How to Find a Car Key Lost

Car keys are a huge issue when they are lost. The cost of replacing them can be several hundred dollars, depending on the type of key and features included.

You can usually get a replacement for traditional keys made of metal at an hardware store or a locksmith. For smart keys, you'll need to find your vehicle identification number (VIN) and visit a dealership to order a new one and have it paired with your car.

Identifying your keys

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

Start by identifying which type of car key you have. You can obtain a duplicate of the mechanical key that can operate the locks from a locksmith at reasonable cost if you have one. You can also find a replacement at the dealership, but they are usually more expensive.

Most newer cars use smart keys that trigger an internal sensor to allow keyless entry and ignition. These keys are harder to lose due to an inbuilt feature that keeps track of where the key is. If you have an intelligent key, it's crucial to ensure that it is kept close at all times or it could be difficult to locate.

It is recommended to check your usual hiding spots before moving to other places. Look in your coat pockets as well as in the shoes you're wearing and in any bags that you've carried around throughout the day. You could also walk back through your day and going back to find where you might have lost the key.

If you've exhausted all of your options for searching and you are unable to locate your car keys, you should call a locksmith or a dealership to get help. If you can provide proof of ownership, they can offer you an alternative. If you have a car that does not have transponder chips, you can have a basic copy created at Home Depot.

It's always a good idea to have an extra key on hand, even when you don't lose them frequently. It's possible to do this in a few different ways however the most popular is to give the duplicate key to a family member or trusted friend. You can also buy a Bluetooth tracker to attach to your keys. The app will tell you where they are at every moment of the day.

Making copies

A key is an essential part of a vehicle, and it's easy to lose. Many car owners are in situations where their keys are lost or stop working at the most inconvenient times. It doesn't matter if it's at the gas station, or 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 these situations. If you don't have one, you can create a copy of your keys quickly, easily and at a low cost at many locksmith stores or hardware stores. Keep an extra set of keys in your wallet in case.

Many people are under the impression that they need to go to the dealership to obtain a replacement car key. But, this isn't always the case. It's all dependent on the type of key you have and how complicated it is.

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

To make a copy of a key, go to your local AutoZone. A member of the team will make use of a machine to analyze the contours on the key. They will then match it to the blank key. This is a very simple process, and it takes only about a couple of minutes to complete. Some places have a tool that can program your key to match your car model.

You can also purchase an exact copy of your car key at hardware stores owned by families, large chain stores for home improvement, and even some grocery stores. It is important to remember that these copies are only suitable on the ignitions and doors of your car and not the remote keys. It is recommended to get in touch with a locksmith to make a duplicate of a smart key or a dealer chip key, as these can only be duplicated by a professional using the appropriate equipment and tools.

Replacement

You have a few options if you lose your car key. You can go to the dealership that sells your vehicle or visit an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It is also contingent on the kind of key you have. Certain cars come with a simple double-edged car key, while others have more intricate keys.

Internet searches can help you find car locksmiths near you. Choose a locksmith that specializes in vehicles and preferably has an auto division. You can then contact them to request a quote for the creation of a new key. Some have a mobile unit that can visit your location and create a key on the spot. This is a great option if you already have a key that does not come with a chip.

A lot of automobiles today come with a key fob that is a small electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance. The fob can also be used to start your engine and control some other features in your vehicle. A fob can be very difficult to find. There are ways to prevent this from happening, for instance by keeping a spare in your pocket.

The dealership will replace lost car keys your lost keys to your car however, they can be expensive. They may also charge you an additional fee for this service, which is why many people opt to use an automotive locksmith instead. Certain locksmiths specialize in replacing keys to cars, which could be a cheaper alternative to going to the dealer.

If you own an electronic key, you will need to return your car to the dealership to get it replaced. They will need to program the new key to your vehicle. This typically involves opening or closing doors, or turning off/on lights and electronics. You will need to provide the VIN number of your car, a photo ID and the other set of keys you carry with you.

Losing a car key is always a source of frustration but it could be even more so when you are in a hurry and you need to get somewhere. There's no need to be worried. Be sure to search diligently for your keys, purchase the key-finder tag to ensure that they are easy to find, and consider buying a spare fob so that this doesn't happen again.

Getting Help

Sometimes, we are distracted or forgetful and end up losing keys to our cars. These kinds of accidents can be very frustrating in the event that you drop them in a stream while fishing or forget them at the restaurant while eating. Luckily, there are ways you can keep these types of situations from happening in the future and to minimize the damage that occurs when they do occur.

You should always keep an extra set of keys in your possession. This will avoid the trouble of having to go back to your steps or pay for a costly locksmith services. Another option is to invest in an RFID-based key-finder tag with Bluetooth which can help you locate your keys quickly. These tags are available online at affordable prices.

If you have a car that use keys that are mechanical you can get a new key cut at a variety of hardware stores for only a few dollars. Many cars are equipped with key fobs that have a lot of technology. If you lose these keys, they could be costly to replace.

If you have roadside insurance and your insurance company is able to pay a locksmith to create copies. This could be cheaper than making a new key at a dealer, depending on the kind of keys you have.

You can also contact the dealership where you purchased your car to inquire whether they can assist you in creating an entirely new key. It can be more costly than hiring a locksmith but it is more stress-free to work with a dealership you know.

A locksmith could deprogram your old key, making it inoperable. This can be a very risky procedure, so it's probably best to get a professional to handle this for you. Some locksmiths are able to do this without taking off the key, however it is usually easier to let a dealership do it to make sure it's done correctly.