How to Find a Car Key Lost
If car keys get lost, it's an enormous problem. Replacing them can cost several hundred dollars, based on the kind of key and what features are included.
For traditional metal keys, you can typically find a replacement at the hardware or locksmith store. You'll require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to visit a dealer for a new smart key and get it paired to your car.
Identifying your keys
The most stressful thing that can occur to any driver is the loss of their keys to their car. It can be a bit confusing to know what to say when you are unable to locate your keys in your pocket or bag. To find your keys, it's best to stay in a calm state and follow a step by step approach.
Begin by identifying what kind of car keys that you have. If you have a traditional mechanical key that only controls the locks it is possible to have a locksmith make duplicate keys at a low rate. You can also purchase an alternative from the dealer but they're usually more expensive.
The majority of modern cars have the smart key, which triggers the car's sensor for keyless ignition and entry. These keys are more resistant to theft, since they have a built-in feature that tracks where the key is. Keep your smart keys close at your side or you could have trouble finding it.
You should check your usual hiding spots before you move on to other locations. Check in your coat pockets, in the shoes you're wearing and in any bags you've carried throughout the day. You can also try walking back through your day and retracing your steps to see 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, it's time to contact a locksmith or dealer to get help. They'll be able to make a new key for you as long as you have proof of ownership. If you own a car without transponder chips, you can also have an initial copy made at Home Depot.
It's always recommended to keep an extra key in your bag, even if you don't lose them often. It's possible to do this in a few different ways, but the most common is to give a duplicate key to a family member or trusted friend. Another option is to invest in an Bluetooth key tracker that can be put on your keys and linked to an app that will tell you where your keys are at any given time.
Making copies
A key is a crucial part of a vehicle, and it's easy to lose. Many car owners are in situations when they lose their keys or have them stop working at the most inconvenient time. The loss of keys can be frustrating and inconvenient, whether it's at the gas pump, putting groceries in the trunk or following a hard day at work.
The good news is that if you have an extra key, it can save the day in these situations. If not have one, you can make copies of your keys quickly, easily and inexpensively at most locksmiths or hardware stores. Keep an extra set of keys in your wallet just in the case.
Many people believe that they have to go to a dealer in order to get a new car key. This is not always the situation. It depends on the type of key you have and how complicated it is.
The majority of modern automobiles have keys that are more than just metal blades - they have chips inside them which require programming in order to start the engine. These are not the types of keys you can just cut at a self-serve kiosk at the mall, and will not be compatible with any other key.
To make a copy of a key, you can visit your local AutoZone. An associate will make use of a machine to analyze the contours on the key. They will then match it up with a blank key. It's a simple procedure, and will only take a few minutes to complete. Some locations even have a device that can program the key for your specific model of car.
You can also find a copy of your car key at hardware stores owned by families, large home improvement chains and even some grocery stores. It is important to note that these copies only work on the ignitions and doors of your car and not for 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, because these are only duplicated by a professional using the proper equipment and tools.
Replacement
There are several options if you lose your car key. You can go to the dealership that sells your car or you can go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It is also contingent on the kind of key you own. Certain cars have the basic, double-edged car key while others have more complicated keys.
Search engines can help you locate car locksmiths near you. You need to find a car locksmith that specializes in auto-related services and has an auto division. You can then contact them to get a quote for the creation of a new key. Some have mobile units which can travel to your location and give you an exact key right there. This is very convenient when you have a conventional key that doesn't come with a chip in it.
Many cars today are equipped with keys that are an electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your car from the distance. The fob is also used to start the engine and control other functions of your vehicle. A fob can be easily lost. There are ways to avoid this from happening, for instance keeping a spare fob in your pocket.
Dealerships can replace lost keys, but it can be costly. They may also charge you a premium for this service, which is why many people opt to go with an automotive locksmith instead. Some of these firms specialize in the replacement of keys for cars. This could be an affordable alternative to going to dealers.
If you own an electronic key, you will need to return your car to the dealership in order to replace it. The dealer will have to program your new key. This usually involves opening and closing doors, and/or turning lights and electronics 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 have with you.
The loss of a car key is always frustrating but it could be even more so when you are on a tight schedule and have to get somewhere. You don't need to be worried. Just remember to search thoroughly for your keys, purchase the key-finder tag to ensure that they're easier to locate, and also consider getting a spare fob so that this doesn't happen again.
Getting Help
We can lose our car keys when we are distracted or in a state of forgetfulness. These kinds of accidents can be very frustrating, whether you accidentally drop them in a river while 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 that occurs when they do occur.
One of the most important ways to do this is to ensure that you always have a spare key handy. This will avoid the hassle of having trace your steps again or pay for expensive locksmith service. Another option is to invest in a Bluetooth-based key-finder tag that will help you locate your keys that have been lost quickly. These tags are available online for a reasonable price.
The majority of hardware stores will cut a brand new mechanical key for customers who own 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 insurance, your insurance company may hire a locksmith to make a copy. lost car key replacement could be cheaper than getting a new key by a dealer, based on the kind of keys you have.
Another option is to reach out to the dealership from which you purchased your car to ask them to assist you with creating an entirely new key. It may cost more than hiring a locksmith, but it is more stress-free to work with a dealership that you know.
The last option is to have locksmiths deprogram the old key, so that it is no longer working. This can be a dangerous process, and it's probably best to have a professional do this for you. Certain locksmiths can perform this without removing the key, but it's usually easier to let a dealership handle it for you so that you can be sure that it's done properly.