How to Find a Car Key Lost

Car keys are a huge issue when they are lost car keys what to do. Replacing keys can cost several hundreds of dollars based on the type of key and what features are included.

You can usually get a replacement for traditional metal keys at an hardware store or a locksmith. For smart keys, find your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then visit an auto dealer to purchase an additional key and have it paired with your car.

Identifying your keys

The most stressful thing that could happen 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 are unable to find your keys in your pocket or bag. To locate your keys it is best to remain calm and follow a step-bystep approach.

Begin by identifying what kind of car keys that you have. You can obtain a duplicate of the mechanical key that can operate the locks from a locksmith at reasonable cost if you have one. You can also purchase a replacement at the dealership but they're usually more expensive.

The majority of modern cars have a smart key that activates the car's sensors for keyless entry and ignition. These keys are much more resistant to theft, since they have a built in feature that monitors where the key is. If you own a smart key, it's crucial to try and keep it close at all times, or it could be difficult to locate.

You should first check your regular places of hiding first before moving to other locations. Examine your pockets for coats as well as shoes and bags you've carried with you throughout the day. You could also consider walking back through your day, and retracing your steps to see the places you may have misplaced the key.

If you've exhausted all your options to find 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 can prove ownership. If you own a vehicle that does not have transponder chips, you can also have an initial copy made at Home Depot.

Even if you don't lose your keys frequently it's an excellent idea to keep a spare key in your side. There are several methods to accomplish this, but the most common is to give an extra key to someone you trust, such as a family member. You can also purchase a Bluetooth tracker to attach to your keys. The app will notify you where they are at any time.

Making a Copy

A key is a crucial element of a car, and it's easy to lose. Many car owners find themselves in situations when they lose their keys or have them stop working at the worst possible time. Whether it's at the gas station, when loading groceries into the trunk or after a long day at work the loss of keys can be very frustrating and annoying.

The good news is that if have an extra key, it can help in these scenarios. If you don't have an extra key, you can easily and cheaply make duplicates at most hardware stores or by locksmiths. It's also a good idea to keep an extra key in your wallet, just in case!

Many people believe that they must go to a dealer in order to get a brand new car key. This is not always the case. It's all dependent on the type of key you have, and how complicated it is.

Most modern cars have keys that are more than just metal blades. They have chips inside them that need to be programmed to start the engine. They are not the kind of keys you can cut at the self-service kiosks in the mall. They also won't work with other keys.

The most efficient method to create an exact copy of a key is to simply visit your local AutoZone and have an associate use a machine that can read the contours of the key, then match it up to a blank key and cut it for you. This is a simple process that takes just about a minute to complete. Some locations even have a device that can program the key to your specific model of vehicle.

Other places that could help you locate a car key copy include family owned hardware stores as well as big box home improvement stores and some chain grocery stores. It is important to note that these copies are only suitable for the doors and ignitions of your vehicle, not the remote keys. It is a good idea to contact a locksmith to make a duplicate of the smart key or dealer chip key, because these can only be copied by a professional with the appropriate equipment and tools.

Replacement

You have a few alternatives if you lose your car keys. You can either go to the dealer where your car is sold or to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost different amounts. It also depends on the type of key your car has. Certain cars come with an easy, double-edged car key while others are more complex.

You can find the list of locksmiths for cars in your local area by conducting an online search. Find one that is specialized in vehicles and preferably has an auto division. You can then contact them to request a quote for the creation of a new key. Some have a mobile unit that can visit your location and make you an exact key right there. This is a great option if you already have an unlocked key that doesn't come with a chip.

A lot of cars come with keys fobs, which are an electronic device that allows you lock and unlock your vehicle from the distance. The fob can also be used to start the engine and control other functions in your car. A fob can be easy to lose. There are ways to prevent this from happening, such as by keeping a spare in your pocket.

The dealership can replace your lost car key service car keys for you however, they can be expensive. A lot of dealerships will charge a premium to replace lost car key your keys to your car. This is the reason why many people choose an automotive locksmith. Some of these companies specialize in repairing car keys. This is a cheaper alternative than going to an auto dealer.

You will need to take your car to the dealer to have it replaced in the event that you have a smart-key. The dealer will have to program the new key. This typically involves closing and opening doors and switching electronics and lights on and off. You'll need the VIN number for your vehicle and a photo ID along with the other set of keys you carry with you.

It is frustrating to lose a car keys, but more so when you have the pressure of a strict schedule. There's no need to panic, however. Make sure you look for your keys in a thorough manner and to purchase an identification label for your keys to make them easier to locate and also to think about buying an extra fob to prevent this repeating itself.

Get Assistance

Sometimes, we get distracted or forgetful and end up losing keys to our cars. These accidents can be frustrating, whether you accidentally drop them in a stream when fishing, or forget them at the restaurant while eating. There are steps you can do to avoid this happening again and to minimize the damage in the event of it happening.

One of the most important things you can do is to ensure that you have a spare key in your bag. This will avoid the hassle of having trace your steps again or pay for a costly locksmith service. Another alternative is to invest in an RFID-based key-finder tag with Bluetooth that will help you locate your keys quickly. They can be purchased on the internet for a reasonable cost.

For those with older cars which use a mechanical key you can get a new one cut at a variety of hardware stores for only a few dollars. However, a lot of cars today utilize key fobs with lots of tech built in. If they are lost keys to car keys, they could be costly to replace.

If you have roadside assistance coverage, the insurance company may arrange for a locksmith visit and create a new copy. This is less expensive than getting a new key at a dealer, depending on the type of keys you have.

Another option is to contact the dealership where you bought your car and see if they can help you create a new key. It could be more expensive than hiring a locksmith however it's easier to deal with a dealership you know.

A locksmith can reprogram your old lost key to make it unusable. This can be a risky procedure, so it's best to have a professional do this for you. Certain locksmiths can perform this without having to remove the key, but it's usually better to let the dealership do this so that you can be sure it's done correctly.