How to Find a Car Key Lost
When car keys are lost, it's an enormous problem. The cost of replacing them can be several hundred dollars, depending on the type and features that are included.
You can usually get an alternative for traditional keys made of metal from the hardware store or locksmith. For smart keys, you'll need to locate your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then visit an auto dealer to purchase a new one and have it paired to your car.
Identifying Your Keys
The most stressful thing that can happen to any driver is losing their keys to their car. When you reach for your pocket or bag and can't find them, it can be difficult to know what to do. It is best to remain calm and take a step-by-step approach to find your keys.
Begin by identifying the type of car key you own. If you have a conventional mechanical key, which only controls the locks, you can have a locksmith make a copy at an affordable cost. lost car key and no spare can also get a replacement at the dealership, but they are usually more expensive.
The majority of newer cars come with a smart key which activates the car's sensors for keyless ignition and entry. These keys are much more difficult to lose because they have a built in feature that tracks where the key is. If you own an intelligent key, it's crucial to ensure that you keep it in your pocket at all times or it will be hard to find.
Check your usual hiding places first before relocating to another place. Check your pockets in your coat as well as in the shoes you're wearing, and in any bags that you've carried 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 be able to make a new key for you if you can prove ownership. You can also go to Home Depot to have a basic key copied if you're driving a model that doesn't have transponder chips.
Even if you don’t lose your keys often, it’s a good idea always to have a spare key on hand. There are several ways to do this, but the most common is to give an extra key to someone you trust, such as a family member. You can also invest in a Bluetooth tracker that you connect to your keys. The app will inform you where they are at every moment of the day.
Making a Copy
Keys are a vital component of a car and it's easy to lose. Many car owners are in situations where their keys are lost or stop working at the most difficult times. The loss of keys can be frustrating and annoying, whether it's at the gas pump, loading groceries into the trunk or after an exhausting day at work.
The good news is that if you have an additional key, it could help in these scenarios. If you don't have an additional key, you can easily and cheaply create duplicates at many hardware stores or locksmiths. Keep an extra set of keys in your wallet in the case.
Many people believe that they need to visit a dealership in order to get a replacement car key. However, this isn't always true. The complexity of the key and the type you have will determine how it functions.
Modern cars have keys with more than just steel blades. They are equipped with chips that require programming to allow the car to start. These aren't the kind keys that you can cut at the self-service kiosks located at the mall. They also cannot be used with other keys.
To create a duplicate of a key, you can visit your local AutoZone. A member of the team will make use of a machine to analyze the contours on the key. They will then match it with an uncut key. This is a straightforward process that takes only about a minute to complete. Some locations have a device that can program your key to match your car model.
Other places that could help you locate a car key copy include family-owned hardware stores and big box home improvement stores and a few chain grocery stores. It is important to note that these copies only work on the ignitions and doors of your vehicle and not the remote keys. It's a good idea to contact a locksmith to duplicate the smart key or dealer chip key, as these can only be copied by a professional with the right tools and machines.
Finding an Replacement
There are a few options for getting an alternative car key if it is lost. You can visit the dealership that sells your car or you can go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost different amounts. It is also contingent on the type of key your car has. Some keys are simple double-edged key, while others have more intricate.
You can locate a list of car locksmiths in your area by conducting an online search. Find one that is specialized in vehicles and preferably has an auto division. You can then contact them to request a quote for the production of a brand new key. Some companies have mobile units which can make keys at your location. This is a great option if you already have keys that do not contain an embedded chip.
Many cars today are equipped with keys that are an electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance. The fob can also be used to start the engine and manage other features of your car. A fob can be easy to lose. There are ways to stop this from happening, for example keeping a spare fob in your pocket.
The dealership can replace your car keys for you However, they could be expensive. A lot of dealerships will charge a fee to replace your keys to your car. This is why so many people prefer an automotive locksmith. Certain locksmiths specialize in replacing car keys, which can be a much cheaper option than going to the dealer.
You'll need to bring your car to a dealer to get it replaced if you have smart-key. They will have to program the new key to your vehicle. This typically involves closing and opening doors and switching electronics and lights on and off. You'll need the VIN number for your vehicle, a photo ID and the other set of keys that you have with you.
It's a pain to lose car keys, but more so when you have a tight schedule. There is no need to panic, though. Be sure to search diligently for your keys, get an identification tag for your keys so that they're easier to locate, and also consider purchasing a spare key fob to ensure that this scenario doesn't happen again.
Getting Help
We may lose our car keys when we are distracted or forgetful. These accidents can be frustrating in the event that you drop keys in a river when fishing, or lose them in an eatery while eating. Fortunately, there are ways to keep these types of situations from happening in the future, and to reduce the damage if they do happen.
It is recommended to always have a spare set of keys in your possession. This will save you the hassle of retracing your steps or paying for costly locksmith services. Another alternative is to purchase an electronic key-finder which can help you locate your lost keys quickly. These tags can be purchased online for a relatively affordable cost.
If you have a car that use mechanical keys, it's possible to have a new one made at most hardware stores for only a few dollars. However, many cars today have key fobs that come with a lot of technology built in. If you lose these keys, they could be costly 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, this could be much cheaper than the cost of creating a new key at a dealership.
Another option is to call the dealership where you bought your car and see if they can help you create an entirely new key. It could be more expensive than hiring a locksmith, but it's less stressful to deal with a dealer you are familiar with.
A locksmith can deprogram the old key to render it unusable. It is best to let a professional handle this process as it can be extremely risky. Certain locksmiths can perform this without taking the key apart however it's generally better to let a dealership handle it for you so that you can be sure that it's done properly.