How to Find a Car Key Lost

Car keys are a huge deal when they get lost. The cost of replacing them can be a few hundred dollars depending on the type of key and features.

For traditional metal keys, you can usually get a replacement from a locksmith or hardware store. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN), and then visit a dealer to order a replacement smart key and to have it paired to your car.

Identifying Your Keys

The most stressful thing that can occur to any driver is the loss of their car keys. If you reach into your bag or pocket and can't find keys, it's difficult to know what to do. To find your keys, it's best to stay in a calm state and follow a step by step method.

Begin by identifying the kind of car keys you have. You can get a copy of the mechanical key that opens the locks from a locksmith for an affordable cost in the event that you own one. You can also get a replacement key with a dealer, but it is usually more expensive.

The majority of modern cars have a smart key that activates the car's sensor for keyless ignition and entry. These keys are harder to lose due to a built-in feature that keeps the track of where the key is. Keep your smart key close to hand or you may have trouble finding it.

Check your usual hiding places first, before moving to another place. Examine your pockets for coats, shoes, and any bags you've carried around with you throughout the day. You could also consider walking back through the day and going back to find the places you may have misplaced the key.

You should contact a dealer or locksmith for assistance if you have exhausted all options, but you are still unable to locate your car key. They'll be able to make a new key for you, provided that you can prove ownership. You can also visit Home Depot to have a basic key lost car copied if you're driving a model which doesn't have transponder chips.

Even if you don’t lose your keys frequently, it’s a good idea always to have a spare key on hand. It's possible to do this in a number of different ways, but the most common is to give an additional key to an individual in your family or a trusted friend. You can also invest in an Bluetooth tracker that you can attach to your keys. The app will inform you where they are at all times.

Making copies

It's easy to misplace a key, which is an essential part of your vehicle. Many car owners find themselves in situations when they lose their keys or have them stop working at the worst time. Losing your keys is frustrating and inconvenient, whether it's at the gas pump, putting groceries in the trunk or following an exhausting day at work.

If you have an extra key, it can be a lifesaver during these situations. If you don't have an additional key you can easily and cheaply create duplicate keys at the majority of hardware stores or through locksmiths. It's also recommended to keep an additional key in your wallet, just in case!

Many people are under the impression that they need to go to a dealership to obtain a replacement car key. This isn't always the case. It's all dependent on the type of key you have, and how complicated it is.

Modern cars have keys with more than just steel blades. They have chips that require programming to start the car. These aren't the kinds of keys that you just get cut at a self-serve kiosk in the mall, and they do not be compatible with any other key.

The easiest way to make the key copy is to visit your local AutoZone and let an associate use a machine to read the contours of the key, and then match it to an uncut key and cut it for you. This is a very simple process, and it will take only about a couple of minutes to complete. Some places have a device that can program your key to match your car model.

Other places that can help you locate the copy of your car key include family owned hardware stores and big box home improvement stores, and a few chain grocery stores. But it is important to remember that these copies are only good for doors and ignitions and not remote key fobs. You should contact 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 using the right equipment and tools.

Replacement

There are a variety of options to obtain an alternative car key if it is lost. You can go to the dealer which sells your car or to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It also depends on what kind of key you have. Some keys are simple double-edged key, while others have more intricate.

You can locate a list of car locksmiths in your local area by conducting an online search. You need to find an auto locksmith that is specialized and has an auto division. Contact them for a quote on making a new key. Some have mobile units which can travel to your location and give you an exact key right there. This is a great option when you have a conventional key that doesn't come with a chip in it.

Many cars have keys fobs, which are tiny electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your car from a distance. The fob can also be used to start the engine and manage other features of your car. It is easily lost keys car. You can prevent this from happening by keeping an extra fob in your pocket.

Dealerships can repair your keys that are lost however it could be expensive. Some dealerships charge a premium for replacing your lost my car keys no spare keys to your car. This is why many people choose an automotive locksmith. Some of these companies specialize in the replacement of keys to cars, which could be a much cheaper option than going to the dealer.

If you own a smart key, you'll need to return your car to the dealership in order to replace it. The dealer will program your new key. This usually involves opening and closing doors, and/or switching electronics and lights on and off. You will need to provide the VIN number of your car, a photo ID and the other set of keys are with you.

It is frustrating to lose car keys, but even more so when you have a tight schedule. There's no need to be worried. Remember to look for your keys with care and get an identification label for your keys to make them easier to find and to think about purchasing an extra fob to prevent this occurring again.

Get Assistance

Sometimes, we're distracted or forgetful and lose our car keys. These incidents can be a source of frustration when you accidentally drop them in a river when fishing, or lose them in an eatery while eating. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent these situations from occurring in the future and reduce the damage if they do occur.

One of the most important things you can do is to ensure that you always have a spare key in your bag. This will spare you the hassle of having to go back to your steps or pay for expensive locksmith services. Another option is to invest in an RFID-based key-finder tag with Bluetooth that can help you find your keys that have been lost quickly. These tags are available online for an affordable price.

For those with older cars which use keys that are mechanical it is possible to get a new key cut at a number of hardware stores for just a couple of dollars. Many cars use key fobs that have a lot of technology. They can be expensive to replace if you lose them.

If you have roadside coverage the insurance company could pay a locksmith to create copies. This may be less expensive than making a new key at a dealer, depending on the type of keys you have.

Another option is to reach out to the dealership from which you purchased your car to see if they can help you in creating an entirely new key. It can be more costly than hiring a locksmith but it's less stressful to deal with a dealership you know.

A locksmith can deprogram your old key, making it inoperable. This is a risky process, so it's recommended to have a professional do this for you. Some locksmiths can do this without removing the key however it's generally better to let a dealership handle it for you, so that you can guarantee it will be done correctly.