How to Find a Car Key lost car keys what to do

If keys to your car are lost, it's a major issue. Replacing keys can cost several hundred dollars, based on the type of key and the features are included.

For traditional keys made of metal you can usually locate a replacement at a locksmith or hardware store. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to visit a dealer for an alternative smart key and get it linked to your vehicle.

Identifying your keys

The most stressful thing that could happen to any driver is the loss of their keys to their car. It can be confusing to know what to say when you can't locate your keys in your pocket or bag. It's best to stay calm and follow a step-by-step approach to locate your keys.

Begin by identifying what kind of car keys you have. You can get a copy of the mechanical key that opens the locks from a locksmith for local reasonable cost if you have one. You can also get an alternative from the dealer, but they are usually more expensive.

The majority of modern cars have the smart key, which triggers a sensor in the car to allow keyless entry and ignition. They are also more resistant to theft, since they have a built-in feature that monitors where the key is. If you own an intelligent key, you must try and keep it close at all times, or it could be difficult to find.

Check your usual hiding places first before relocating to a new location. Examine your pockets for coats as well as shoes and bags you've carried around with you throughout the day. You can also go back and trace your steps back through the day to check whether you've lost your keys.

You should contact a dealer or locksmith for assistance if you have exhausted all your search options but still cannot find your car key. If you can show proof of ownership, they can make you an replacement. If you have a car that does not have transponder chips, you can also get an initial copy made at Home Depot.

Even if you don’t lose your keys frequently it's recommended to have a spare key on your side. It's possible to 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. Another option is to invest in an Bluetooth key tracker. It can be placed on your keys and connected to an app that can show you where your keys are at any given time.

Making copies

It's easy to misplace keys, which are an essential component of your vehicle. Many car owners find themselves in situations where keys are lost or stop working at the most difficult times. If it's at a gas station, or when loading groceries into the trunk or after working for a long time, losing your keys can be very stressful and frustrating.

If you have an extra key, it could be a lifesaver in such situations. If you don't, you can make copies of your keys quickly, easily and cheaply at most locksmiths or hardware stores. It's also an excellent idea to keep an extra key in your wallet just in case!

Many people believe that they need to go to the dealer to get a brand new car key. This isn't always the case. The complexity of the key and the kind you have will determine how it works.

Most modern cars have keys that are more than metal blades. They have chips in them that require programming to start the engine. These are not the type of keys you can get cut at the self-service kiosks at the mall. They also don't work with other keys.

The easiest method of making the key copy is to go to your local AutoZone and have an associate use a machine that can discern the contours of the key, and local then match it up to the blank key and cut it for you. This is a very simple process, and it takes only about a couple of minutes to complete. Some locations even have a tool that can program the key for your specific model of car.

You can also find an exact copy of your car key from hardware stores owned by families, large home improvement chains as well as some grocery stores. It is important to know that these copies can only be used on the ignitions and doors of your car and not for remote keys. You should contact an expert locksmith to duplicate a smart key or a dealer's chip key. The keys must be created by a professional with the appropriate equipment and tools.

Replacement

There are a variety of alternatives if you lose your car key. You can go to the dealership where your car is sold or visit an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost you a different amount. It is also contingent on the kind of key you have. Certain cars have the basic, double-edged car key while others are more complex.

You can get the list of locksmiths for cars in your local area by conducting an online search. You should find a car locksmith that specializes and has an auto division. You can then contact them to inquire about making a new key. Some have mobile units which can travel to your location and give you a key on the spot. This is a great option for when you already have a key that does not come with an embedded chip.

Many cars have keys fobs, which are a small electronic gadget that lets you to lock and unlock your vehicle from an extended distance. The fob is also used to start the engine and to control other features of your vehicle. The fob can be difficult to find. You can prevent this from happening by keeping an extra fob in your purse.

The dealership can replace your lost keys for you However, they could be costly. They may also charge you a premium for this service, which is why many people opt to use an automotive locksmith instead. Certain locksmiths specialize in repairing keys for cars, which can be a cheaper alternative than visiting the dealer.

You'll have to take your car to the dealer to have it replaced if you have an electronic key. They will need to program the new key into your vehicle. This usually involves opening and closing doors, and/or switching electronics and lights on and off. You will need to provide the VIN number for your vehicle along with a photo ID as well as the other set of keys that you carry with you.

The loss of a car key is always a hassle, but it can be even more frustrating if you are working on a tight schedule and you need to travel. You don't need to be worried. Just remember to search thoroughly for your keys, get an identification tag for your keys so that they are easy to find, and consider purchasing a spare key fob to ensure that this situation doesn't occur again.

Get Assistance

We can lose our car keys when we are distracted or forgetful. These incidents can be a source of frustration in the event that you drop keys in a river when fishing, or leave them in a restaurant when you're eating. There are ways you can keep these types of situations from happening in the future and minimize the damage when they do occur.

It is recommended to always have a spare set of keys on hand. This will save you the trouble of having to retrace your steps or pay for expensive locksmith service. You can also invest in a Bluetooth key-finder tag that can assist you in finding your keys. These tags can be purchased on the internet for a reasonable price.

Most hardware stores will cut a brand new mechanical key for those who have older cars. However, a lot of cars today have key fobs that come with a lot of technology included. If you lose them keys, they could be costly to replace.

If you have roadside insurance the insurance company could pay a locksmith to create copies. Depending on the type of key you own, this could be much cheaper than the cost of creating a new key at the dealership.

You can also contact the dealership where you purchased your car to inquire whether they can assist you in making a new key. This can be more expensive than working with a locksmith, but it is also easier to work with a dealership that you know.

The last alternative is to have locksmiths reprogram the old key, so that it doesn't work anymore. It's best to let a professional handle this procedure as it could be very dangerous. Certain locksmiths can do this without taking off the key, however it's usually better to let the dealership do it so you can be sure it's done correctly.