How to Deal With a Lost Key in Your Car

It's a nightmare to lose your car keys. It's not the worst scenario if you know how to handle it.

You can either bring in evidence of ownership or a spare key to the dealer in order to get a new one programmed. There are lost car key no spare to lose your keys, which will determine how easy or difficult it is to replace them.

1. Keys That Are Worn Out

Over time, keys to automobiles are subjected to to a lot of wear. They are jingled in pockets, rubbing against one with each other, and then inserted into locks over and over again. They can lose their form and won't fit inside the ignition cylinder. The key could get stuck or stop turning when this happens. It can be frustrating in either case.

It's easy to avoid this by creating multiple copies of your new car key. You can then rotate them to lessen the wear on each one. Additionally, if you lose your car keys, you'll have an extra.

Another reason to consider replacement is if your key fob isn't working properly. These are extremely useful and perform a variety of functions, such as unlocking doors, starting the engine, and activating your alarm. This could be due to various reasons however the most common is that they've worn down from daily use. They are small and delicate, usually being tossed around in your pocket or bag and are able to be worn down or have buttons broken off.

In this instance you should look into all possible locations, including your bag, jacket and places you would not normally put them (like in the shoe shine box). Next, call your dealership to see if they have an extra key available. If not, they can make one for you and have it installed in your vehicle. It's expensive, but it is better than the alternatives.

You can also lower the likelihood of this happening by avoiding adding any other things to your key ring and regularly lubricating your keys and lock. This will ensure that they both last longer and work properly. It's also an excellent idea to keep an extra key in a safe location such as with your family or friends, so that you'll have it when you need it.

2. Damaged Lock

If you can turn the key but it doesn't fit in the lock, there could be an issue with the lock. The lock tumblers may be clogged with dirt and debris. This could cause the mechanism to feel stiff. A locksmith can use a special tool to clean out and lubricate the lock, making it feel smooth once more.

A car lock that won't turn could have been jammed by force. A burglar might have employed a tool like bump keys or a hammer to force the door open. If you find evidence of this on the door handle, you should take your vehicle to an experienced locksmith as quickly as you can. The locksmith can repair the damage and prevent further problems.

Some locksmiths can provide a service to disable your old key inside the vehicle, making it more difficult for anyone to take your car. You will need to provide proof of your identity as well as proof that you own the vehicle before the process can begin. A V5C form that has your name on it will usually be accepted.

It is recommended to keep a spare car key in your trunk or on your person in the event that you lose it. A spare key can allow you to get to the road more quickly and can save your money by preventing you from having to call a locksmith.

Depending on the model of car and key, you may have to call a locksmith to get a new key. Dealerships can supply replacement keys, but they'll need a towing cost and may need to get one from you, which could take days. A professional locksmith can usually make a new key faster and cheaper and might even be capable of programming it to your vehicle on autopilot. They also offer a range of services to keep your vehicle safe, including a door resealing kit and alarms against theft. Find out more by visiting PolicyBachat.

3. Clogged Ignition cylinder

Over time the ignition cylinder and key can wear out. A worn out cylinder may jam or bind when it is removed, inserted, or turned. This can cause issues in starting and powering up your vehicle. It is typical for these problems to take time to develop and become more pronounced over time as the cylinder wears out.

One of the most frequent signs of this problem is when the key can't be put into the lock or is not able to rotate within the ignition cylinder. This is a clear indication that your cylinder has gotten damaged and requires replacement. It is possible to replace the cylinder on your own however it is generally recommended to seek out a professional.

The ignition cylinder is a small metal cylindrical piece which is contained within the lock cylinder housing. It contains two tumblers. Each tumbler is assigned a particular location and is only suited to the right key bumps. In time, tumblers could get worn out or clogged with dirt. To fix this, you will have to clean the ignition cylinder port. This can be accomplished with a small bottle of graphite lubricant. You can buy this at your local auto parts store and follow the instructions on the label.

The first step is to remove the dashboard and steering wheel covers from your vehicle. This will let you view the cylinder port more clearly. Look for a pin inserted in the back of the cylinder. This is a security measure that protects your vehicle from being stolen. If the ignition cylinder isn't able to rotate, you'll have to remove the pin that holds it to let it slide out of the housing.

The process is easy, but it requires patience. Make sure the pin is in the accessory position before drilling. You could also damage your car's electrical and electronic systems if you drill in the wrong place. Mark the part of the drill that is protruding from the keyway prior to drilling. This acts as a signal to prevent you from drilling too deeply and causing damage to the housing of the cylinder.

4. Locked Out

The first thing you should do when you lock your keys in your car is to not panic. You might think you're in a big mess, but it's crucial to be calm because there are many solutions and methods you can get back in your vehicle without breaking the window or calling an emergency tow truck. It doesn't matter if you're using shoelaces packaging tape, bobby pins Slim Jims, or modified wire coat hangers, most of these methods will work with the right tools or tricks. However, it's important to keep in mind that not all methods can be successful and you may need to call a professional for help in certain situations.

The key is to try the least destructive solution first. If you're in an emergency you might not be a fan of the idea that someone else will open your car for you, but it is the best option. It's important to note that a number of roadside assistance plans, like the NRMA, offer members the option of accessing their vehicle without a key.

Relax, and then take a walk around the exterior of your car to see if you have your keys in any other doors or the trunk. When you're in a rush, it's easy to overlook something as basic as the door handle or the rearview mirror. Be sure to check everywhere.


If you're unable to open your car, try to remain calm and seek assistance from a neighbor or friend who is near. Oftentimes, a stranger will be willing to assist you out of a bind because they don't want to be in a bind. If they're not able help you, then take a look at calling roadside assistance, or determining if your vehicle insurance covers it.

To avoid losing a key in the future, be sure you check the app provided by your car manufacturer or use a smart device turn your phone into a key fob. You can also purchase an electronic key safe to store your spare keys in, which will keep keys safe from thieves and hidden from.