How to Find a Car Key Lost

If keys to your car are lost, it's an enormous problem. Replacing them can cost a few hundreds of dollars based on the type of key and what features are included.

You can usually get an alternative for traditional keys made of metal at the hardware store or locksmith. For smart keys, you'll need to locate your vehicle identification number (VIN) and visit a dealership to order a new one and then have it connected to your car.

Identifying your keys

The most stressful thing that can happen to any driver is losing their car keys. When you reach into your pocket or bag and can't find them, it can be difficult to know what to do. It's best to remain calm and take a step-by-step approach to finding your keys.

Start by identifying which type of car key you own. You can get a copy of the mechanical key that operates the locks from a locksmith for reasonable cost if you have one. You can also exchange your key with a dealer, but it is usually more expensive.

The majority of newer cars come with a smart key that activates the car's sensor for keyless ignition and entry. These keys are harder to lose due to built-in features that keep an eye on where the key is. Keep your smart keys close at your side or you could find it difficult to locate.

It is recommended to check your usual places of hiding first before you move on to other areas. Look 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 could also walk back through your day, and retracing your steps to see where you may have lost the key.

You should contact a dealership or locksmith for assistance if you have exhausted all your search options and are still unable to locate your car key. If you can show proof of ownership, they can make you an replacement. You can also go to Home Depot to have a basic key copied for vehicles that doesn't come with transponder chips.

Even if you don’t lose your keys often it is recommended to have a spare key on hand. There are several ways to do this but the most common is to give a duplicate to a trusted friend or family member. You can also invest in a Bluetooth tracker that you can connect to your keys. The app will tell you where they are at any time.

Making a copy

Keys are a vital component of a car and it's easy to lose. Many car owners are in situations where they lose their keys or stop working at the worst possible time. If it's at a gas station, Car Key Lost when loading groceries into the trunk or after a long day at work the loss of keys can be very frustrating and inconvenient.

The good news is that if you have an additional key, it could help you in these scenarios. 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's also an excellent idea to keep an additional key in your wallet, just in case!

Many people believe that they need to visit a dealership to obtain an alternative car key. This isn't always the situation. It is contingent on the kind of key you have, and how complicated it is.

Most modern cars have keys that are more than metal blades - they have chips in them that require programming in order to start the engine. These are not the types of keys that you just get cut at a self-serve kiosk at the mall, and will not work with other keys.

The easiest way to make a key copy is to go to your local AutoZone and have an associate use a machine to read the contours of the key, then match it up to the blank key and cut it for you. This is a straightforward process that takes just about a minute to complete. Some locations even have a device that can program the key for your particular model of car.

Other places that could help you with copies of your car keys include family owned hardware stores, big box home improvement stores and some chain grocery stores. It is important to know that these copies can only be used for the ignitions and doors of your vehicle and not for remote keys. You should contact a locksmith if you want to duplicate a smart keys, or a dealer's chip. These keys should only be made by a professional using the right equipment and tools.

Requesting an Replacement

There are several alternatives to get an alternative car key if it is lost. You can go to the dealership that sells your vehicle or go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost you a different amount. It is also contingent on the kind of key you own. Some keys are simple, double-edged type while others are more complex.

You can find the list of locksmiths for cars in your area by doing an online search. You should find one that is specialized in car locksmiths and has an auto division. Contact them to inquire about a price for the creation of a new key. Some have mobile units which can travel to your location and make you an exact key right there. This is a great option when you have a conventional key that doesn't come with a chip in it.

A lot of cars come with keyfobs, Car Key Lost which are a small electronic gadget that allows you to lock and unlock your car key lost no spare from an extended distance. The fob can also be used to start the engine and manage other features of your car. A fob is easy to lose. You can prevent this by keeping an extra fob in your pocket.

Dealerships can replace your keys that have been lost however it could be expensive. Many dealerships will charge a fee for replacing your lost car keys. This is the reason why many people prefer an automotive locksmith. Some of these companies specialize in repairing keys to cars, which could be a much cheaper alternative than visiting the dealer.

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

Losing a car key is always frustrating but it could be more difficult when you are working on a tight schedule and you need to get somewhere. Don't be worried. Make sure you look for your keys in a thorough manner and to purchase 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 Help

Sometimes, we get distracted or forgetful and end up losing our keys to our car. These kinds of accidents can be very frustrating when you accidentally drop them in a stream when fishing, or lose them in the restaurant while eating. There are steps you can take to avoid this occurring in the future and to limit damage in the event of it happening.

You should always keep a spare set of keys readily available. This will help you avoid the hassle of retracing your steps or having to pay for expensive locksmith services. Another alternative is to purchase an RFID-based key-finder tag with Bluetooth which can help you locate your lost keys quickly. These tags are available online at a reasonable price.

The majority of hardware stores will cut a new mechanical key for people who own older cars. Many cars are equipped with key fobs that are equipped with lots of technology. If you lose them, they can be expensive to replace.

If you have roadside assistance coverage and the insurance company will pay for a locksmith to make an original copy. This is less expensive than having a new key made by a dealer, contingent on the kind of keys you have.

You can also reach out to the dealership that sold you your vehicle to find out if they are able to help you create the new key. This can be more expensive than working with a locksmith, but it is also more relaxing to choose a dealership you trust.

A locksmith could deprogram your old key to make it inoperable. It is best to let a professional handle this task as it can be extremely risky. Certain locksmiths can perform this without having to remove the key, but it's generally better to let a dealership handle it to make sure it's done correctly.