How to Find a Car Key Lost

Car keys can be a major issue when they are lost. 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 metal keys at a hardware store or locksmith. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then visit a dealer to order an alternative smart key and get it paired to your car.

Identifying your keys

Losing your keys to your car is among the most stressful things that can happen to a driver. When you reach into your bag or pocket and are unable to locate them, it can be difficult to figure out what to do. To locate your keys it's best to stay in a calm state and follow a step by step method.

Start by identifying which type of car key you own. If you have a conventional mechanical key, which only controls the locks it is possible to ask a locksmith to create a copy at an affordable price. You can also get a replacement at the dealership however, they tend to be more expensive.

The majority of newer cars come with a smart key which activates a sensor in the car for keyless ignition and entry. They are less likely to lose due to built-in features that keep an eye on the location of the key. If you own an intelligent key, it's crucial to ensure that you keep it in your pocket at all times or it'll be difficult to find.

You should first check your regular places of hiding first before moving on to other places. Examine your pockets for coats or shoes, as well as any bags you have carried with you during the day. You could also walk back through your day and going back to find the places you may have misplaced the key.

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

It's always recommended to keep an extra key in your bag even in the event that you don't need them often. There are a number of ways to do this but most involve giving an extra key to an individual who is a trusted family member. Another alternative is to purchase the Bluetooth key tracker, which can be put on your keys and linked to an app that will tell you where your keys are at any given time.

Making a copy

It's easy to lose keys, which are an important part of your vehicle. Many car owners are in situations when they lose their keys or stop working at the worst possible time. Losing your keys can be a hassle and frustrating, no matter if it's at the gas pump, loading groceries into the trunk or following a hard day at work.

If you have a spare key, it could be a lifesaver during these situations. If you don't have an additional key, you can easily and inexpensively make a duplicate at many hardware stores or locksmiths. You should also keep an additional set of keys in your wallet in the case.

Many people are under the impression that they have to go to the dealership to obtain a replacement car key. However, this isn't always true. The complexity of the key and the type you have will determine how it works.

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

To create a duplicate of the key, go to your local AutoZone. A representative will utilize a machine read the contours on the key. They will then match it with an uncut key. It's a simple procedure that will only take a few minutes to complete. Some locations even have a device that can program the key for your particular model of vehicle.

Other places that can help you locate copies of your car keys include family-owned hardware stores, big box home improvement stores and some chain grocery stores. It is important to remember that these copies only work for the doors and ignitions of your vehicle and 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, because they can only be copied by a professional with the appropriate equipment and tools.

Replacement

There are several alternatives if you lose your car keys. You can visit 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 has. Certain cars have a simple double-edged key while others are more complex.

You can locate a list of car locksmiths in your area by doing an online search. You should find one that is specialized in car locksmiths and has an auto division. Then you can contact them to get a quote for the creation of a new key. Some have a mobile unit which can travel to your location and give you an exact key right there. This is a great option if you already have keys that do not come with a chip.

A lot of automobiles today come with key fobs that are tiny electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle from the distance. The fob can also be used to start your engine and control other functions in your vehicle. The fob can be easily lost key for car. There are ways to prevent this from happening, for instance keeping a spare in your pocket.

Dealerships can replace keys that have been lost however it could be expensive. They might also charge a premium for this service, which is why many people opt to use an automotive locksmith instead. Certain locksmiths specialize in repairing keys to cars, which could be a cheaper alternative than visiting the dealer.

You will need to bring your car to a dealer to have it replaced with a smart-key. The dealer will need to program your new key. This typically involves opening and closing doors, and/or switching electronics and lights on and off. You will be asked to supply the VIN number for your vehicle as well as a photo ID and any other keys you may have.

It's a pain to lose car keys, but more so when you're on a the pressure of a strict schedule. There's no reason to panic, though. Make sure to search carefully for your keys, get a key-finder tag so that they're easier to find, and consider buying a spare fob so that this doesn't happen again.

Get Help

We can lose our car keys when we're distracted or not paying attention. These incidents can be a source of frustration when you accidentally drop keys in a river while fishing or forget them at a restaurant when you're eating. There are steps you can take to prevent this from occurring in the future and to minimize damage in the event of it happening.

One of the most important ways to do this is to ensure that you always have a spare key handy. This will help you avoid the frustration of having to retrace your steps or Car Key Lost having to pay for expensive locksmith services. Another alternative is to invest in a Bluetooth-based key-finder tag that can help you find your keys quickly. These tags are sold online for an affordable price.

The majority of hardware stores will cut a brand new mechanical key for people who own older cars. However, a lot of cars today utilize key fobs with lots of tech included. They can be costly to replace if you lose them.

If you have roadside coverage the insurance company could pay a locksmith to create a copy. Depending on the kind of key you have it could be cheaper than creating a new key at an auto dealer.

You can also contact the dealership that sold you your car to inquire if they are able to help you create the new key. This can be more expensive than working with a locksmith, but it could also be easier to choose a dealership you trust.

The final alternative is to have a locksmith deprogram the old key so that it doesn't work anymore. It is recommended to let a professional handle this task as it can be very dangerous. Some locksmiths can do 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 properly.