How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Anyone who has lost their car keys know how difficult it can be. There are a few things you can do to minimize the stress and expense associated with it.
First, make sure that you've inspected every spot you could have put them. If you're not sure, contact someone. There are several options to pick from:
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
A car key is a tiny piece of metal that allows you to open and start your car. It's not uncommon to lose your car key. The good news is, it's easy to replace. If you're dealing with a traditional key, or a high-tech smart one this guide will show you how to return to the road in a matter of minutes.
Smart keys are available for numerous newer models of vehicles. They are equipped with an electronic chip that is programmed to only work with that vehicle. If you've got a smart key, you'll need to go to the dealership where you bought your car to get the replacement key. The dealer will have to match the key to your vehicle which means that you'll have to wait a few days before you're permitted to drive again.
If you're lucky the dealer you choose to work with may have the key in their inventory and be able pair it with your car immediately. However, the dealer might charge you a premium for this service. You may also visit an locksmith to repair your car keys at a lower cost.
Examine if there are spare keys before you contact a dealer or locksmith. If you do, store them in a secure place where they're unlikely to be lost. You might consider looking for keys that are used 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 extremely stressful but it's not as bad as some people imagine. It's not even as expensive as some people believe. If you know who to contact and how to locate an alternative key, and how to prevent future losses, you'll be back on the road in short time. To ensure that you don't lose your keys, a smart strategy is to designate an area for them. You should always place them there after you've used them. This will become a routine and make it easier to locate your keys should you lose them.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Whatever you may be, losing your car keys could be a terrifying event. It's one the three most frequently lost objects, and it can trigger panic and a desperate search to locate your car keys. This is not always a lost case, and there are several ways to get the replacement of your car keys covered by insurance.
Depending on the situation, you may attempt to locate the key yourself or contact the dealership or your manufacturer for assistance. Some dealers can create a new key for cars on their lot, however, it's generally more expensive than working with an expert locksmith. Based on your insurance policy and the kind of vehicle you own you might be able to utilize your roadside assistance program to cover the cost of the replacement key.
Make sure you look through your car and home thoroughly for keys before you call your insurer. This will help limit the search area 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. lost keys to car can get your spare key cloned at the locksmith's or dealer's shop to create a new key, without needing to alter anything inside the vehicle.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, it may be time to call the police. The police will create a lost and discovered report on your behalf. They may also be able to track down the key or notify you if it has been turned in. This is a great method to stop your car from being taken. Don't forget to look on your phone for notifications about lost and found from apps such as Find My iPhone or iCloud. You can also make use of GPS tracking apps to locate your car if it's been turned in.
3. Contact Your Car's Manufacturer
Lost car keys are probably one of the most frustrating and inconvenient things you can lose, as it's usually impossible to open or drive your car without it. Don't be worried it happens to all. There are simple ways to solve the issue.
If your car was constructed before 1981, a common replacement key is available at the local locksmith shop or some hardware stores. These keys are mechanical and do not require any additional technology such as transponders, chips or transponders. If you have an older key that is high-tech, it may need to be replaced by a locksmith or a dealer. It could take longer, and you'll require proof of ownership to obtain the key.
The remote key is a more sophisticated version of the traditional metal key and requires a fob reader to operate. They are difficult to replace and can cost between $50 and $500. It's best to always have an extra.
Contacting the dealership or a locksmith is the most efficient option to replace your lost car key. They will be able to create an entirely new key for you and are likely to be capable of programming it to your vehicle, allowing it to open and close by pressing one button. This is not always possible in the event that the original key is not available to program with.
If you've lost your car keys, try to retrace the steps as you can. You can use this to determine where your keys may be if you haven't found them before. It also saves you time by not having to search your home or vehicle in the future. In addition, you can buy an Bluetooth key tracker to put on your key chain, that will allow you to locate your keys via an app on your phone.
4. Contact a locksmith
Car keys can be one of the most frustrating things to lose. No matter how careful you are, it's only just a few seconds to lose them and you're without the ability to travel! There are a few easy steps you can follow to solve this issue.
First and first, try not to be anxious! Losing your car keys can be a frightening and overwhelming situation, but it's essential to remain calm and think about how you can do. Start by retracing your steps. What were they when they last left? This is a crucial aspect, as it can aid in narrowing your search. Check your pockets and other hiding places. Also, check behind and between the driver's and passenger's seats. Don't forget to look over your bag or purse if you suspect that you may have left them in the car!
Call a locksmith if you cannot locate your car keys. A professional locksmith can create an entirely new key for you and erase the old chip from your vehicle's system. This is a less expensive alternative to returning to the dealer for the dealer a premium.
You can also look on the internet for replacement keys and key fobs for sale at a discount. Based on the type of key you own you might be able to buy an aftermarket version for less than what it costs to purchase an entirely new key from the manufacturer. But, remember that you'll need someone who can cut and program the key before it will work on your car So, make sure to look around.
If you don't have an extra key for your vehicle it's worth investing in one. Any locksmith can easily make an alternative car key for you if you are driving a manual vehicle. If you own a key fob, smart key or other technologically advanced key you will need to contact your dealership for an replacement.