How to Find a Car Key Lost
If car keys get lost, it's a major problem. The cost of replacing them can be several hundred dollars, dependent on the type and features.
It is possible to purchase a replacement for traditional keys made of metal from a hardware store or locksmith. For smart keys, you'll need to find your vehicle identification number (VIN) and visit the dealership to purchase an additional key and have it paired to your car.
Identifying Your Keys
The most stressful thing that could happen to any driver is the loss of their car keys. If you reach into your bag or pocket and are unable to locate them, it can be difficult to figure out what to do. To locate your keys, it's best to stay in a calm state and follow a step by step method.
Start by identifying the type of car keys you own. If you have a traditional mechanical key that operates the locks and locks, you can get a locksmith to make a copy at an affordable rate. You can also get a replacement key at the dealer, but it is usually more expensive.
The majority of newer cars have smart keys that trigger a sensor within the car to allow keyless ignition and entry. These keys are much more resistant to theft, since they have a built in feature that tracks where the key is. If you have a smart key, it's crucial to ensure that you keep it in your pocket at all times, or it will be hard to find.
Find your usual hiding places first, before moving to a different location. Check your pockets in your coat, in the shoes you're wearing, and in any bags you've carried throughout the day. You could also walk back through your day and retracing your steps to see the places you may have misplaced the key.
You should contact a dealer or locksmith for assistance if have exhausted all your search options, but you are still unable to locate your car key. They'll be able to make a new key for you as long as you have proof of ownership. If you own a car without transponder chips, you can have a basic copy created at Home Depot.
Even if you don’t lose your keys frequently it is recommended to have a spare key on hand. There are several methods to accomplish this, but the most common is to give a duplicate to a trusted friend or family member. You can also purchase a Bluetooth tracker that you attach to your keys. The app will tell you where they are at every moment of the day.
Making a Copy
It's easy to misplace a key, which is an essential component of your vehicle. Many car owners find themselves in situations where their keys are lost or are not working at the most difficult times. Losing your keys can be a hassle and annoying, whether it's while at the gas pump, putting groceries in the trunk or after an exhausting day at work.
If you have a spare key, it could be a lifesaver during these situations. If you don't have one, you can make a copy of your keys quickly, easily and at a low cost at many hardware stores or locksmiths. Keep an additional set of keys in your wallet in case.
Many people are under the impression that they need to go to a dealership to get a replacement car key. This is not always the case. The complexity of the key and the type you have will determine how it works.
The majority of modern automobiles have keys that are more than just metal blades. They have chips in them that require programming to start the engine. These are not the type keys that you can cut at the self-service kiosks located in the mall. They also won't work with other keys.
The easiest way to make a key copy is to visit your local AutoZone and have an associate use a machine that can read the contours of the key, then compare it to an uncut key and cut it for you. This is a simple process that takes only about a minute to complete. Some locations have a device that can program your key to fit the car model you have.
You can also find copies of your car keys at family-owned hardware stores, large home improvement chains as well as some grocery stores. It is important to know that these copies can only be used on the ignitions and doors of your vehicle and not for remote keys. It's a good idea to contact a locksmith to make a duplicate of an electronic key or dealer chip key, because they are only copied by a professional with the appropriate equipment and tools.
Replacement
There are several options for getting an alternative car key if it is lost. You can go to the dealership that sells your car or visit an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It is also contingent on the kind of key your car has. Some cars have a simple double-edged car key, while others have more complicated keys.
Online searches can help you find locksmiths for your car in your area. You need to find a car locksmith that specializes in auto locksmiths and has an auto division. You can then contact them to inquire about making a new key. Some have a mobile unit which can travel to your location and give you an exact key right there. This is a great option for those who have a traditional key that doesn't come with a chip in it.
Many cars have keys fobs, which are an electronic device that lets you to 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. It is easily lost. You can prevent this from happening by keeping an additional fob in your pocket.
Dealerships can replace your keys that are lost however, it can be expensive. They might also charge an additional fee for this service, which is the reason many people choose to go with an auto 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 replace it in the event that you have smart-key. The dealer will have to program the new key. This typically involves opening and closing doors and/or switching electronics and lights on and off. You will be asked for the VIN number for your vehicle along with a photo ID as well as any other keys you may have.
It's a pain to lose car keys, and even more so when you are on a an extremely tight schedule. Don't be in a panic. Remember to look for your keys with care, to get the key-finder label to make them easier to locate and also to think about buying an additional fob to avoid this repeating itself.
Get Assistance
We may lose our keys to our car when we are distracted or not paying attention. If you drop them in the river while fishing or leave them at a restaurant while you're out for a meal These types of accidents can be frustrating to manage. There are ways to keep these types of situations from happening in the future and to minimize the damage that occurs when they do occur.
It is recommended to always have a spare set of keys on hand. lost key will save you the hassle of retracing your steps or having to pay for expensive locksmith services. You can also purchase a Bluetooth key-finder tag that can aid you in finding your keys. They can be purchased online at a fairly affordable price.
For older vehicles which use keys that are mechanical, it's possible to have a new one made at a variety of hardware stores for a few dollars. Many cars use key fobs that are equipped with lots of technology. These can be very expensive to replace if you lose them.
If you have roadside assistance insurance the insurance company could pay for a locksmith to come out and create an original copy. This may be less expensive than making a new key by a dealer, based on the type of keys you own.
Another option is to reach out to the dealership from which you bought your car and inquire if they can assist you with creating the new key. This can be more expensive than working with a locksmith, but it is also more relaxing to deal with a dealer you know.
A locksmith can deprogram the old key to render it unusable. It is recommended to let a professional handle this task as it can be very risky. Certain locksmiths can perform this without disassembling the key, but it's usually easier to have a dealership do it for you so that you can guarantee that it's done properly.
