How to Find a Car Key Lost
Car keys are a huge problem when they're lost. The cost of replacing them could be several hundred dollars, depending on the type and features that are included.
car keys lost what to do can usually get an alternative to traditional metal keys at the hardware store or locksmith. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then go to a dealer to purchase an alternative smart key and get it paired with your car.
Identifying Your Keys
The loss of your keys to your car is among the most stressful things that can occur to a driver. If you reach into your pocket or bag and cannot find keys, it's difficult to figure out what to do. It's best to remain calm and take a step-by-step approach to locate your keys.
Begin by identifying what kind of car key you have. If you have a traditional mechanical key that operates the locks, you can ask a locksmith to create a copy at an affordable price. You can also replace your key with a dealer, however, it's typically more expensive.
Most newer cars have a smart key which activates the car's sensor for keyless entry and ignition. These keys are much more resistant to theft, since they have a built-in feature that tracks where the key is. Keep your smart key close at your side or you could find it difficult to locate.
Check your usual hiding places first before relocating to another place. Check your coat pockets as well as shoes and bags you've carried with you throughout the day. You could also walk back through your day, and retracing your steps to see where you might have lost 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. If you have proof of ownership, they can provide you with a replacement. You can also visit Home Depot to have a basic key copied if you're driving a model that doesn't have transponder chips.
It's always an excellent idea to keep an extra key in your bag even in the event that you don't need them often. There are many ways to do this but the most common is to give a duplicate to someone you trust, such as a family member. You can also buy an Bluetooth tracker to attach to your keys. The app will inform you where they are at any time.
Making a copy
A key is a crucial 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 difficult times. If it's at a gas station, while loading groceries into the trunk or after a long day at work the loss of keys can be very frustrating and annoying.
If you have a spare key, this can be a lifesaver during these situations. If you don't have one, you can create copies of your keys quickly, easily, and at a low cost at many locksmiths or hardware stores. Keep an extra set of keys in your wallet just in case.
Many people are under the impression that they have to go to a dealership to get an alternative car key. This is not always the case. The complexity of the key and the kind you have will determine how it works.
Modern cars come with keys that have more than just steel blades. They have chips that must be programmed to allow the car to start. These are not the type of keys you can get cut at the self-service kiosks located in the mall. They also cannot be used with other keys.
To make a copy of the key, visit your local AutoZone. A member of the team will use a machine to read the contours on the key. They will then match it to the blank key. This is a straightforward process that takes just some minutes to complete. Some places have a tool that can program your key to match the car model you have.
Other places that can help you locate a car key copy include family owned hardware stores and big box home improvement stores, and a few chain stores. It is important to remember that these copies are only suitable for doors and ignitions, not the remote key fobs. It is a good idea to speak with a locksmith in order to make a duplicate of the smart key or dealer chip key, since they can only be copied by a professional with the appropriate equipment and tools.
Requesting an Replacement
There are several options for getting an alternative car key if it is lost. You can go to the dealership that sells your car or visit an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost different amounts. It is also contingent on the kind of key you own. Certain cars have a simple double-edged key while others are more complex.
Search engines can help you find locksmiths for cars in your area. Find one that is specialized in cars and has an auto division. You can then contact them for a quote on making the new key. Some of them 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 have a chip in it.
A lot of cars come with keyfobs, which are tiny electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your car from the distance. The fob can also be used to start the engine and manage other features of your vehicle. The fob can be easily lost. There are ways to prevent this from happening, for example keeping a spare in your pocket.
Dealerships can replace your keys that are lost, but it can be expensive. A lot of dealerships will charge a premium to replace your lost car keys. This is why so many people opt for an automotive locksmith. Certain locksmiths specialize in replacing keys to cars, which could be a cheaper alternative to going to the dealer.
You'll need to take your car to the dealer to get it replaced in the event that you have a smart-key. The dealer will have to program the new key. This usually involves opening/closing doors, or turning off/on electronics and lights. You will be asked to provide the VIN number of your car, a photo identification and any other keys you may have.
The loss of a car keys is always a source of frustration but it could be even more so if you are working on a tight schedule and have to get somewhere. You don't need to panic. Be sure to look for your keys in a thorough manner and get an identification label for your keys to make them easier to locate and to think about purchasing a spare fob to avoid this happening again.
Get Assistance
We can lose our keys to our car when we are distracted or forgetful. These kinds of accidents can be very frustrating when you accidentally drop keys in a river while fishing or forget them at the restaurant while eating. There are steps you can take to avoid this occurring in the future and to minimize damage should it happen.
One of the most important ways to do this is to make sure you have a spare key on hand. This will spare you the hassle of having trace your steps again or pay for expensive locksmith service. Another alternative is to purchase an electronic key-finder that can help you find your lost keys 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 that have a lot of technology. These can be very expensive to replace in the event of losing them.
If you have roadside insurance the insurance company could hire a locksmith to make an exact copy. Depending on the kind of key you have it could be cheaper than the cost of making a new key at a dealership.
Another option is to reach out to the dealership from which you purchased your car to see if they can help you create a new key. This could be more expensive than working with a locksmith, however it may also be more relaxing to work with a dealership that you are familiar with.
A locksmith could deprogram your old key to make it unusable. This can be a dangerous process, and it's probably best to get a professional to handle this for you. Some locksmiths are able do this without removing the key, however it's usually better to let the dealership do this so that you can be certain it's done right.