How to Find a Car Key Lost

If keys to your car are lost, it's an enormous issue. The cost of replacing lost keys to a car them can be several hundred dollars dependent on the type and features included.

You can typically find a replacement for traditional metal keys at a hardware store or locksmith. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then visit a dealer for a replacement smart key and get it paired to your car.

Identifying Your Keys

The loss of your keys to your car is among the most stressful things that can happen to drivers. When you reach into your bag or pocket and are unable to locate keys, it's difficult to decide what to do. It's best to stay calm and follow a step-by-step approach to finding your keys.

Start by identifying the type of car keys you own. If you have a traditional mechanical key that operates the locks and locks, you can have a locksmith make copies at a reasonable cost. You can also replace your key with a dealer, however, it's usually more expensive.

Most newer cars have a smart key which activates a sensor in the car to allow keyless entry and ignition. They are less likely to lose due to built-in features that keep the track of the location of the key. Keep your smart key close to hand or you may have trouble finding it.

Be sure to check your usual hiding spots first, before moving to a new location. Check in your coat pockets, in your shoes, and in any bags you've carried around throughout the day. You can also go back and trace your steps back through the day to check if you lost your key.

You should contact a dealer or locksmith for assistance if you have exhausted all options but still cannot find your car key. They can make a replacement for you as long as you have proof of ownership. If you have a car that does not have transponder chips, you can also have a basic copy created at Home Depot.

It's always recommended to keep an extra key on hand even when you don't lose them frequently. There are a number of ways to do this but most involve giving a duplicate to an individual who is a trusted family member. Another alternative is to purchase a Bluetooth key tracker that can be positioned on your keys and connected to an app that will show you where your keys are at any time.

Making an Copy

A key is an essential element of a car, and it's easy to lose. Many car owners find themselves in situations where they lose their keys or have them stop working at the worst time. Whether it's at the gas station, when loading groceries into the trunk, or after an exhausting day at work Losing your keys can be very stressful and inconvenient.

If you have an extra key, it can be a lifesaver in such situations. If you don't have one, you can make a copy of your keys quickly, easily and cheaply at most locksmith stores or hardware stores. You should also keep an additional set of keys in your wallet in the case.

Many people believe that they must go to the dealer to get a new car key. However, this isn't always the case. It is contingent on the kind of key you have, and how complicated it is.

Most modern cars come with keys that are more than metal blades. They have chips in them that need to be programmed to start the engine. These aren't the kinds of keys that you just get cut at a self-serve kiosk at the mall, and will not typically be compatible with any other key.

The easiest way to make a key copy is to simply visit your local AutoZone and ask an associate to make use of a machine that can discern the contours of the key, and then compare it to a blank key and cut it for you. This is a very simple procedure, and will only take just a few minutes. Some locations even have a device that can program the key for your particular model of vehicle.

Other places that could help you with the copy of your car key include family-owned hardware stores as well as big box home improvement stores, and some chain grocery stores. It is important to remember that these copies can only be used for the doors and ignitions of your car, keys lost not the remote keys. It is a good idea to get in touch with a locksmith to duplicate an electronic key or dealer chip key, because these can only be copied by a professional who has the appropriate equipment and tools.

Requesting an Replacement

There are a variety of options to obtain a new car key if it's lost. You can either go to the dealer where your car is sold or visit an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It is also contingent on the type of key your car is equipped with. Some keys are simple double-edged key and others are more complicated.

Internet searches can help you locate locksmiths for your car in your area. Find one that is specialized in automobiles and, ideally, has an auto division. You can then contact them for a quote on making the new key. Some companies have a mobile unit which can make keys in your area. This is a great option if you have a traditional key that doesn't have a chip in it.

Many cars have a keyfob, which is an electronic device that allows you lock and unlock your car from an extended distance. The fob can also be used to start your engine as well as manage other features of your car. A fob can be very difficult to find. You can prevent this by keeping an extra fob in your pocket.

The dealership can replace your lost car keys for you However, they could be costly. Some dealerships charge a premium to replace your car keys. This is why many people prefer an automotive locksmith. Some of these companies specialize in the replacement of car keys, which can be a cheaper alternative to going to the dealer.

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

It's a pain to lose your car keys, but more so when you have the pressure of a strict schedule. Don't be in a panic. Be sure to look for your keys with care, to get a key-finder label to make them easier to locate and also to think about buying an extra fob to prevent this happening again.

Get Help

Sometimes, we get distracted or forgetful and lose keys to our cars. Whether you drop them in the river while fishing or leave them at a restaurant while you're dining out, these types of accidents happen and can be a hassle to face. Fortunately, there are ways you can avoid these scenarios from happening in the future, and to minimize the damage that occurs when they do happen.

One of the most important ways to protect yourself is to make sure you always have a spare key on hand. This will save you the hassle of having go back to your steps or pay for a costly locksmith service. You can also invest in a Bluetooth key-finder tag that can aid you in finding your keys. They can be purchased online for a relatively affordable price.

For those with older cars which use keys that are mechanical it is possible to get a new one made at a variety of hardware stores for only a couple of dollars. A lot of cars have key fobs that are equipped with lots of technology. These can be very expensive to replace if you lose them.

If you have roadside protection the insurance company could provide a locksmith with the cost of creating copies. This is less expensive than making a new key by a dealer, based on the kind of keys you have.

You can also reach out to the dealership where you bought your vehicle to find out whether they can help you create an entirely new key. This can be more expensive than working with a locksmith, but it may also be more relaxing to deal with a dealer you trust.

A locksmith can reprogram your old key to make it inoperable. This can be a very risky procedure, so it's recommended to get a professional to handle this for you. Some locksmiths are able do this without removing the key, but it is usually easier to let a dealership do it so you can be sure it's done correctly.