How to Find a Car Key Lost
If car keys get lost, it's a major issue. The cost of replacing them can be several hundred dollars depending on the type of key and features included.
For traditional metal keys, you can typically locate a replacement at a locksmith or hardware store. For smart keys, you'll need locate your vehicle identification number (VIN) and visit an auto dealer to purchase an additional key and have it linked to your car.
Identifying Your Keys
Losing your car keys is one of the most stressful events that can happen to a driver. If you reach into your bag or pocket and are unable to locate keys, it's difficult to decide what to do. To find your keys, it is best to remain calm and follow a step-bystep method.
Begin by identifying what kind of car key you own. You can obtain a duplicate of a mechanical key that only operates the locks from a locksmith for an affordable cost if you have one. car lost key can also exchange your key at the dealer, but it is usually more expensive.
The majority of modern cars have a smart key which activates a sensor in the car for keyless entry and ignition. These keys are more difficult to lose due to a built-in feature that keeps an eye on where the key is. Keep your smart keys close at hand or you may find it difficult to locate.
Be sure to check your usual hiding spots first before relocating to a different location. Examine your pockets for coats, shoes, and any bags you have carried with you during the day. You can also go back and trace your steps back through the day to see the key you've lost.
If you've exhausted all of your options for searching and you are unable to find your car keys, you should contact a locksmith or dealership to get help. They'll make a replacement for you as long as you have proof of ownership. If you have a car without transponder chips, you can also get an initial copy made at Home Depot.
Even if you don't lose your keys frequently it's an excellent idea to keep a spare key in hand. It's possible to do this in a number of different ways however the most popular is to give the duplicate key to an individual in your family or a trusted friend. Another option is to invest in the Bluetooth key tracker, which can be put on your keys and linked to an app that will show you where your keys are at any given moment.
Making copies
Keys are a vital element of a car, and it's easy to lose. Many car owners are in situations where keys are lost or don't work at the most uncomfortable times. The loss of keys can be frustrating and inconvenient, whether it's while at the gas pump, putting groceries in the trunk or following an exhausting day at work.
The good news is that if have an extra key, it can help you in these scenarios. If you don't have an additional key it is possible to easily and cheaply create duplicates at most hardware stores or by locksmiths. It's also recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet, just in case!
Many people believe that they must visit a dealership to obtain a replacement car key. However, this is not always the case. The complexity of the key and the kind you own will determine how it functions.
The majority of modern automobiles have keys that are more than metal blades - they have chips in them that require programming to start the engine. These are not the kind of keys you can just get cut at a self-serve kiosk in the mall, and they do not work with any other key.
To create a duplicate of the key, go to your local AutoZone. A member of the team will use a machine to read the contours on the key. They will then match it up with the blank key. This is a very simple procedure, and takes only about a couple of minutes to complete. Some places even have a tool that can program the key for your specific model of car.
Other places that can assist you with the copy of your car key include family owned hardware stores, big box home improvement stores, and a few chain grocery stores. It is important to remember that these copies are only suitable for the doors and ignitions of your car and not for remote keys. It is a good idea to speak with a locksmith in order to create a duplicate of the smart key or dealer chip key, as these can only be duplicated by a professional using the proper equipment and tools.
Replacement
There are a few alternatives to get a new car key if it's lost. You can go to the dealership that sells your vehicle or you can go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It also depends on what kind of key you own. Some have a simple double-edged key and others are more complex.
Search engines can help you locate car locksmiths near you. Find a car locksmith that specializes in auto-related services and has an auto division. You can then contact them to inquire about making an original key. Some have mobile units that can visit your location and give you an exact key right there. This is a great option if you already have an unlocked key that doesn't come with a chip.
Many cars have a keyfob, which is an electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your car from a distance. The fob can also be used to start the engine and to control other features of your vehicle. A fob can be very easy to lose. There are ways to stop this from happening, such as keeping a spare in your pocket.
Dealerships can replace keys that have been lost however, it can be expensive. Many dealerships will charge a fee to replace your lost car keys. This is why many people choose an automotive locksmith. Certain locksmiths specialize in replacing keys for cars, which can be a less expensive option than going to the dealer.
If you have an electronic key, you'll have to bring your car back to the dealership in order to replace it. They will have to program the new key to your car. This usually involves opening and closing doors, and/or turning on lights and electronics and off. You'll need the VIN number for your vehicle, a photo ID and the other set of keys are with you.
It can be a hassle to lose a car keys, but even more so when you have an extremely tight schedule. You don't need to panic. Be sure to search diligently for your keys, get an identification tag for your keys so that they are easier to locate, and also consider purchasing a spare key fob to ensure that this scenario doesn't happen again.
Get Help
Sometimes, we are distracted or in a hurry and end up losing our keys to our car. These incidents can be a source of frustration when you accidentally drop them in a river when fishing, or forget them at an eatery while eating. There are steps you can do to avoid this occurring in the future and to minimize the damage if it does.
You should always keep a spare set of keys on hand. This will spare you the hassle of having go back to your steps or pay for a costly locksmith services. Another option is to invest in a Bluetooth-based key-finder tag that will help you locate your keys quickly. These tags are sold online for affordable prices.
The majority of hardware stores will cut a new mechanical key for people who own older vehicles. But, many modern cars use key fobs that have a lot of technology integrated into. If you lose these, they can be expensive to replace.
If you have roadside insurance, your insurance company may pay a locksmith to create copies. Based on the kind of key you have it could be cheaper than creating a new key at a dealership.
Another option is to contact the dealership from which you purchased your car to inquire if they can assist you with creating the new key. This could be more expensive than working with a locksmith, however it could also be more relaxing to deal with a dealer you trust.
The final alternative is to hire locksmiths deprogram the old key, so that it is no longer working. This can be a risky procedure, so it's recommended to hire a professional to do this for you. Certain locksmiths can do this without removing the key, but it's generally better to let the dealership do it to make certain it's done right.