How to Find a Car Key Lost
If car keys get lost, it's a big issue. The cost of replacing them could be several hundred dollars dependent on the type and features that are included.
You can typically find an alternative to traditional keys made of metal at a hardware store or locksmith. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to visit a dealer to order an alternative smart key and get it linked to your vehicle.
Identifying Your Keys
Losing your car keys is one of the most stressful events that can occur to a driver. It can be 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 stay at a safe distance and follow a step-by-step method.
Begin by identifying what kind of car keys that you have. If you have a conventional mechanical key that controls the locks it is possible to have a locksmith make duplicate keys at a low price. You can also exchange your key with a dealer, however, it's usually more expensive.
The majority of newer cars have a smart key that activates a sensor inside the car to allow keyless ignition and entry. These keys are more difficult to lose because they have a built-in feature that keeps track where the key is. If replacing lost keys own an intelligent key, it's crucial to try and keep it close at all times, or it will be hard to find.
You should first check your regular hiding spots first before moving to other locations. Examine your pockets for coats, shoes, and any bags you have carried with you during the day. You can also try walking back through your day and following your steps to determine where you might have lost the key.
You should contact a dealership or locksmith for assistance if have exhausted all your search options but still cannot find your car key. They can make a replacement for you if you have proof of 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 on hand, even if you don't lose them often. There are many methods to accomplish this, but the majority involve giving an extra key to an individual who is a trusted family member. Another alternative is to purchase the Bluetooth key tracker, which can be placed on your keys and linked to an app that will show you where your keys are at any given moment.
Making copies
A key is an essential component of a car and it's easy to lose. Many car owners are in situations where they lose their keys or stop working at the worst time. Whether it's at the gas station, or when loading groceries into the trunk, or after an exhausting day at work the loss of keys can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient.
If you have a spare key, it could be a lifesaver in these situations. If you don't have one, you can make a copy of your keys quickly, easily and cheaply at most hardware stores or locksmiths. It's also a good idea to keep an additional key in your wallet, just in case!
Many people are under the impression that they need to visit a dealership to obtain a replacement car key. This isn't always the situation. The complexity of the key and the type you have will determine how it operates.
The majority of modern automobiles come with keys that are more than just metal blades. They also have chips inside them that need to be programmed to begin the engine. These are not the types of keys you can just get cut at a self-serve kiosk in the mall, and they will not typically work with other keys.
The most efficient method to create a key copy is to go to your local AutoZone and let an associate use a machine that can detect the contours of the key, then compare it to an uncut key and cut it for you. This is a very simple procedure that takes only a few minutes to complete. Some places even have a tool that can program the key to your specific model of car.
You can also purchase an exact copy of your car key from family-owned hardware stores, big chain stores for home improvement as well as some grocery stores. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that these copies are only suitable for doors and ignitions and not remote key fobs. You should contact a locksmith if you want to duplicate a smart key or a dealer's chip. These keys should only be made by a professional using the appropriate tools and equipment.
Replacement
There are several options to obtain an alternative car key if it is lost. You can visit the dealership that sells your vehicle or go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It also depends on the type of key your vehicle has. Some have a simple, double-edged type while others are more complex.
You can locate the list of locksmiths for cars in your area by doing an online search. Find one that is specialized in car locksmiths and has an auto division. Then you can contact them to request a quote for the production of a brand new key. Some companies have a mobile unit that can create keys at your location. This is extremely convenient for those who have a traditional key that doesn't have a chip in it.
Many cars have keyfobs, which are a small electronic gadget that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance. The fob is also used to start the engine and to control other features of your vehicle. A fob is easy to lose. There are ways to stop this from happening, such as by keeping a spare in your pocket.
Dealerships can replace your keys that are lost however, it can be expensive. Some dealerships charge a fee for replacing your lost keys to your car. This is the reason why many people choose an automotive locksmith. Certain locksmiths specialize in repairing car keys, which can be a much cheaper option than going to the dealer.
You'll need to take your car to the dealer to get it replaced if you have smart-key. They will need to program the new key into your car. This typically involves opening or closing doors, or turning on/off electronics and lights. You will be asked for the VIN number for your vehicle along with a photo ID as well as any other keys you may have.
It's a pain to lose a car keys, and even more so when you are on a a tight schedule. There is no need to panic, however. Make sure to search carefully for your keys, get a key-finder tag so that they are easy to locate, and think about purchasing a spare key fob to ensure that this doesn't happen again.
Get Assistance
Sometimes, we are distracted or forgetful and lose our car keys. Whether you drop them in the river when fishing, or leave them in an eatery while you're dining out, these types of accidents happen and can be a hassle to face. There are steps you can do to avoid this happening again and to limit damage should it happen.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is to make sure you have a spare key handy. This will save you the hassle of retracing your steps or having to pay for costly locksmith services. Another option is to invest in a Bluetooth-based key-finder tag that can help you find your keys that have been lost quickly. They can be purchased online for a relatively affordable cost.
Most hardware stores will cut a new mechanical key for those who have older cars. Many cars are equipped with key fobs with a lot technology. They can be costly to replace if you lose them.
If you have roadside assistance insurance and the insurance company will pay for a locksmith to visit and create an original copy. Based on the type of key you have it could be cheaper than the cost of creating a new key at the dealership.
Another option is to reach out to the dealership where you purchased your vehicle and see if they can help you create the new key. This can be more expensive than working with a locksmith, however it is also more relaxing to choose a dealership you know.
A locksmith can deprogram your old key, making it inoperable. It is recommended to let a professional handle this procedure as it could be very dangerous. Some locksmiths can do this without disassembling the key however it's generally better to have a dealership do it for you, so that you can be sure that it's done correctly.