How to Find a Car Key Lost

Car keys can be a major deal when they get lost. Replacing them can cost several hundreds of dollars based on the type of key and what features are included.

It is possible to purchase a replacement for traditional keys made of metal at the hardware store or locksmith. You'll require your vehicle identification number (VIN), and then visit a dealer for a replacement smart key and have it paired with your car.

Identifying your keys

The most stressful thing that could occur to any driver is the loss of their keys to their car keys lost. When you reach into your bag or pocket and cannot find them, it can be difficult to know what to do. It is best to remain calm and follow a step-by-step approach to locate your keys.

Begin by identifying the type of car key you own. You can get a copy of a mechanical key that only operates the locks from a locksmith for an affordable cost in the event that you own one. You can also exchange your key with a dealer but it is usually more expensive.

Most newer cars use a smart key that activates a sensor inside the car to allow keyless ignition and entry. These keys are more difficult to lose due to built-in features that keep track of the location of the key. Keep your smart keys close at the ready in case you find it difficult to locate.

Check your usual hiding places first, before moving to a new location. Check your coat pockets as well as shoes and bags you have carried with you throughout the day. You can also retrace your steps and walk back throughout the day to determine the key you've lost.

You should contact a dealership or locksmith for assistance if you have exhausted all options and are still unable to locate your car key. If you can provide proof of ownership, they can provide you with an replacement. If you own a vehicle without transponder chips, you can have a basic copy created at Home Depot.

Even if you don’t lose your keys often it's an excellent idea to keep a spare key in hand. It's possible to do this in a number of different ways, but the most common is to give an additional key to someone in your family or a trusted friend. Another alternative is to purchase a Bluetooth key tracker that can be positioned on your keys and connected to an app that will show you where your keys are at any given time.

Making a Copy

Keys are a vital part of a vehicle, and it's easy to lose. Many car owners are in situations where their keys get lost or don't work at the most inconvenient times. Losing your keys is frustrating and annoying, whether it's at the pump, putting groceries in the trunk or after working for a long time.

The good news is that if have an additional key, it could help in these situations. If you don't have an extra key you can easily and cheaply make duplicates at most hardware stores or by locksmiths. Keep an extra set of keys in your wallet just in the case.

Many people are under the impression that they need to go to a dealership to get a replacement car key. However, this isn't always true. The complexity of the key and the type you are using will determine how it functions.

Most modern cars have keys that are more than metal blades. They also contain chips that require programming to start the engine. These aren't the kinds of keys that you can just cut at a self-service kiosk in the mall, and will not typically be compatible with any other key.

To create a copy of a key, go to your local AutoZone. A representative will make use of a machine to read the contours on the key. They will then match it to a blank key. It's a simple procedure that will take only a few minutes to complete. Some locations even have a tool that can program the key to your specific model of car.

Other places that could help you locate copies of your car keys include family-owned hardware stores, big box home improvement stores and some chain grocery stores. It is crucial to keep in mind that these copies are only good for doors and ignitions not remote key fobs. It's a good idea to get in touch with a locksmith to make a duplicate of the smart key or dealer chip key, as these are only duplicated by a professional using the right tools and machines.

Finding a Replacement

You have a few options when you lose your car key. You can either go to the dealer where the car is sold or to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It is also contingent on the type of key your vehicle has. Some cars have a simple, double-edged car key while others have more intricate keys.

Internet searches can help you locate locksmiths for cars in your area. Find one that is specialized in cars and has an auto division. You can then contact them to inquire about making an original key. Some companies have mobile units which can make keys at your location. This is a great option if you have a traditional key that does not have a chip inside it.

A lot of cars today are equipped with key fobs that are a small electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your car from an extended distance. The fob can also be used to start the engine and control other features of your vehicle. A fob can be easy to lose. You can avoid this by keeping an extra fob in your purse.

The dealership can replace your lost car keys for you, but they can be costly. They may also charge you a premium for this service, which is why many prefer to go with an automotive locksmith instead. Certain locksmiths specialize in replacing car keys, which can be a less expensive alternative to going to the dealer.

You'll need to take your car to the dealer to replace it with an electronic key. The dealer will have to program the new key. This typically involves closing and opening doors and turning on lights and electronics and off. You'll need the VIN number for your vehicle along with a photo ID as well as the other set of keys that you have with you.

It's a pain to lose car keys, and even more so when you are on a the pressure of a strict schedule. There's no need to panic, though. Make sure to search carefully for your keys, purchase an identification tag for your keys so that they are easier to locate, and also consider getting a spare fob so that this scenario doesn't happen again.

Get Help

Sometimes, we are distracted or forgetful and end up losing keys to our cars. These incidents can be a source of frustration, whether you accidentally drop keys in a river when fishing, or forget them at a restaurant when you're eating. Luckily, there are ways to keep these types of situations from happening in the future and minimize the damage that occurs when they do happen.

One of the best things you can do is to ensure you have a spare key in your bag. This will save you the frustration of having to retrace your steps or paying for expensive locksmith services. Another alternative is to invest in an electronic key-finder that can help you find your keys quickly. These tags can be purchased on the internet for a reasonable cost.

For older vehicles that have keys that are mechanical, it's possible to have a new one cut at a number of hardware stores for key lost a couple of dollars. Many cars use key fobs that are equipped with lots of technology. If you lose them key fobs, they can be expensive to replace.

If you have roadside assistance insurance and the insurance company will pay for a locksmith to visit and create new keys. Depending on the kind of key you have it could be cheaper than the cost of having a brand-new key created at an auto dealer.

You can also reach out to the dealership that sold you your vehicle to find out if they are able to assist you in creating the new key. This could be more expensive than working with a locksmith, but it may also be less stressful to work with a dealership that you know.

A locksmith can deprogram your old key to make it unusable. It's best to let a professional handle this task as it can be very risky. Some locksmiths can do this without taking the key apart, but it's usually easier to have the dealership do it for you so that you can guarantee that it's done correctly.