How to Find a Car Key Lost

Car keys are a big problem when they're lost. The cost of replacing them can be several hundred dollars dependent on the type and features that are included.

For traditional keys made of metal, you can typically find a replacement at the hardware or locksmith store. You'll need your vehicle identification number (VIN) to visit a dealer for a new smart key and to have it paired to your car.

Identifying Your Keys

The loss of your car keys is one of the most stressful events that can occur to a driver. When you reach into your bag 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 in a calm state and follow a step by step approach.

Start by identifying which type of car key you have. You can get a copy of the mechanical key that can operate the locks from a locksmith at a reasonable price in the event that you own one. You can also find a replacement from a dealership however, they tend to be more expensive.

Most modern cars come with smart keys that trigger a sensor inside the car to allow keyless entry and ignition. These keys are more resistant to theft, since they have a built in feature that monitors where the key is. Keep your smart key close at the ready in case you find it difficult to locate.

You should first check your regular hiding spots first before you move on to other areas. Examine your pockets for coats as well as shoes and bags you have carried with you throughout the day. You could also walk back through the day and going back to find the places you may have misplaced the key.

If you've exhausted all your search options and can't find your car keys, you should contact a locksmith or dealership for help. If you have proof of ownership, they can provide you with an replacement. You can also visit Home Depot to have a basic key copied for vehicles which doesn't have transponder chips.

Even if you don't lose your keys frequently it's a good idea always to keep a spare key on the go. It's possible to do this in a few different ways one of which is to give a duplicate key to an individual in your family or a trusted friend. You can also purchase a Bluetooth tracker that you can attach to your keys. The app will notify you where they are at all times.

Making a Copy

It's easy to lose keys, which are an important part of your vehicle. Many car owners are in situations where their keys get lost or stop working at the most uncomfortable times. The loss of keys can be frustrating and frustrating, no matter if it's at the gas pump, loading groceries into the trunk, or after working for a long time.

If you have an extra key, this can be a lifesaver in such situations. If you don't have one, you can make a copy of your keys quickly, easily and inexpensively at most locksmiths or hardware stores. You should also keep an additional set of keys in your wallet in the case.

Many people believe that they need to go to a dealer in order to get a new car key. But, this isn't always the case. The complexity of the key and the kind you own will determine how it operates.

The majority of modern automobiles have keys that are more than just metal blades - they have chips inside them that require programming to start the engine. These are not the kind of keys you can simply cut at a self-serve kiosk at the mall, and they do not usually work with any other key.

The most efficient method to create the key copy is to simply visit your local AutoZone and ask an associate to make use of a machine that can discern the contours of the key. They will then compare it to the blank key and cut it for you. It's a simple process, and it will take only a few minutes to complete. Some places have a device that can program your key to fit your car model.

Other places that can assist you with a car key copy include family-owned hardware stores, big box home improvement stores, and a few chain stores. It is important to remember that the copies are only good for doors and ignitions, not the remote key fobs. It is a good idea to get in touch with a locksmith to make a duplicate of a smart key or a dealer chip key, as these are only copied by a professional who has the proper equipment and tools.

Getting an Replacement

There are a few alternatives to get an alternative car key if it's 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 the type of key your car has. Certain cars have the basic, double-edged car key while others have more intricate keys.

You can locate a list of car locksmiths in your area by conducting an online search. You need to find one that is specialized in car locksmiths in auto-related services and has an auto division. Contact them to inquire about making the new key. Some companies have a mobile unit which can create keys at your location. This is extremely convenient when you have a conventional key that doesn't have a chip in it.

A majority of automobiles today come with keys that are tiny electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle from the distance. lost key replacement car can also be used to start your engine and control some other features in your vehicle. The fob can be difficult to find. There are ways to prevent this from happening, for example keeping a spare fob in your pocket.

Dealerships can replace your lost keys however, it can be expensive. They might also charge an additional fee for this service, which is why many prefer to use an automotive locksmith instead. Certain locksmiths specialize in repairing keys to cars, which could be a cheaper option than going to the dealer.

You'll have to take your car to the dealer to get it replaced in the event that you have a smart-key. The dealer will program the new key. This typically involves opening or closing doors, or turning off/on electronics and lights. You will need to provide your car's VIN number and a photo ID along with the other set of keys that you carry with you.


The loss of a car key is always frustrating, but it can be even more so when you are in a hurry and have to travel. There is no need to panic, however. Make sure to search carefully for your keys, get a key-finder tag so that they are easier to find, and consider buying a spare fob so that this scenario doesn't happen again.

Getting Help

We can lose our keys to our cars when we're distracted or in a state of forgetfulness. Whether you drop keys in the water while fishing or leave them at an eatery while you're eating out, these types of accidents happen and can be frustrating to deal with. There are ways to prevent these situations from occurring in the future and reduce the damage if they do occur.

Always keep an extra set of keys readily available. This will avoid the trouble of having to trace your steps again or pay for expensive locksmith service. Another option is to invest in an electronic key-finder which can 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 own older vehicles. Many cars are equipped with key fobs that are equipped with lots of technology. These can be very expensive to replace in the event of losing them.

If you have roadside insurance the insurance company could pay a locksmith to create an exact copy. This could be cheaper than making a new key by a dealer, contingent on the kind of keys you have.

You can also reach out to the dealership where you bought your car to inquire if they are able to assist you in creating an entirely new key. This could be more expensive than working with a locksmith, however it is also more relaxing to work with a dealership that you know.

A locksmith could deprogram your old key, making it unusable. It's best to let a professional handle this task as it can be very dangerous. Some locksmiths are able to do this without taking off the key, but it's usually better to let a dealership handle this so that you can be certain it's done right.