car keys. You can visit the dealership that sells your car or go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost different amounts. It is also contingent on the kind of key your car has. Some keys are simple, double-edged type while others are more complex.
Internet searches can help you locate locksmiths for your car in your area. Look for one that specializes in vehicles and preferably has an auto division. Contact them to request a quote for making you a new key. Some of them have mobile units which can travel to your location and give you a key on the spot. This is a great option if you already have an unlocked key that doesn't contain an embedded chip.
A lot of cars come with keys fobs, which are an electronic device that allows you lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance. The fob can also be used to start your engine and control other functions in your car. A fob can be very easy to lose. There are ways to prevent this from happening, for instance keeping a spare fob in your pocket.
The dealership will replace your lost keys to your car However, they could be costly. They may also charge you a premium for this service, which is why many prefer to use an automotive locksmith instead. lost car key of these firms specialize in the replacement of keys to cars. This can be a cheaper alternative than going to dealers.
If you have a smart key, you will need to return your car to the dealership to have it replaced. They will need to program the new key into your car. This typically involves closing and opening doors and turning lights and electronics on and off. You will need to provide the VIN number for your vehicle along with a photo ID as well as the other set of keys that are with you.
The loss of a car keys is always a source of frustration however, it can be even more frustrating when you're working on a tight schedule and need to travel. There is no need to panic, though. Be sure to look for your keys with care and get an identification label for your keys to make them easier to find and to consider buying a spare fob to avoid this occurring again.
Get Assistance
We may lose our keys to our cars when we're distracted or forgetful. These kinds of accidents can be very frustrating, whether you accidentally drop them in a stream when fishing, or forget them at a restaurant when you're eating. There are steps you can do to avoid this occurring in the future and to minimize the damage if it does.
One of the best things you can do is to ensure you always have a spare key handy. This can help avoid the hassle of retracing your steps or paying for costly locksmith services. Another alternative is to purchase an electronic key-finder that can help you find your lost keys quickly. The tags can be bought online at a fairly affordable cost.
The majority of hardware stores will cut a new mechanical key for customers who have older cars. Many cars are equipped with key fobs that have a lot of technology. If you lose these, they can be expensive to replace.
If you have roadside protection and your insurance company is able to hire a locksmith to make copies. Based on the type of key you own, this could be much cheaper than having a brand-new key created at a dealership.
Another option is to call the car dealership where you purchased your car to inquire if they can assist you create a new key. It may cost more than working with a locksmith, but it may also be less stressful to work with a dealership that you are familiar with.
The last option is to hire a locksmith deprogram the old key, so that it is no longer working. This can be a very risky process, so it's recommended to get a professional to handle this for you. Some locksmiths can do this without disassembling the key however, it's more common to let a dealership handle it for you, so that you can be sure that it's done properly.