How to Find a Car Key Lost

Car keys can be a major problem when they're lost. Replacing them can cost a few hundred dollars, based on the type of key and what features are included.

For traditional keys made of metal, you can usually locate a replacement at the hardware or locksmith store. For smart keys, find your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then visit an auto dealer to purchase a new one 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. It can be difficult to know what to do when you can't find your keys in your purse or pocket. To locate your keys it's best to stay calm and follow a step-bystep method.

Begin by identifying what kind of car key you own. You can purchase a duplicate of a mechanical key that only opens the locks from a locksmith at a reasonable price in the event that you own one. You can also purchase a replacement at the dealership however, they tend to be more expensive.

Most newer cars have the smart key, which triggers the car's sensor for keyless ignition and entry. They are less likely to lose since they have an inbuilt feature that keeps the track of the location of the key. If you own a smart key, it's important to try and keep it close at all times or it will be hard to find.

Be sure to check your usual hiding spots first before relocating to a new location. Check your coat pockets as well as shoes and bags you've carried around with you throughout the day. You can also go back and trace your steps and walk back throughout the day to determine if you lost your key.

You should contact a dealership or locksmith for assistance if you have exhausted all your search options but still cannot find your car key. They'll make a replacement for you, provided that you have proof of ownership. You can also visit Home Depot to have a basic key copied for vehicles that doesn't have transponder chips.

It's always recommended to keep an extra key in your bag, even when you don't lose them often. There are several ways to do this, but the majority involve giving an extra key to a trusted friend or family member. Another option is to invest in an Bluetooth key tracker that can be positioned on your keys and connected to an app that will tell you where your keys are at any given time.

Making a Copy

It's easy to misplace a key, which is an essential part of your vehicle. Many car owners are in situations where they lose their keys or have them stop working at the most inconvenient time. It doesn't matter if it's at the gas station, when loading groceries into the trunk, or after an exhausting day at work the loss of keys can be very frustrating and annoying.

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

Many people are under the impression that they have to go to the dealership in order to get a new car key. This isn't always the situation. The complexity of the key and the kind you own will determine how it works.

Modern cars come with keys that have more than just steel blades. They are equipped with chips that need to be programmed to allow the car to start. These are not the type keys that you can cut at the self-service kiosks in the mall. They also don't work with other keys.

To create a duplicate of a key, you can go to your local AutoZone. An associate will make use of a machine to examine the contours of the key. They will then match it up with an uncut key. It's a simple procedure that will only take you some minutes to complete. Some locations even i have lost my car keys a device that can program the key to your specific model of vehicle.

You can also purchase an exact copy of your car key from family-owned hardware stores, big chain of home improvement stores, and even some grocery stores. It is important to know that these copies only work on the ignitions and doors of your vehicle, not the remote keys. It is best to speak with a locksmith if you want to duplicate a smart key, or a dealer's chip key. These keys should only be made by a professional with the appropriate equipment and tools.

Finding an Exchange

You have a few options when you lose your car key. You can go to the dealership where the car is sold 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. Some keys are simple double-edged key and others have more intricate.

Search engines can help you find car locksmiths near you. You should find one that is specialized in car locksmiths and has an auto division. You can then contact them to inquire about making the new key. Some have a mobile unit which can travel to your location and create a key on the spot. This is a great option for those who have a traditional key that doesn't come with a chip in it.

A majority of cars today are equipped with key fobs that are tiny electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle from the distance. The fob can also be used to start the engine and control other functions in your vehicle. A fob can be very easily lost key what to do. There are ways to stop this from happening, for example keeping a spare fob in your pocket.

Dealerships can replace lost keys however it could be costly. Many dealerships will charge a fee for replacing your lost car key no spare keys to your car. This is why many people choose an automotive locksmith. Some of these companies are specialized in replacing keys for cars. This could be an affordable alternative to going to dealers.

If you have a smart key, you will need to bring your car back to the dealership to have it replaced. The dealer will program the new key. This usually involves opening/closing doors, or turning off/on lights and electronics. You'll need the VIN number of your car and a photo ID along with the other set of keys that are with you.

It can be a hassle to lose car keys, and even more so when you're on a the pressure of a strict schedule. Don't be worried. Remember to search for your keys thoroughly, to get the key-finder label to make them easier to locate and to consider buying an extra fob to prevent this repeating itself.

Finding Help

We can lose our car keys when we're distracted or forgetful. Whether you drop keys in the water when fishing, or leave them in an eatery while you're out for a meal, these types of accidents happen and can be difficult to deal with. There are ways you can keep these types of situations from happening in the future, and to minimize the damage that occurs when they do occur.

One of the best things you can do is to ensure that you have a spare key in your bag. This will save you the hassle of having retrace your steps or pay for a costly locksmith services. Another alternative is to invest in a Bluetooth-based key-finder tag that will help you locate your lost keys quickly. These tags are available online at an affordable price.

If you have a car which use keys that are mechanical, it's possible to have a new one cut at a variety of hardware stores for just a couple of dollars. However, many cars today have key fobs that come with a lot of technology integrated into. If you lose them, they can be expensive to replace.

If you have roadside insurance, your insurance company may provide a locksmith with the cost of creating an exact copy. Based on the type of key you own it could be less expensive than having a brand-new key created at an auto dealer.

Another option is to reach out to the car dealership where you bought your car and see if they can help you in creating a new key. It could be more expensive than hiring a locksmith but it's easier to deal 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 very dangerous process, and it's recommended to get a professional to handle this for you. Some locksmiths can do this without removing the key however, it's more common to have a dealership do it for you, so that you can be sure that it's done properly.