How to Find a Car Key Lost

If keys to your car are lost, it's a big problem. The cost of replacing them could be a few hundred dollars depending on the type of key and features.

It is possible to purchase an alternative to traditional keys made of metal from an hardware store or a locksmith. You'll require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to visit a dealer to order an alternative smart key and to have it paired to your car.

Identifying Your Keys

The most stressful thing that can happen to any driver is the loss of their keys to their car. When you reach into your bag or pocket and can't find keys, it's difficult to know what to do. To locate your keys, it's best to remain calm and follow a step-bystep approach.

Start by identifying which type of car key you own. If you own a traditional mechanical key, which only operates the locks it is possible to have a locksmith make duplicate keys at a low price. You can also get an alternative from the dealer however, they tend to be more expensive.

Most newer cars have a smart key that activates the car's sensor for 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. Keep your smart key close to hand or you may have trouble finding it.

Check your usual hiding places first before relocating to a new location. Look in your coat pockets and in your shoes and in any bags that you've carried around throughout the day. You can also go back and trace your steps back throughout the day to determine if you lost your key.

It is recommended to contact a dealership or locksmith for assistance if you have exhausted all options but still cannot find your car key. They'll be able to make a new key for you as long as you have proof of ownership. You can also go to Home Depot to have a basic key copied if you're driving a model which doesn't have transponder chips.

Even if you don’t lose your keys often, it’s recommended to keep a spare key in the go. It's possible to do this in a number of different ways however the most popular is to give an additional key to an individual in your family or a trusted friend. Another option is to invest in the Bluetooth key tracker that can be placed on your keys and connected to an app that will show you where your keys are at any time.

Making an Copy

It's easy to misplace keys, which are an important part of your vehicle. Many car owners are in situations where keys are lost or don't work at the most uncomfortable times. Losing your keys is frustrating and inconvenient, whether it's at the gas pump, loading groceries into the trunk or after a hard day at work.

If you have a spare key, it can be a lifesaver during these situations. If not have one, you can make copies of your keys quickly, easily, and cheaply at most hardware stores or locksmiths. You should also keep an additional set of keys in your wallet just in the case.

Many people are under the impression that they must go to the dealership in order to get a new car key. This isn't always the case. It is contingent on the kind of key you own, and how complex it is.

The majority of modern automobiles come with keys that are more than just metal blades. They contain chips that require programming in order to start the engine. These aren't the kind of keys you can get cut at the self-service kiosk in the mall. They also won't work with other keys.

The easiest way to make the key copy is to visit your local AutoZone and ask an associate to use a machine to discern the contours of the key, then match it to the blank key and cut it for you. This is a straightforward process, and it takes only about a couple of minutes to complete. Some locations even have a device that can program the key for your specific model of vehicle.

Other places that can also help you with a car key copy include family owned hardware stores and big box home improvement stores, and some chain grocery stores. It is important to note that these copies are only suitable for i have lost my car keys the doors and ignitions of your vehicle and not the remote keys. It's a good idea to speak with a locksmith prices for lost car keys in order to duplicate an electronic key or dealer chip key, as these are only copied by a professional with the appropriate equipment and tools.

Replacement

There are several options to obtain a replacement car key when it is lost. You can go to the dealership that sells your car or go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It is also contingent on the type of key your car is equipped with. Certain cars have an easy double-edged key while others are more complex.

Internet searches can help you locate locksmiths for your car in your area. Choose a locksmith that specializes in cars and has an auto division. You can then contact them to inquire about making the new key. Some companies have a mobile unit which can make keys in your area. This is extremely convenient when you have a conventional key that doesn't have a chip in it.

A majority of cars today have keys that are a small electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle from the distance. The fob is also used to start the engine and control other functions of your vehicle. A fob can be very easily lost key to my car. You can avoid this by keeping an extra fob in your purse.

The dealership can replace your car keys for you, but they can be expensive. Many dealerships will charge a fee to replace your lost keys to your car. This is the reason why many people prefer an automotive locksmith. Some of these companies are specialized in repairing keys to cars. This can be an economical alternative to going to an auto dealer.

You will need to bring your car to a dealer to have it replaced with an electronic key. The dealer will have to program your new key. This typically involves opening and i have lost my car keys closing doors, or turning on/off lights and electronics. You will be asked for the VIN number for your vehicle, a photo identification and any other keys you have.

It is frustrating to lose car keys, but more so when you are on a an extremely tight schedule. There's no reason to panic, however. Remember to look for your keys with care, to get an identification label for your keys to make them easier to find and also to think about buying an extra fob to prevent this occurring again.

Get Help

Sometimes, we are distracted or in a hurry and end up losing our car keys. If you drop them in the river when fishing, or leave them at an eatery while you're dining out These types of accidents happen and can be difficult to deal with. There are steps you can do to avoid this happening again and to minimize the damage in the event of it happening.

One of the most important ways to protect yourself is to ensure that you I Have Lost My Car Keys a spare key in your bag. This will save you the frustration of having to retrace your steps or paying for costly locksmith services. You can also invest in a Bluetooth key-finder tag that can assist you in finding your keys. They can be purchased on the internet for a reasonable price.

Most hardware stores will cut a brand new mechanical key for people who have older cars. Many cars use key fobs that have a lot of technology. If they are lost keys, they could be costly to replace.

If you have roadside coverage the insurance company could provide a locksmith with the cost of creating copies. Depending on the kind of key you have it could be cheaper than the cost of creating a new key at the dealership.

Another option is to contact the car dealership where you purchased your car to ask them to assist you with creating an entirely new key. It may cost more than working with a locksmith, but it could also be more relaxing to work with a dealership that you are familiar with.

A locksmith can reprogram your old key to make it unusable. It is recommended to let a professional take care of this procedure as it could be very dangerous. Some locksmiths can do this without taking the key apart however it's generally better to have the dealership do it for you so that you can guarantee that it's done correctly.