How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Lost car keys can be a nightmare to handle. There are ways to lessen the stress and cost associated with this.
Check all possible places you might have placed them. If not, you'll have to call someone. There are several options to choose from:
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
A car key is a small piece of metal that allows you to open and start your vehicle. It's not uncommon to lose a car key however the good thing is that they are usually simple to replace. Whether you're dealing with a regular key or a high-tech smart key, this guide will teach you how to return to the road in a matter of minutes.
Smart keys are available for many of the latest models. They contain an electronic chip that has been programmed to function only with the vehicle. If you have a smart key, you'll have to go to the dealer where you bought your vehicle to obtain a replacement key. The dealer will need to match the new key to your particular vehicle, so you'll need to wait for a few days before you can drive again.
If you're fortunate, your dealer may have the key on hand and be able to pair it with your vehicle immediately. The dealer might charge a fee to perform this service. Alternatively, you can visit a locksmith who can replace your car key for the price of a lesser amount.
Find out if there are spare keys before you contact an agent or locksmith. Store them in a location that you aren't likely to lose keys. Look on the internet for a used key or an aftermarket replacement. These keys are often cheaper than buying a new one from the manufacturer.
The loss of a car's key can be extremely stressful, but it's not as terrible as people think. It's not as costly as many people think. You'll be back in the car in no time if know what to do, whom to call, how you can get a replacement and how to avoid further loss. To avoid losing your keys, a smart plan is to set up an area for them, and make sure you put them there after using them. This will become an habit and make it easier to locate your keys should you lose them.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of your car keys can be an extremely frightening moment for anyone, regardless of how vigilant you are. It's among the three most frequently misplaced items, and can cause anxiety and a panicked search to locate 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 either try to locate your key by yourself or ask for help from the dealership or your vehicle manufacturer, depending on your situation. Some car dealers will create new keys for cars on their lot. However, it's typically more expensive than hiring a locksmith. Depending on your insurance policy and the kind of vehicle you own, you may be able utilize your roadside assistance program to cover the cost of the replacement key.
Be sure to check your car and home thoroughly for keys before you contact your insurance company. This will help you locate the location and give you a place to begin looking. Make sure to check all pockets, underneath the seat, and in other places. You should also examine your purse, wallet or backpack to make sure keys are still in there. If you have a spare, you can get it copied by a locksmith or your car dealer to create the new key without having to change anything inside your vehicle.
If you haven't found your keys after an exhaustive search, it may be time to contact the police and report the missing car key. The police will file a lost and found report on your behalf and could be able to locate the key or inform you if it has been turned in. This can be an excellent way to prevent having your car taken away. Don't forget to check your phone for lost and found notifications via apps like Find My iPhone or iCloud. You can also make use of GPS tracking apps to find your car in the event that it's been surrendered.
3. Contact the Manufacturer of your car
A lost car key is probably the most frustrating and inconvenient things that you could lose, as it's usually impossible to open or drive your vehicle without it. Don't worry it happens to every person. There are car keys lost no spare of simple ways to solve the issue.
If your car was built 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 or chips. If you own a more modern or high-tech key, it will likely need to be replaced by a dealer or a professional locksmith. This process may be longer and you'll need to prove ownership in order to get the key.
The remote key is an sophisticated version of the traditional metal key and requires a fob reader to operate. They are more difficult to replace and cost between $50 and $500. It is recommended to always have an extra.
The most efficient method to replace the car key that you lost is to contact the dealer or an auto locksmith. They can design a key for you and program it so that it will start and unlock your vehicle with a single button. However, this isn't always possible in the absence of the original key to program it.
If you've lost your car keys, try to retrace the steps as you can. You can use this method to identify where your keys could be if you haven't found them previously. It can also save you time by not having to search your house or vehicle in the future. You can also purchase a Bluetooth tracker that you keep on your keychain. This will let you locate your keys using an app on your phone.
4. Contact a locksmith
Car keys can be one of the most annoying things to lose. You could lose your keys anytime regardless of how vigilant you may be. There are a few easy steps you can take to get rid of this issue.
First and first, try not to panic! It can be scary and stressful to lose your car keys, but you should remain calm and think about what you can do. Retrace your steps. When was the last time you had them? This is a crucial aspect to aid in narrowing your search. Afterward, check in your pockets as well as any other places of hiding you might have used. Also, check behind and between the driver's and passenger's seats. Also, don't forget look over your bag or purse if you think you might have left them behind!
If you're still struggling to locate your car keys, you need to contact an expert locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to create an entirely new key for you and remove the old chip out of your vehicle's system. This can be a much more affordable alternative to going back to the dealership which is likely to charge you a premium for their services.
Another option is to look for low-cost replacement keys or key fobs online. Depending on the type of key you have you might be able to purchase an aftermarket version for less than what it costs to purchase an entirely new key from the manufacturer. However, keep in mind that you'll require someone who can cut and program the key before it will work on your car and so make sure you shop around.
If you don't already have an extra key for your vehicle, it is worth investing in one. If you own an auto that is manual it can be done by any locksmith who can make you a replacement key right on the moment. However, if you own an electronic key, key fob or another key that is more technologically advanced you'll have to contact the dealership to have a new key created for you.