How to Find a Car Key Lost

Car keys can be a major deal when they get lost. Replacing them can cost a few hundred dollars, based on the kind of key and what features are included.

For traditional keys made of metal, you can typically find a replacement at a locksmith or hardware store. For smart keys, you'll need to find your vehicle identification number (VIN) and visit an auto dealer to purchase an additional key and then have it connected with your car.

Identifying Your Keys

The loss of your car keys is among the most stressful events that can happen to a driver. It can be a bit confusing to know what to say when you are unable to find your keys in your bag or pocket. To locate your keys, it's best to remain in a calm state and follow a step by step method.

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

The majority of modern cars have a smart key that activates a sensor in the car for keyless ignition and entry. These keys are much more difficult to lose, as they have a built in feature that tracks where the key is. If you own a smart key, it's important to ensure that you keep it in your pocket at all times, or it'll be difficult to find.

It is recommended to check your usual places of hiding first before moving on to other places. Check your coat pockets as well as shoes and bags you've carried around with you during the day. You could also walk back through your day, and following your steps to determine where you may have lost the key.

If you've exhausted all your options to locate your car keys, it's time to contact a locksmith or dealer for help. If you have proof of ownership, they can make you an replacement. You can also visit Home Depot to have a basic key copied if you're driving a model that doesn't have transponder chips.

Even if you don’t lose your keys often, it’s recommended to keep a spare key in the go. You can accomplish this in a variety of different ways however the most popular is to give a duplicate key to an individual in your family or a trusted friend. You can also purchase a Bluetooth tracker that you can attach to your keys. The app will tell you where they are at all times.

Making copies

Keys are a vital component of a car and it's easy to lose. Many car owners find themselves in situations when they lose their keys or have them stop working at the worst possible time. The loss of keys can be frustrating and annoying, whether it's at the pump, putting groceries in the trunk or following a hard day at work.

The good news is that if you have an extra key, it can help in these instances. If you don't have an additional key, you can easily and fob cheaply make duplicates at the majority of hardware stores or through locksmiths. It is also advisable to keep an additional set of keys in your wallet in case.

Many people are under the impression that they need to go to the dealership to get an alternative car key. This isn't always the case. It depends on the type of key you have, and how complicated it is.

Modern cars have keys with more than just blades of metal. They have chips that need to be programmed to allow the car to start. These are not the kind of keys you can just get cut at a self-service kiosk at the mall, and will not be compatible with any other key.

To create a duplicate of a key, go to your local AutoZone. An associate will make use of a machine to analyze the contours on the key. They will then match it with an uncut key. This is a straightforward procedure, and will take only about a couple of minutes to complete. Some locations even have a tool that can program the key for your particular model of vehicle.

Other places that can also help you locate copies of your car keys include family-owned hardware stores and big box home improvement stores and a few chain grocery stores. But it is crucial to keep in mind that the copies are only good for ignitions and doors not remote key fobs. You should contact locksmiths if you wish to duplicate a smart key, or a dealer's chip key. These keys can only be made by a professional using the appropriate tools and equipment.

Requesting a Replacement

There are several options for getting a replacement car key when it's lost. You can go to the dealership that sells your vehicle or visit an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost different amounts. It is also contingent on the kind of key your car has. Certain cars have an easy double-edged key while others are more complex.

You can find a list of car locksmiths in your area by doing an online search. You need to find one that is specialized in car locksmiths in auto locksmiths and has an auto division. Contact them to request a quote for the production of a brand new key. Some of them have mobile units that can visit your location and make you a key on the spot. This is a great option when you have a conventional key that does not have a chip inside it.

Many cars have a keyfob, which is tiny electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle 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. You can prevent this by keeping an additional fob in your pocket.

The dealership can replace your lost keys to your car however, they can be expensive. Many dealerships will charge a fee for replacing your lost keys to your car. This is why many people prefer an automotive locksmith. Certain locksmiths specialize in repairing car keys, which can be a much cheaper alternative than visiting the dealer.

You will need to take your car to the dealer to have it replaced in the event that you have a smart-key. They will have to program the new key into your vehicle. This usually involves opening and closing doors, and/or turning lights and electronics on and off. 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.

The loss of a car key is always frustrating however, it can be even more so when you are on a tight schedule and have to get somewhere. You don't need to be in a panic. Be sure to search for your keys thoroughly and to purchase a key-finder label to make them easier to locate and also to think about buying an extra fob to prevent this occurring again.

Get Help

We may lose our keys to our cars when we're distracted or forgetful. These kinds of accidents can be very frustrating when you accidentally drop them in a stream while fishing or leave them in a restaurant when you're eating. There are steps you can do to prevent this from happening in the future, and to limit damage in the event of it happening.

You should always keep an extra set of keys on hand. This will save you the hassle of having to trace your steps again or fob pay for expensive locksmith services. You can also invest in a Bluetooth key-finder tag that can assist you in finding your keys. They can be purchased online at a fairly affordable price.

For older vehicles that have keys that are mechanical you can get a new key cut at a number of hardware stores for only a few dollars. A lot of cars have key fobs with a lot technology. They can be costly to replace if you lose them.

If you have roadside protection the insurance company could hire a locksmith to make an exact copy. Based on the kind of key you have it could be cheaper than the cost of making a new key at the dealership.

You can also contact the dealership where you bought your car to see 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 know.

The final alternative is to have a locksmith deprogram the old key so that it doesn't work anymore. This is a risky procedure, so it's recommended to have a professional do this for you. Certain locksmiths can do this without taking off the key, however it is usually easier to let a dealership do it so you can be sure it's done correctly.