How to Find a Car Key Lost
Car keys can be a major problem when they're lost. The cost of replacing them could be several hundred dollars, depending on the type of key and features that are included.
For traditional keys made of metal you can usually locate a replacement at an hardware store or locksmith. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to visit a dealer for an alternative smart key and have it linked to your vehicle.
Identifying Your Keys
The loss of your keys to your car is among the most stressful events that can happen to drivers. When you reach into your purse or pocket and can't find keys, it's difficult to decide what to do. It's best to remain calm and take a step-by-step approach to locate your keys.
Begin by identifying the type of car key you have. If you have a conventional mechanical key that only operates the locks, you can get a locksmith to make copies at a reasonable price. You can also purchase a replacement from a dealership however, they tend to be more expensive.
Most newer cars use a smart key that activates a sensor inside the car to allow keyless ignition and entry. They are also more difficult to lose, as they have a built-in feature that tracks where the key is. If you have an intelligent key, you must ensure that it is kept close at all times or it could be difficult to find.
Find your usual hiding places first before relocating to another place. Check your pockets in your coat and in the shoes you're wearing, and in any bags you've carried around throughout the day. You can also try walking back through your day and retracing your steps to see where you may have lost the key.
It is recommended to contact a dealership or locksmith for assistance if have exhausted all options but still cannot find your car key. If you can show proof of ownership, they can offer you an replacement. You can also go to Home Depot to have a basic key copied if you're driving a model that doesn't come with transponder chips.
Even if you don’t lose your keys often it's recommended to have a spare key on your side. There are a number of ways to do this, but the majority involve giving a duplicate to an individual who is a trusted family member. You can also purchase a Bluetooth tracker that you attach to your keys. The app will notify you where they are at every moment of the day.
Making a copy
It's easy to misplace keys, which are an essential component of your vehicle. Many car owners are in situations when they lose their keys or stop working at the worst time. The loss of keys can be frustrating and inconvenient, whether it's while at the gas pump, loading groceries into the trunk or after a hard day at work.
If you have an extra key, this can be a lifesaver in such situations. If not have one, you can create a copy of your keys quickly, easily and at a low cost at many locksmith stores or hardware stores. It's also recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet, just in case!
Many people are under the impression that they must go to a dealership in order to get an alternative car key. However, this is not always true. It depends on the type of key you have, and how complicated it is.
Modern cars come with keys that have more than just metal blades. They have chips that need to be programmed to allow the car to start. These are not the types of keys you can just cut at a self-service kiosk at the mall, and they will not usually work with other keys.
To create a duplicate of a key, go to your local AutoZone. An associate will use a machine to examine the contours of the key. They will then match it up with the blank key. This is a straightforward 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.
Other places that can also help you locate the copy of your car key include family-owned hardware stores, big box home improvement stores, and a few chain stores. It is important to note that these copies only work for the doors and ignitions 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, since these are only copied by a professional with the proper equipment and tools.
Replacement
There are several alternatives if you lose your car keys. You can go to the dealership that sells your car or go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It also depends on what type of key you have. Some have a simple double-edged key and others have more intricate.
You can find a list of car locksmiths in your area by doing an online search. Find one that is specialized in vehicles and preferably has an auto division. You can then contact them to inquire about a price for making you a new key. Some companies have a mobile unit which can create keys at your location. This is extremely convenient if you have a traditional key that doesn't come with a chip in it.
A lot of cars come with a keyfob, which is a small electronic gadget that allows you lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance. The fob is also used to start the engine and control other features of your vehicle. A fob can be very easy to lose. You can prevent this from happening by keeping an extra fob in your purse.
The dealership will replace your lost keys to your car, but they can be expensive. They might also charge an additional fee for this service, which is the reason many people opt to go with an automotive locksmith instead. Certain locksmiths specialize in repairing car keys, which can be a less expensive option than going to the dealer.
lost car keys will need to bring your car to a dealer to have it replaced if you have a smart-key. The dealer will have to program the new key. This typically involves opening and closing doors, or turning off/on electronics and lights. You will need to provide your car's VIN number, a photo ID and the other set of keys that are with you.
It is frustrating to lose your car keys, but even more so when you are on a a tight schedule. You don't need to be worried. Make sure you look for your keys in a thorough manner and get the key-finder label to make them easier to find and also to think about buying an additional fob to avoid this happening again.
Get Help
Sometimes, we're distracted or forgetful and lose our car keys. Whether you drop keys in the water while fishing or leave them at an eatery while you're dining out These types of accidents can be a hassle to manage. Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep these types of situations from happening in the future and to reduce the damage if they do occur.
It is recommended to always have a spare set of keys in your possession. This will avoid the trouble of having to go back to your steps or pay for expensive locksmith service. Another option is to invest in an RFID-based key-finder tag with Bluetooth that can help you find your keys that have been lost quickly. These tags can be purchased online at a fairly affordable cost.
For those with older cars which use keys that are mechanical you can get a new key cut at most hardware stores for only a couple of dollars. Many cars use key fobs with a lot technology. They can be costly to replace if you lose them.
If you have roadside coverage and your insurance company is able to provide a locksmith with the cost of creating an exact copy. This could be cheaper than getting a new key by a dealer, based on the type of keys you have.
You can also reach out to the dealership where you purchased your vehicle to find out if they are able to assist you in creating the new key. This can be more expensive than working with a locksmith, however it may also be less stressful to choose a dealership you know.
The final alternative is to hire locksmiths deprogram the old key, so that it no longer works. It's best to have a professional handle this procedure as it could be very dangerous. Some locksmiths can complete this without disassembling the key however, it's more common to have a dealership do it for you, so that you can guarantee that it's done correctly.