How to Find a Car Key Lost

If keys to your car are lost, it's a major problem. The cost of replacing them could be several hundred dollars, depending on the type and features that are included.

For traditional keys made of metal, you can typically find a replacement at an hardware store or locksmith. For smart keys, you'll need to 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

The most stressful thing that can happen to any driver is losing their keys to their car. If you reach into your pocket or bag and are unable to locate keys, it's difficult to know what to do. It's best to stay calm and take a step-by-step approach to locate your keys.

Begin by identifying the type of car key you own. If you own a traditional mechanical key that operates the locks and locks, you can get a locksmith to make duplicate keys at a low cost. You can also purchase a replacement from a dealership however, they tend to be more expensive.

Most newer cars use a smart key that triggers an internal sensor to allow keyless ignition and entry. These keys are harder to lose due to an inbuilt feature that keeps the track of where the key is. Keep your smart key close to hand or you may find it difficult to locate.

Find your usual hiding places first before relocating to a new location. Check your coat pockets, shoes, and any bags you've carried around throughout the day. You can also go back and trace your steps and walk back throughout the day to determine whether you've lost your keys.

If you've exhausted all of your search options and can't locate your car keys, it's time to contact a locksmith or dealership to get help. If you can provide proof of ownership, they can make you an alternative. You can also visit Home Depot to have a basic key copied for vehicles that doesn't have transponder chips.

Even if you don’t lose your keys frequently it's recommended to have a spare key on the go. It's possible to accomplish this in a variety of different ways one of which is to give an additional key to someone in your family or a trusted friend. You can also buy an Bluetooth tracker that you can attach to your keys. The app will tell you where they are at all times.

Making an Copy

Keys are a vital component of a car and it's easy to lose. Many car owners find themselves in situations where keys are lost or don't work at the most inconvenient times. The loss of keys can be frustrating and annoying, whether it's while at the gas pump, loading groceries into the trunk or after working for a long time.

The good news is that if have an additional key, it could help in these situations. If you don't have an additional key, you can easily and cheaply create duplicate keys at most hardware stores or by locksmiths. It is also advisable to keep an extra set of keys in your wallet in case.

Many people believe that they have to visit a dealer to purchase a new car key. However, this is not always the case. It is contingent on the kind of key you have and how complex it is.

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

The easiest method of making an exact copy of a key is to simply visit your local AutoZone and ask an associate to use a machine that can read the contours of the key, and then match it to the blank key and cut it for you. It's a simple process, and it will only take a few minutes to complete. Some places have a tool that can program your key to fit your car model.

Other places that can also help you with copies of your car keys include family-owned hardware stores and big box home improvement stores and some chain grocery stores. It is important to know that these copies can only be used on the ignitions and doors of your car and not for remote keys. It is recommended to get in touch with a locksmith to duplicate the smart key or dealer chip key, because these can only be copied by a professional with the proper equipment and tools.

Replacement

There are a variety of options if you lose your car key. You can go to the dealership that sells your car or go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It also depends on the type of key your car has. Some cars have the basic double-edged car key, while others are more complex.

You can get a list of car locksmiths in your area by doing an online search. Look for one that specializes in cars and has an auto division. You can then contact them to inquire about a price for the production of a brand new key. Some have a mobile unit that can visit your location and create a key on the spot. This is a great option for when you already have keys that do not contain a chip.

A lot of cars come with keyfobs, which are an electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle from a distance. The fob can also be used to start the engine and control other functions in your car. A fob can be easy to lose. There are ways to prevent this from happening, such as keeping a spare in your pocket.

Dealerships can replace lost key for car keys that are lost however it could be expensive. They might also charge an additional fee for this service, which is the reason many people choose to go with an auto locksmith instead. Some of these companies specialize in the replacement of keys for cars, which can be a much cheaper alternative to going to the dealer.

You'll have to take your car to the dealer to get it replaced with an electronic key. The dealer will have to program your new key. This usually involves closing and opening doors and switching electronics and lights on and off. You will be asked to supply the VIN number for your vehicle along with a photo ID as well as any other keys you might have.

The loss of a car key is always a source of frustration but it could be more difficult when you are in a hurry and you need to get somewhere. There's no need to be worried. Be sure to search diligently for your keys, get a key-finder tag so that they are easier to locate, and also consider getting a spare fob so that this doesn't happen again.

Finding Help

Sometimes, we get distracted or forgetful and end up losing our keys to our car. If you drop them in the river when fishing, or leave them in an eatery while you're out for a meal, these types of accidents can be a hassle to face. There are steps you can take to prevent this from happening in the future, and to limit damage if it does.

It is recommended to always have a spare set of keys in your possession. This will spare you the hassle of having trace your steps again or pay for a costly locksmith service. You can also purchase a Bluetooth key-finder tag to aid you in finding your keys. The tags can be bought online at a fairly affordable cost.

For those with older cars that use mechanical keys you can get a new one cut at a number of hardware stores for just a couple of dollars. But, many modern cars use key fobs that have lots of tech integrated into. They can be costly to replace if you lose them.

If you have roadside assistance insurance, the insurance company may arrange for a locksmith make a new copy. Depending on the type of key you own, this could be much less expensive than having a brand-new key created at a dealership.

Another option is to reach out to the car dealership where you purchased your car to see if they can help you with creating a new key. It can be more costly than hiring a locksmith but it's more stress-free to work with a dealer you are familiar with.

The last option is to have locksmiths reprogram the old key so that it doesn't work anymore. It is best to let a professional take care of this procedure as it could be extremely risky. Some locksmiths are able perform this without having to remove the key, however it is usually easier to let a dealership handle it to make sure it's done correctly.