How to Find a Car Key Lost

If car keys get lost, it's a major problem. Replacing them can cost several hundred dollars depending on the kind of key and what features are included.

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

Identifying Your Keys

Losing your car keys is among the most stressful things that could occur to a driver. It can be a bit confusing to know what to say when you are unable to locate your keys in your bag or pocket. To locate your keys, it's best to stay calm and follow a step-bystep method.

Start by identifying the type of Car Keys lost keys you have. If you own a traditional mechanical key, which only operates the locks, you can get a locksmith to make duplicate keys at a low cost. You can also get a replacement at the dealership, but they are usually more expensive.

Most modern cars come with a smart key that triggers a sensor inside the car to allow keyless entry and ignition. These keys are much more resistant to theft, since they have a built-in feature that keeps track where the key is. Keep your smart key close at hand or you may have trouble finding it.

Be sure to check your usual hiding spots first, before moving to another place. Check your coat pockets, shoes, and any bags you've carried around with you throughout the day. You can also try walking back through the day and going back to find the places you may have misplaced the key.

If you've exhausted all your options for searching and you are unable to find your car keys, you should call a locksmith or a dealership for assistance. If you can provide proof of ownership, they can make you a replacement. You can also go to Home Depot to have a basic key copied for vehicles that doesn't come with transponder chips.

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

Making an Copy

It's easy to misplace keys, which are an essential part of your vehicle. Many car owners find themselves in situations where their keys are lost or are not working at the most uncomfortable times. Losing your keys can be a hassle and frustrating, no matter if it's at the pump, putting groceries in the trunk, or after an exhausting day at work.

If you have an extra key, it can be a lifesaver during these situations. If you don't have an extra key, you can easily and 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 believe that they must go to the dealer to get a new car key. This isn't always the case. The complexity of the key and the type you own will determine how it works.

Modern cars come with keys that have more than just blades of metal. They also have chips that need to be programmed to allow the car to start. They are not the kind keys that you can cut at the self-service kiosks located at the mall. They also don't work with other keys.

The easiest way to make a key copy is to simply visit your local AutoZone and ask an associate to use a machine that can detect the contours of the key, then compare it to an uncut key and cut it for you. It's a simple procedure that takes just a few moments to complete. Some places have a device that can program your key to fit your car model.

You can also get an exact copy of your car keys at family-owned hardware stores, large chain of home improvement stores as well as some grocery stores. It is important to remember that the copies are only good for doors and ignitions, not the remote key fobs. It is a good idea to get in touch with a locksmith to make a duplicate of an electronic key or dealer chip key, since they are only duplicated by a professional using the right tools and machines.

Getting an Exchange

There are a variety of options for getting an alternative car key if it is lost. You can go to the dealer which sells your car or to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost different amounts. It also depends on the kind of key your car is equipped with. Certain cars have the basic, double-edged car key while others are more complex.

Online searches can help you find locksmiths for your car in your area. Find a car locksmith that specializes in auto-related services and has an auto division. Contact them to get a quote for making you a new key. Some of them have mobile units which can travel to your location and make you a key on the spot. This is a great option for when you already have an unlocked key that doesn't have a chip.

Many cars today have keys that are tiny electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your car from the distance. The fob can also be used to start your engine and manage other features of your car. It is easily lost. There are ways to avoid this from happening, for example keeping a spare fob in your pocket.

Dealerships can repair your lost keys however it could be costly. They might also charge a premium for this service, which is why many prefer to use an automotive locksmith instead. Some of these companies specialize in replacing car keys, which can be a less expensive option than going to the dealer.

If you own a smart key, you will need to bring your car back to the dealer to get it replaced. They will need to program the new key to your vehicle. This typically involves opening and closing doors, and/or turning on lights and electronics and off. You will be asked to supply the VIN number for your vehicle, a photo identification and any other keys you might have.

Losing a car key is always frustrating but it could be even more frustrating when you're in a hurry and you need to travel. You don't need to be in a panic. Just remember to search thoroughly for your keys, get the key-finder tag to ensure that they are easier to find, and consider buying a spare fob so that this scenario doesn't happen again.

Get Assistance

Sometimes, Car Keys lost we're distracted or in a hurry and end up losing keys to our cars. These incidents can be a source of frustration when you accidentally drop them in a stream while fishing or leave them in the restaurant while eating. There are ways you can prevent these situations from occurring in the future and minimize the damage that occurs when they do happen.

One of the best things you can do is to make sure you always have a spare key handy. This can help avoid the frustration of having to retrace your steps or paying for costly locksmith services. Another alternative is to purchase a Bluetooth-based key-finder tag that can help you find your lost keys quickly. These tags are sold online for a reasonable price.

For those with older cars which use a mechanical key, it's possible to have a new key cut at a number of hardware stores for only a couple of dollars. However, many cars today utilize key fobs with lots of tech built in. They can be expensive to replace lost car keys in the event of losing them.

If you have roadside assistance coverage, the insurance company may pay for a locksmith to make new keys. Based on the type of key you own it could be cheaper than the cost of creating a new key at the dealership.

You can also reach out to the dealership where you purchased your vehicle to find out whether they can assist you in creating the new key. It may cost more than working with a locksmith, however it may also be more relaxing to choose a dealership you are familiar with.

The final alternative is to have locksmiths deprogram the old key, so that it no longer works. It is best to let a professional handle this procedure as it could be very risky. Some locksmiths are able perform this without having to remove the key, however it's usually better to let the dealership do it to make certain that it's done properly.