How to Find a Car Key Lost
Car keys are a huge issue when they are lost. The cost of replacing them can be several hundred dollars dependent on the type and features that are included.
For traditional metal keys, you can typically get a replacement from the hardware or locksmith store. You'll require your vehicle identification number (VIN) to visit a dealer for a replacement smart key and to have it paired to your car.
Identifying Your Keys
The loss of car keys is one of the most stressful things that can occur to a driver. When you reach for your purse or pocket and are unable to locate keys, it's difficult to decide what to do. To locate your keys, it is best to remain at a safe distance and follow a step-by-step method.
Begin by identifying the kind of car keys that you have. If you own a traditional mechanical key, which only opens the locks it is possible to get a locksmith to make copies at a reasonable price. You can also get a replacement key with a dealer however, it's usually more expensive.
Most newer cars use a smart key that triggers an internal sensor to allow keyless entry and ignition. They are less likely to lose due to an inbuilt feature that keeps track of the location of the key. If you own a smart key, you must ensure that you keep it in your pocket at all times or it will be hard to find.
You should check your usual hiding spots before you move on to other places. Check in your coat pockets, in your shoes 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 the key you've lost.
You should contact a dealership or locksmith for assistance if you have exhausted all options but still cannot find your car key. They can make a replacement for you as long as you can prove ownership. If you own a car without transponder chips, you can have a basic copy made at Home Depot.
It's always an excellent idea to keep an extra key in your bag, even when you don't lose them often. There are many methods to accomplish this, but the most common is to give an extra key to a trusted friend or family member. Another option is to invest in an Bluetooth key tracker. It can be positioned on your keys and connected to an app that will tell you where your keys are at any given moment.
Making a Copy
It's easy to misplace a key, which is an important part of your vehicle. Many car owners find themselves in situations where keys are lost or stop working at the most inconvenient times. It doesn't matter if it's at the gas station, while loading groceries into the trunk or after an exhausting day at work the loss of keys can be very stressful and frustrating.
If you have a spare key, this can be a lifesaver in these situations. If you don't have an additional key, you can easily and cheaply make duplicates at many hardware stores or locksmiths. You should also keep an extra set of keys in your wallet in the case.
Many people believe that they must go to the dealer to get a new car key. This isn't always the situation. The complexity of the key and the type you are using will determine how it functions.
Most modern cars come with keys that are more than metal blades. They have chips in them which require programming to begin the engine. These aren't the kinds of keys you can just cut at a self-service kiosk at the mall, and will not work with other keys.
The easiest way to make a key copy is to simply visit your local AutoZone and have an associate use a machine to read the contours of the key, then match it up to a blank key and cut it for you. This is a straightforward procedure, and will take only just a few minutes. Some locations even have a device that can program the key for your particular model of vehicle.
Other places that could assist you with copies of your car keys include family-owned hardware stores, big box home improvement stores, and a few chain stores. It is important to remember that these copies only work on the ignitions and doors of your vehicle, not the remote keys. It's a good idea to get in touch with a locksmith to make a duplicate of an electronic key or dealer chip key, as they can only be duplicated by a professional using the appropriate equipment and tools.
Replacement
There are several options if you lose your car keys. You can visit 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 vehicle is equipped with. Some have a simple double-edged key and others have more intricate.
You can locate a list of locksmiths for cars in your area by doing an online search. Choose a locksmith that specializes in automobiles and, ideally, has an auto division. Then you can contact them to request a quote for the creation of a new key. Some have mobile units that can come to your location and create an exact key right there. This is a great option if you have a traditional key that doesn't come with a chip in it.
A lot of cars today have key fobs that are tiny 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 control some other features in your vehicle. A fob is easily lost. You can prevent this by keeping an extra fob in your purse.
The dealership can replace your lost keys for you, but they can be costly. Many dealerships will charge a fee to replace your car keys. This is the reason why many people prefer an automotive locksmith. Some of these companies specialize in the replacement of car keys, which can be a less expensive option than going to the dealer.
If you have an electronic key, you'll need to return your car to the dealership to get it replaced. The dealer will need to program the new key. This usually involves opening and closing doors and/or switching electronics and lights on and off. lost keys to car will need to provide the VIN number for your vehicle and a photo ID along with the other set of keys are with you.
It can be a hassle to lose car keys, but even more so when you're on a the pressure of a strict schedule. There's no reason to panic, however. Remember to look for your keys in a thorough manner and get the key-finder label to make them easier to find and to think about purchasing an extra fob to prevent this repeating itself.
Finding Help
We could lose our keys to our cars when we are distracted or forgetful. Whether you drop keys in the water when fishing, or leave them in the restaurant when you're out for a meal These kinds of accidents happen and can be frustrating to deal with. Luckily, there are ways to keep these types of situations from happening in the future, and to reduce the damage if they do occur.
One of the most important ways to protect yourself is to ensure that you always have a spare key on hand. This will save you the hassle of having to go back to your steps or pay for a costly locksmith services. Another alternative is to invest in an electronic key-finder that will help you locate your lost keys quickly. These tags are available online for an affordable price.
The majority of hardware stores will cut a new mechanical key for people who have older cars. However, a lot of cars today have key fobs that come with many features included. If you lose these, they can be expensive to replace.
If you have roadside protection, your insurance company may pay a locksmith to create copies. Based on the type of key you have, this could be much less expensive than creating a new key at an auto dealer.
You can also reach out to the dealership that sold you your car to see if they are able to assist you in creating a new key. This can be more expensive than working with a locksmith, however it may also be more relaxing to choose a dealership you trust.
The last alternative is to hire locksmiths deprogram the old key so that it doesn't work anymore. It is best to let a professional take care of this task as it can be extremely risky. Some locksmiths are able do this without removing the key, however it's generally better to let a dealership do it so you can be certain that it's done properly.