How to Find a Car Key Lost

Car keys are a big deal when they get lost. Replacing keys can cost several hundred dollars, based on the type of key and what features are included.

You can usually get a replacement for traditional keys made of metal at a hardware store or locksmith. For smart keys, find your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then visit a dealership to order a new one and then have it connected to your vehicle.

Identifying Your Keys

The loss of your car keys is one of the most stressful things that can occur to a driver. If you reach into your pocket or bag and are unable to locate them, it can be difficult to decide what to do. To find your keys, it is best to remain at a safe distance and follow a step-by-step approach.

Begin by identifying what kind of car keys that you have. You can get a copy of a mechanical key that only opens the locks from a locksmith for an affordable cost in the event that you own one. You can also find a replacement from a dealership but they're usually more expensive.

The majority of newer cars come with the smart key, which triggers the car's sensor for keyless entry and ignition. These keys are harder to lose because they have an inbuilt feature that keeps the track of where the key is. If you have a smart key, it's important to try and keep it close at all times, or it will be hard to locate.

Find your usual hiding places first before relocating to a new location. Check in your coat pockets as well as in the shoes you're wearing, and in any bags you've had on you throughout the day. You can also try walking back through your day and going back to find the places you may have misplaced the key.

It is recommended to contact a dealership or locksmith for assistance if have exhausted all your search options but still cannot find your car key. If you can provide proof of ownership, they'll make you an replacement. If you own a car with no transponder chips, then you can also get a basic copy made at Home Depot.

Even if you don’t lose your keys often it is recommended to keep a spare key on your side. You can do this in a few different ways however the most popular is to give an additional key to someone in your family or a trusted friend. Another option is to invest in an Bluetooth key tracker, which can be put on your keys and linked to an app that will tell you where your keys are at any time.

Making copies

It's easy to misplace 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 difficult times. Whether it's at the gas station, or when loading groceries into the trunk, or after an exhausting day at work Losing your keys can be very stressful and frustrating.

The good thing is that if you have an extra key, it can help you in these instances. If you don't have an extra key it is possible to easily and cheaply create a duplicate at most hardware stores or by locksmiths. It is also advisable to keep an extra set of keys in your wallet just in case.

Many people believe that they need to visit a dealer to get a brand new car key. This isn't always the situation. It depends on the type of key you own, and how complex it is.

Modern cars have keys with more than just blades of metal. They also have chips that require programming to allow the car to start. These are not the type of keys you can get cut at the self-service kiosk in the mall. They also cannot be used with other keys.

The most efficient method to create a key copy is to visit your local AutoZone and ask an associate to use a machine to read the contours of the key, then match it up to a blank key and cut it for you. It's a simple procedure that will only take you a few moments to complete. Some locations even have a tool that can program the key for your specific model of vehicle.

You can also purchase a copy of your car keys at family-owned hardware stores, big home improvement chains, and even some grocery stores. But it is important to remember that these copies are only good for doors and ignitions, not the remote key fobs. It is recommended to contact a locksmith if you want to duplicate a smart key, or a dealer's chip. The keys must be created by a professional using the appropriate equipment and tools.

Replacement

There are several alternatives if you lose your car keys. You can go to the dealership where your car is sold or visit an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost you a different amount. It is also contingent on the kind of key your car has. Some have a simple double-edged key and others are more complicated.

You can get the list of locksmiths for cars in your local area by conducting an online search. Choose a locksmith that specializes in cars and has an auto division. Contact them to get a quote for the creation of a new key. Some have a mobile unit which can travel to your location and give you a key on the spot. This is a great option for those who have a traditional key that doesn't come with a chip in it.

A majority of automobiles today come with a key fob that is tiny electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your car from an extended distance. The fob can also be used to start your engine as well as control other functions in your vehicle. A fob is difficult to find. There are ways to stop this from happening, such as keeping a spare fob in your pocket.

Dealerships can replace a lost car key lost keys, but it can be expensive. Some dealerships charge a fee for replacing your lost car keys. This is the reason why many people choose an automotive locksmith. Some of these companies specialize in repairing car keys, which can be a much cheaper alternative than visiting the dealer.

You'll have to take your car to the dealer to replace lost car key it in the event that you have a smart-key. The dealer will need to program your new key. This typically involves opening and closing doors and/or turning on lights and electronics and off. You will need to provide the VIN number of your car, a photo ID and the other set of keys that are with you.

It is frustrating to lose a car keys, but more so when you have a tight schedule. There's no reason to panic, though. Be sure to look for your keys in a thorough manner and get a key-finder label to make them easier to locate and also to think about buying an additional fob to avoid this occurring again.

Get Help

Sometimes, we are distracted or forgetful and end up losing keys to our cars. Whether you drop them in the river when fishing, or leave them in the restaurant when you're dining out These types of accidents can be frustrating to manage. There are steps you can take to prevent this from happening again and to minimize the damage should it happen.

One of the most important things you can do is to ensure you have a spare key on hand. This can help avoid the difficulty of retracing your steps or paying for expensive locksmith services. Another alternative is to purchase an RFID-based key-finder tag with Bluetooth that will help you locate your lost keys quickly. These tags are available online at affordable prices.

For those with older cars that use a mechanical key it is possible to get a new one made at most hardware stores for just a couple of dollars. Many cars are equipped with key fobs with a lot technology. These can be very expensive to replace in the event of losing them.

If you have roadside assistance insurance the insurance company could arrange for a locksmith visit and create a new copy. Depending on the type of key you own it could be less expensive than creating a new key at an auto dealer.

You can also contact the dealership where you bought your vehicle to find out if they are able to assist you in creating an entirely new key. It could be more expensive than hiring a locksmith however it is more stress-free to work with a dealership that you know.

A locksmith can reprogram the old key to render it unusable. This can be a very risky process, so it's best to hire a professional to do this for you. Some locksmiths can complete this without taking the key apart however, it's more common to have a dealership do it for you, so you can be certain it will be done correctly.