How to Find a Car Key Lost

If keys to your car are lost, it's a major problem. Replacing them can cost a few hundred dollars, based on the kind of key and what features are included.

You can usually get a replacement for traditional metal keys at an hardware store or a locksmith. For smart keys, you'll need to locate your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then visit a dealership to order a new one and then have it connected to your car.

Identifying Your Keys

The loss of your car keys is one of the most stressful things that can happen to drivers. When you reach into your purse or pocket and cannot find them, it can be difficult to decide what to do. To locate your keys it's best to remain at a safe distance and follow a step-by-step approach.

Begin by identifying the kind of car keys you own. If you have a conventional mechanical key, which only controls the locks, you can ask a locksmith to create a copy at an affordable rate. lost key in car can also get a replacement key at the dealer, however, it's typically more expensive.


The majority of modern cars have the smart key, which triggers the car's sensors for keyless ignition and entry. These keys are harder to lose since they have built-in features that keep track of the location of the key. If you have a smart key, it's crucial to ensure that you keep it in your pocket at all times, or it will be hard to locate.

You should first check your regular places of hiding first before moving to other locations. Check your coat pockets as well as shoes and bags you've carried with you throughout the day. You can also go back and trace your steps back through the day to see the key you've lost.

It is recommended to contact a dealership or locksmith for assistance if have exhausted all your search options and are still unable to locate your car key. They can make a replacement for you as long as you can prove ownership. If you have a car with no transponder chips, then you can also have a basic copy made at Home Depot.

It's always recommended to keep an extra key handy even when you don't lose keys often. There are a number of ways to do this but the most common is to give the duplicate to an individual who is a trusted family member. Another alternative is to purchase an Bluetooth key tracker, which can be placed on your keys and linked to an app that will show you where your keys are at any given moment.

Making a copy

A key is a crucial element of a car, and it's easy to lose. Many car owners find themselves in situations when they lose their keys or have them stop working at the worst possible time. It doesn't matter if it's at the gas station, while loading groceries into the trunk, or after a long day at work the loss of keys can be very stressful and frustrating.

The good thing is that if you have an additional key, it could help in these situations. If you don't have an extra key it is possible to easily and inexpensively make duplicates at many hardware stores or locksmiths. Keep an extra set of keys in your wallet in case.

Many people believe that they must go to a dealer in order to get a brand new car key. However, this is not always the case. It is contingent on the kind of key you own, and how complicated it is.

Most modern cars have keys that are more than metal blades. They also have chips inside them which require programming to begin the engine. They are not the kind keys that you can cut at the self-service kiosks in the mall. They also don't work with other keys.

The easiest method of making a key copy is to visit your local AutoZone and ask an associate to use a machine to discern the contours of the key. They will then match it up to an uncut key and cut it for you. This is a straightforward process, and it takes only about a couple of minutes to complete. Some places even have a tool that can program the key for your specific model of car.

Other places that could help you with a car key copy include family-owned hardware stores as well as big box home improvement stores, and a few chain stores. It is important to note that these copies can only be used for the ignitions and doors of your vehicle and not the remote keys. You should contact a locksmith if you want to duplicate a smart keys, or a dealer's chip key. These keys can only be created by a professional who has the appropriate equipment and tools.

Replacement

There are a few alternatives to get an alternative car key if it's lost. You can visit the dealership that sells your vehicle or go to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It also depends on what kind of key you own. Some keys are simple double-edged key, while others have more intricate.

Internet searches can help you find locksmiths for your car in your area. Look for one that specializes in vehicles and preferably has an auto division. Contact them to inquire about making the new key. Some of them have mobile units that can come to your location and make you an exact key right there. This is a great option if you already have a key that does not have a chip.

A majority of cars today have key fobs that are tiny electronic device that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle from an extended distance. The fob can also be used to start your engine and control some other features in your vehicle. It is easily lost. You can prevent this from happening by keeping an additional fob in your pocket.

Dealerships can replace your keys that are lost, but it can be costly. They may also charge you a premium for this service, which is why many prefer to go with an auto locksmith instead. Some of these firms specialize in repairing keys to cars. This could be a cheaper alternative than going to dealers.

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

Losing a car key is always a source of frustration, but it can be even more so if you are in a hurry and you need to travel. There's no need to panic, however. Just remember to search thoroughly for your keys, purchase an identification tag for your keys so that they are easy to find, and consider purchasing a spare key fob to ensure that this situation doesn't occur again.

Get Help

Sometimes, we get distracted or forgetful and lose our keys to our car. When you drop keys in the water when fishing, or leave them in the restaurant when you're out for a meal, these types of accidents can be frustrating to manage. There are steps you can do to prevent this from occurring in the future and to minimize the damage if it does.

It is recommended to always have a spare set of keys in your possession. This will avoid the hassle of having trace your steps again or pay for a costly locksmith services. You can also purchase a Bluetooth key-finder tag that can aid you in finding your keys. These tags can be purchased online for a relatively affordable price.

For those with older cars which use mechanical keys it is possible to get a new key cut at most hardware stores for a couple of dollars. Many cars use 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 protection and your insurance company is able to pay a locksmith to create a copy. Depending on the kind of key you have, this could be much less expensive than creating a new key at the dealership.

Another option is to reach out to the dealership from which you purchased your car to ask them to assist you with creating an entirely new key. This can be more expensive than working with a locksmith, however it may also be more relaxing to deal with a dealer you know.

The final alternative is to have locksmiths reprogram the old key so that it doesn't work anymore. This is a risky procedure, so it's recommended to hire a professional to do this for you. Some locksmiths can do this without removing the key, but it's usually easier to have the dealership do it for you so you can be certain it will be done correctly.