How to Find a car key lost what to do Key Lost Car keys cost

Car keys are a big deal when they get lost. The cost of replacing them could be several hundred dollars, depending on the type and features included.

It is possible to purchase an alternative for traditional metal keys at the hardware store or locksmith. For smart keys, you'll need find your vehicle identification number (VIN) and visit the dealership to purchase an additional key and have it paired with your car.

Identifying your keys

The loss of your car keys is one of the most stressful things that can happen to drivers. It can be difficult to know what to say when you are unable to find your keys in your pocket or bag. To locate your keys it's best to remain at a safe distance and follow a step-by-step approach.

Start by identifying the type of car keys you have. If you have a conventional mechanical key that opens the locks it is possible to get a locksmith to make copies at a reasonable price. You can also replace 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 to allow keyless entry and ignition. They are less likely to lose because they have built-in features that keep the track of where the key is. Keep your smart key close at your side or you could have trouble finding it.

Check your usual hiding places first before relocating to a new location. Check your coat pockets, shoes, and any bags you've carried throughout the day. You could also walk back through your day and following your steps to determine where you might have lost the key.

If you've exhausted all your options for searching and you are unable to locate your car keys, you should call a locksmith or a dealership to get help. They'll make a replacement for you, provided that you have proof of ownership. If you have a car that does not have transponder chips, you can also get a basic copy made at Home Depot.

Even if you don't lose your keys often it's an excellent idea to have a spare key on the go. There are many ways to do this but the most common is to give a duplicate to someone you trust, such as a family member. You can also buy an Bluetooth tracker that you can attach to your keys. The app will notify you where they are at all times.

Making copies

It's easy to misplace keys, which are an essential component of your vehicle. Many car owners find themselves in situations when they lose their keys or have them stop working at the worst time. The loss of keys can be frustrating and inconvenient, whether it's at the gas pump, loading groceries into the trunk or following a hard day at work.

The good news is that if have an additional key, it could save the day in these instances. If you don't have one, you can create a copy of your keys quickly, easily, and at a low cost at many locksmiths or hardware stores. It is also advisable to keep an additional set of keys in your wallet in case.

Many people are under the impression that they must go to a dealership to obtain a replacement car key. This is not always the case. It is contingent on the kind of key you have, and how complex it is.

Modern cars have keys that are more than just steel blades. They have chips that need to be programmed to turn on the car. These aren't the kinds of keys you can just cut at a self-service kiosk in the mall, and they do not typically work with any other key.

The easiest way to make a key copy is to go to your local AutoZone and let an associate use a machine to discern the contours of the key, then compare it to the blank key and cut it for you. This is a straightforward process that will only take you some minutes to complete. Some places even have a tool that can program the key to your specific model of vehicle.

You can also purchase copies of your car key at family-owned hardware stores, large home improvement chains as well as some grocery stores. It is important to remember that these copies only work for the doors and ignitions of your vehicle, not the remote keys. It's a good idea to contact a locksmith to make a duplicate of the smart key or dealer chip key, as these can only be copied by a professional who has the right tools and machines.

Replacement

There are a variety of alternatives if you lose your car key. You can go to the dealership that sells your vehicle or you can go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It is also contingent on the type of key your car is equipped with. Certain cars have an easy double-edged key while others are more complex.

Online searches can help you locate car locksmiths near you. Find one that is specialized in cars and has an auto division. You can then contact them for a quote on making a new key. Some of them have mobile units that can visit your location and create an exact key right there. This is a great option if you already have an unlocked key that doesn't come with an embedded chip.

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

The dealership will replace your lost keys for you However, they could be expensive. A lot of dealerships will charge a premium to replace your lost car keys. This is why many people opt for an automotive locksmith. Some of these companies are specialized in the replacement of car keys. This could be an affordable alternative to going to a dealer.

You'll have to bring your car to a dealer to replace it if you have smart-key. The dealer will program your new key. This usually involves opening/closing doors, or turning on/off lights and electronics. You will be asked to provide the VIN number of your car along with a photo ID as well as any other keys you may have.

Losing a car key is always a hassle, but it can be even more so when you are on a tight schedule and you need to get somewhere. Don't panic. Just remember to search thoroughly for your keys, get an identification tag for your keys so that they're easier to locate, and think about buying a spare fob so that this scenario doesn't happen again.

Get Help

We may lose our keys to our car when we're distracted or not paying attention. Whether you drop keys in the water while fishing or leave them at the restaurant when you're eating out, these types of accidents can be a hassle to manage. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid these scenarios from happening in the future, and to minimize the damage when they do happen.

You should always keep a spare set of keys readily available. This will save you the hassle of having retrace your steps or pay for a costly locksmith services. Another option is to invest in a Bluetooth-based key-finder tag that can help you find your keys quickly. The tags can be bought online at a fairly affordable price.

For older vehicles that have keys that are mechanical you can get a new one cut at most hardware stores for just a couple of dollars. But, many modern cars utilize key fobs with a lot of technology built in. They can be costly to replace in the event of losing them.

If you have roadside assistance coverage the insurance company could provide a locksmith to make new keys. This is less expensive than making a new key at a dealer, depending on the type of keys you have.

Another option is to call the car dealership where you purchased your car to inquire if they can assist you with creating an entirely new key. It could be more expensive than hiring a locksmith however it's less stressful to deal with a dealership that you know.

The last alternative is to hire locksmiths reprogram the old key, so that it doesn't work anymore. This is a risky process, so it's probably best to get a professional to handle this for you. Certain locksmiths can perform this without having to remove the key, but it's generally better to let the dealership do it to make certain it's done right.