How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Anyone who has lost their car keys know how difficult it can be. There are ways to lessen the stress and cost related to this.
First, ensure that you've checked every place you could have put them. If not, you'll have to contact someone. There are several options to pick from:
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
A car key is a tiny piece of metal that enables you to unlock and start your vehicle. It's not uncommon to lose your car keys. The good news is that it's simple to replace. This guide will show you how to quickly and easily replace the standard car key or an electronic key.
A lot of newer vehicles have keys that are designed to be "smart." This means they're equipped with an electronic chip that has been programmed to work with a specific vehicle. You'll need to go to the dealership where you bought your car to get the new key if you have the "smart" key. The dealer must match the car's key with the key which means that you'll need to wait a couple of days before you are allowed to drive again.
If you're lucky, your dealer may have the key available and be able to hook it with your car immediately. The dealer might charge a fee to perform this service. You can also visit an locksmith to get your car keys replaced at a cheaper price.
Before you call your locksmith or dealer make sure you have spare keys. Keep them in a safe place in which you're not likely to lose them. You might consider looking online for a used key or a replacement from the aftermarket. These are often available at a lower cost than what it would cost to get a new one from the manufacturer.
Losing a car key can be very stressful however, it's not as bad as many people believe. It's also not as costly as people think. You'll be back in your car in no time if know what to do, who to call, where you can get a replacement and how to avoid future loss. To avoid losing your keys, a great plan is to set up the location for them. You should always place them there after you use them. This will become an habit and make it easier to locate your keys should you lose them.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
No matter how careful you are you are, losing your car keys can be a terrifying event. It's among the three most commonly misplaced items, and can lead to panic and a frantic search for your car keys. This isn't always a lost item and there are many ways to have the replacement of your car keys by insurance.
You can try to find your key by yourself or seek help from the dealership or your vehicle manufacturer, based on your situation. Some dealers have the ability to create a new key to vehicles on their lot, however, it's generally more expensive than working with a locksmith. You may also be eligible to purchase roadside assistance coverage for your car to cover the cost of a replacement key, depending on the type of car and the insurance policy you have.
Before you call your insurance provider, ensure you have done a thorough search of your house and vehicle for the keys. This will help you narrow the area to search and give you an idea of where to begin. Make sure to look in every pocket as well as the seat and under any cushions. Also, look through your wallet, purse or backpack to ensure keys are still in there. If you have a spare, you can have it cloned by a locksmith or dealer to create a new key without having to alter anything inside the vehicle.
If you're still not able to locate your keys after an exhaustive search, it might be time to contact police and report the missing car keys. The police will make a lost and found report for you and may be able to locate the key or inform you whether it's been surrendered. This can be a great way to avoid having your car taken away. Also, don't forget to check your phone for notifications about lost and found from apps like Find My iPhone or iCloud. You can also use GPS trackers to find your car, if it has been abandoned.
3. Contact the Manufacturer of your car
It's frustrating to lose a car key since it's usually impossible to open or drive your vehicle without it. Don't worry it happens to everyone. There are a number of simple ways to resolve the problem.
If your car was constructed before 1981, a common replacement can be found at the local locksmith shop or some hardware stores. The keys are mechanical and don't require any additional technology like transponders or chips. If you have an advanced or high-tech key, it may require replacement at the dealership or by an expert locksmith. The process could take longer and you will have to provide proof of ownership to receive the key.
The remote key is an advanced version of the traditional metal key and requires a fob reader to operate. These keys are harder to replace and can cost anywhere from $50 to $500. It's best to always have a spare.
Calling the dealership or a locksmith is the easiest method to replace a lost car key. They will be able to create a new key for you, and most likely, they'll be in a position to program your vehicle to allow it to start and unlock by pressing one button. This isn't always possible when the original key is not programmed.
If you've lost your car keys, try to trace as many of your steps as you can. This will help you figure out the location they went to if they aren't already found, and can save you from needing to search your entire home or vehicle to find them again in the future. lost keys for car can also invest in a Bluetooth tracker that you can keep on your keychain. This will let you locate your keys with an app on your phone.
4. Contact a locksmith
The loss of car keys can be a traumatic experience. No matter how careful you are, it only takes a moment of distraction to lose them and you're without the ability to get anywhere! There are a few simple steps you can follow to get rid of this issue.
First first, don't be anxious! The loss of your car keys can be a scary and overwhelming experience, but it's crucial to stay at peace and think about what you can do. Retrace your steps. What was the last place you've had them? This is a crucial aspect that can help you narrow your search. Check your pockets and other hiding places. Also, you should check behind the driver and passenger seats, and in between them. Don't forget to examine your backpack or purse in case you suspect you may have left them there!
If you're unable to find your car keys, it's time to contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith can create a new key for your and erase the old chip from your vehicle's system. This is a more affordable alternative to going back to the dealership, which will likely charge a premium for their service.
You can also look online for replacement keys and key fobs at reduced prices. Based on the kind of key you have you may be able to get an aftermarket version at a lower cost than what it would cost to get a new key from the manufacturer. However, keep in mind that you'll need someone who can cut and program the key before it can work on your vehicle, so be sure to look around.
In the end, if you don't have a spare car key it's a good idea to purchase one. If you have an auto that is manual, this can be easily done by any locksmith who will make a replacement key right on the moment. However, if you have an electronic key, key fob or other more technologically advanced key you'll need to contact the dealer to have a new key created for you.