How to Find a Car Key Lost
When car keys are lost, it's a big issue. The cost of replacing them can be several hundred dollars depending on the type of key and features included.
You can typically find an alternative to traditional keys made of metal at an hardware store or a locksmith. You'll require your vehicle identification number (VIN), and then visit a dealer to order a new smart key and get it paired with your car.
Identifying Your Keys
The most stressful thing that could happen to any driver is the loss of their car keys. It can be a bit confusing to know what to say when you're unable to find your keys in your bag or pocket. To find your keys, it's best to stay at a safe distance and follow a step-by-step approach.
Begin by identifying the type of car key you own. You can purchase a duplicate of an electronic key that opens the locks from a locksmith at reasonable cost if you have one. You can also purchase a replacement from a dealership but they're usually more expensive.
Most modern cars come with smart keys that trigger a sensor within the car to allow keyless ignition and entry. These keys are more difficult to lose since they have built-in features that keep track of where the key is. Keep your smart keys close at the ready in case you be unable to locate it.
Be sure to check your usual hiding spots first before relocating to a different location. Check your pockets in your coat, in the shoes you're wearing and in any bags that you've had on you throughout the day. You can also retrace your steps and walk through the day to see whether you've lost your keys.
You should contact a dealership or locksmith for assistance if you have exhausted all options, but you are still unable to locate your car key. They can make a replacement for you if you can prove ownership. 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 a good idea to have an extra key in your bag, even if you don't lose them frequently. There are a number of ways to do this, but most involve giving a duplicate to a trusted friend or family member. You can also invest in an Bluetooth tracker to connect to your keys. The app will inform you where they are at all times.
Making an Copy
It's easy to lose keys, which are an essential part of your vehicle. Many car owners are in situations where their keys get lost or are not working at the most uncomfortable times. Losing your keys is frustrating and annoying, whether it's at the pump, loading groceries into the trunk or after a hard day at work.
The good news is that if you have an additional key, it could help in these situations. If you don't have one, you can make a copy of your keys quickly, easily and at a low cost at many locksmiths or hardware stores. It's also recommended to keep an additional key in your wallet just in case!
Many people believe that they need to go to the 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 operates.
Modern cars have keys that are more than just metal blades. They have chips that need to be programmed to start the car. These are not the type of keys you can cut at the self-service kiosk in the mall. They also don't work with other keys.
The easiest way to make an exact copy of a key is to simply visit your local AutoZone and have an associate use a machine that can read the contours of the key. They will then match it to the blank key and cut it for you. This is a straightforward process that will only take you about a minute to complete. Some locations have a device that can programme your key to fit your car model.
Other places that can assist you with the copy of your car key include family-owned hardware stores as well as big box home improvement stores, and some chain grocery stores. It is important to remember that the copies are only good for doors and ignitions and not remote key fobs. It is recommended to contact a locksmith if you want to duplicate a smart key, or a dealer's chip. These keys should only be created by a professional with the correct equipment and tools.
Replacement
There are several options for getting a replacement car key when it is lost. You can go to the dealership where your car is sold or go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It also depends on what kind of key you own. Some keys are simple double-edged key, while others have more intricate.
You can locate a list of locksmiths for cars in your area by doing an online search. Find a car locksmith that specializes and has an auto division. Contact them to inquire about making the new key. Some companies have a mobile unit that can create a key at your location. This is a great option if you already have keys that do not come with a chip.
A majority of automobiles today come with key fobs that are a small electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle from an extended distance. The fob can also be used to start your engine and control other functions in your vehicle. A fob is easy to lose. You can avoid this by keeping an extra fob in your purse.
The dealership can replace your lost car keys for you, but they can be costly. They might also charge an extra fee for this service, which is the reason many people opt to go with an auto locksmith instead. Some of these companies are specialized in replacing keys for cars. This is an economical alternative to going to an auto dealer.
You'll have to take your car to the dealer to have it replaced if you have an electronic key. They will need to program the new key to your car. This typically involves opening and closing doors and/or turning lights and electronics on and off. You will be asked to supply the VIN number of the car, a photo identification and any other keys you may have.
It is frustrating to lose your car keys, and even more so when you have an extremely tight schedule. There's no reason to panic, though. Be sure to look for your keys in a thorough manner, to get an identification label for your keys to make them easier to locate and also to think about buying an additional fob to avoid this repeating itself.
Get Assistance
We can lose our keys to our car when we are distracted or not paying attention. Whether you drop them in the river while fishing or leave them in the restaurant when you're eating out, these types of accidents happen and can be difficult to deal with. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep these types of situations from happening in the future, and to minimize the damage when they do happen.
You should always keep an extra set of keys readily available. This can help avoid the difficulty of retracing your steps or paying for costly locksmith services. You can also invest in a Bluetooth key-finder tag that can aid you in finding your keys. These tags are available online for an affordable price.
The majority of 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. They can be costly to replace in the event of losing them.
If you have roadside protection and your insurance company is able to provide a locksmith with the cost of creating an exact copy. This could be cheaper than getting a new key by a dealer, contingent on the kind of keys you have.
You can also contact the dealership that sold you your vehicle to find out whether they can assist you in making an entirely new key. It could be more expensive than hiring a locksmith, but it's more stress-free to work with a dealership that you know.
The last option is to have locksmiths deprogram the old key so that it doesn't work anymore. car key lost no spare is recommended to let a professional take care of this process as it can be extremely risky. Some locksmiths are able to perform this without having to remove the key, but it's generally better to let a dealership do this so that you can be sure it's done correctly.