How to Replace a Lost Car Key

Anyone who has lost their car keys knows how stressful it can be. However, there are steps you can do to reduce the stress and cost that comes with it.

First, make sure that you've checked every place you could possibly have placed them. If not, you'll need to call someone. You have several options to pick from:

1. Contact Your Car Dealership

A car key is a small piece of metal that enables you to open and start your car. It's not common to lose a car key, however the good thing is that they are usually simple to replace. This guide will show you how to swiftly and easily replace a standard car key, or an electronic key.

Many modern cars have keys that are designed to be "smart." This means they're equipped with an electronic chip that has been programmed to work with a particular vehicle. If you've got an electronic key, cost you'll need to go to the dealership where you purchased your car in order to obtain a replacement key. The dealer will need to match the new key to your particular vehicle, so you'll have to wait for a couple of days before driving again.

If you're lucky that your dealer has the key available and be able to pair it up with your vehicle immediately. However, the dealer might charge you a fee for this service. Alternately, you can go to a locksmith who can replace the car key at an affordable price.

Before you contact your dealer or a locksmith make sure you have any spare keys. If you do, keep them in a secure location in which they're not likely to get lost. Also, think about looking for a used or aftermarket replacement key on the internet. These keys are usually cheaper than buying a new one from the manufacturer.

It's not as difficult a situation as people think. It's also not as costly as many think. You'll be back in your car in no time if you know what to do, whom to call, how you can get a replacement and how to prevent future loss. One way to avoid losing your keys is to designate an area to store them in, and then place them there after you've finished using them. This will become a habit and make it easier to find your keys in case you lose them.

2. Contact Your Insurance Company

However careful you may be you are, losing your car keys can be a terrifying experience. It's among the three most frequently lost items, and can cause panic and a desperate search to locate your car key lost what to do keys. It's not always a lost item and there are several ways to have the replacement of your car keys covered by insurance.

You can either attempt to locate your key by yourself or seek help from the dealership or your car manufacturer, based on your situation. Some car dealers can create new keys for cars that are on their lot. However, it is usually more expensive than using a locksmith. Depending on your insurance policy and the type of vehicle you own you may be eligible to use your roadside assistance to pay for the replacement key.

Make sure you look through your car and home thoroughly for keys before you call your insurer. This will help locate the location and give you a place to start your search. Make sure to look in all pockets, the seat, and under any cushions. Also, look through your wallet, purse or backpack to ensure the keys are still there. You can get your spare key cloned by the locksmith's or dealer's shop to create a new key without having to change anything in the vehicle.

If you still can't find your keys, it may be time to notify the police. The police could make a lost and found report on your behalf. They may also be able to track down the key or inform you that it was returned. This is a great method to stop your car from being taken. Don't forget to look on your phone for notifications about lost and found via apps like Find My iPhone or iCloud. You can also make use of GPS tracking apps to locate your car if it's surrendered.

3. Contact the Manufacturer of Your Vehicle

It's extremely frustrating to lose a car key, because it is usually impossible to drive or open your vehicle without it. However, don't panic - it happens to everyone, and there are solutions that can resolve the situation quickly and easily.

If your car was built prior to 1981, you can typically find a replacement standard at a locksmith or even in some hardware stores. The keys are mechanical and don't require any additional technology, such as transponders or chips. If you have a more modern or high-tech key, it may require replacement by a dealer or an experienced locksmith. This could take longer, and you'll need to provide proof of ownership to obtain the key.

The remote key is a more advanced version of the traditional metal key that requires a fob reader in order to operate. These keys are harder to replace and cost anywhere from $50 to $500. It is best to have an extra.

Calling the dealership or a locksmith is the most efficient option to replace your lost car key. They can design a key for you and program it to start and unlock your vehicle with a single button. This isn't always possible in the event that the original key is not programmed.

If you've lost your keys to your car, try to retrace your steps as best you can. This can help you identify where your keys could be if you didn't find them before. It will also save your time as you don't have to search your house or vehicle in the future. You can also invest in an Bluetooth tracker that you can keep on your keychain. This will allow you to find your keys with an app on your smartphone.

4. Contact a locksmith

Losing car keys is a stressful experience. No matter how careful you are, it only takes an instant of distraction to lose your keys and you're without the ability to get anywhere! There are a few basic steps you can take to solve this issue.

First first, don't be anxious! It can be terrifying and difficult to lose your car keys, but you should remain calm and think about what you can do. Start by retracing the steps. What were they when they last left? This is a crucial aspect that can help you narrow your search. Afterward, check in your pockets as well as any other places of hiding you might have used. Additionally, it's important to be sure to check behind the passenger and driver seats, and between them. Also, don't forget to look over your purse or backpack in the event that you suspect you have left it there.

Contact a locksmith if cannot locate your car keys. Locksmiths can design a new car key and also remove the chip from the old one. This is a more cost-effective solution than returning to the dealer who will charge a premium.

Another option is to search for low-cost replacement keys or key fobs on the internet. Depending on the type of key you own you might be able to purchase an aftermarket model for less than what it would cost to get an entirely new key from the manufacturer. But, remember that you'll require someone who can cut and program the key before it can work on your vehicle, cost so be sure to look for a suitable alternative.

In the end, if you don't have an extra car key, it's worth investing in one. If you have a manual car, this can be easily accomplished by any locksmith who can make you a replacement key on the spot. However, if you own a smart key, key fob or another key that is more technologically advanced you'll have to contact the dealer to have a new key made specifically for you.