How to Find a Car Key Lost

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

You can usually get a replacement for traditional keys made of metal from an hardware store or a locksmith. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then go to a dealer to purchase a replacement smart key and get it linked to your vehicle.

Identifying your keys

The most stressful thing that could happen to any driver is losing their keys to their car. It can be a bit confusing to know what to do when you are unable to locate your keys in your purse or pocket. To locate your keys, it's best to remain calm and follow a step-bystep method.

Start by identifying which type of car key you own. You can obtain a duplicate of an electronic key that opens the locks from a locksmith at reasonable cost If you own one. You can also purchase a replacement at the dealership but they're usually more expensive.

Most newer cars have the smart key, which triggers the car's sensors to allow keyless entry and ignition. They are also more resistant to theft, since they come with a built-in feature that keeps track where the key is. If you own a smart key, you must ensure that it is kept close at all times or it could be difficult to find.

You should first check your regular 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 carried throughout the day. You can also go back and trace your steps and walk throughout the day to determine the key you've lost.

You should contact a dealership or locksmith for assistance if have exhausted all your search options but still cannot find your car key. They'll be able to make a new key for you if you can prove ownership. 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.

It's always an excellent idea to keep an extra key handy even when you don't lose them often. There are a number of methods to accomplish this, but the most common is to give an extra key to an individual who is a trusted family member. Another option is to invest in the Bluetooth key tracker that can be put on your keys and linked to an app that will show you where your keys are at any given time.

Making copies

It's easy to misplace a key, which is an essential component of your vehicle. Many car owners are in situations when they lose their keys or have them stop working at the worst possible time. If it's at a gas station, while loading groceries into the trunk or after a long day at work the loss of keys can be very stressful and frustrating.

If you have a spare key, it can be a lifesaver in such situations. If you don't have an extra key you can easily and cheaply make a duplicate at many hardware stores or locksmiths. It's also recommended to keep an additional key in your wallet, just in case!

Many people believe that they need to visit a dealer to get a new car key. This is not always the situation. The complexity of the key and the type you are using will determine how it works.

Modern cars have keys that are more than just blades of metal. They have chips that require programming to start the car. These are not the kind of keys that you can simply cut at a self-service kiosk in the mall, and will not work with other keys.

The easiest method of making a key copy is to simply visit your local AutoZone and have an associate make use of a machine that can discern the contours of the key, and then match it to an uncut key and cut it for you. This is a straightforward procedure that takes only about a couple of minutes to complete. Some places have a device that can program your key to fit your car model.

Other places that could assist you with a car key copy include family owned hardware stores, big box home improvement stores and a few chain stores. It is important to know that these copies only work for the ignitions and doors of your car and not for remote keys. It's a good idea to get in touch with a locksmith to create a duplicate of the smart key or dealer chip key, since these can only be copied by a professional who has the right tools and machines.

Getting a Replacement

There are several options to obtain a replacement car key when it's lost. You can go to the dealership which sells your car or visit an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It also depends on what kind of key you have. Some keys are simple double-edged key and others are more complex.

Online searches can help you locate car locksmiths near you. Find one that is specialized in car locksmiths in auto-related services and has an auto division. You can then contact them to request a quote for the creation of a new key. Some companies have a mobile unit that can create a key at your location. This is a great option for when you already have keys that do not have an embedded chip.

A lot of cars come with keys fobs, which are tiny electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle from an extended distance. The fob can also be used to start your engine and control other functions in your vehicle. A fob can be easily lost. There are ways to prevent this from happening, for example keeping a spare fob in your pocket.

Dealerships can repair your lost keys however it could be expensive. Many dealerships will charge a premium to replace your car keys. This is why so many people choose an automotive locksmith. Certain locksmiths specialize in replacing lost car keys keys for cars, which can be a much cheaper option than going to the dealer.

If you own an electronic key, you will need to bring your car back to the dealer to replace it. The dealer will program the new key. This typically involves closing and opening doors and turning on lights and electronics and off. You will need to provide the VIN number for your vehicle, a photo ID and key lost the other set of keys lost for car you have with you.

It is frustrating to lose car keys, but even more so when you have the pressure of a strict schedule. There's no need to panic, though. Make sure you look for your keys with care and to purchase the key-finder label to make them easier to locate and to consider buying a spare fob to avoid this happening again.

Getting Help

Sometimes, we're distracted or forgetful and lose keys to our cars. These kinds of accidents can be very frustrating, whether you accidentally drop them in a river when fishing, or leave them in a restaurant when you're eating. There are steps you can take to avoid this happening again and to minimize damage if it does.

You should always keep an extra set of keys in your possession. This will spare you the trouble of having to go back to your steps or pay for expensive locksmith service. Another alternative is to invest in an RFID-based key-finder tag with Bluetooth that will help you locate your keys that have been lost quickly. The tags can be bought on the internet for a reasonable cost.

For those with older cars that have keys that are mechanical you can get a new key cut at a number of hardware stores for just a couple of dollars. Many cars use key fobs that are equipped with lots of technology. If you lose them, they can be expensive to replace.

If you have roadside assistance insurance the insurance company could arrange for a locksmith make an original copy. This could be cheaper than getting a new key at a dealer, depending on the type of keys you have.

You can also reach out to the dealership where you bought your car to see if they are able to assist you in creating an entirely new key. This could be more expensive than working with a locksmith, but it could also be easier to work with a dealership that you are familiar with.

The final option is to have locksmiths deprogram the old key so that it doesn't work anymore. It's best to have a professional handle this procedure as it could be very dangerous. Certain locksmiths can perform this without disassembling the key however it's generally better to have a dealership do it for you so that you can guarantee it will be done correctly.