How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Anyone who has lost their car keys knows how frustrating it can be. There are ways to minimize the stress and expenses that are associated with this.
Examine replacement lost car keys where you may have placed them. If not, it's time to call someone. There are a variety of options to think about:
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
A car key is a tiny piece of metal that enables you to open and start your car. It's not uncommon to lose a car keys, but the good news is that they are usually simple to replace. Whether you're dealing with a traditional key, or a high-tech smart key, this guide will teach you how to return to the road swiftly and easily.
Smart keys are compatible with many newer vehicles. They are equipped with an electronic chip that is programmed to function only with the vehicle. You'll need to go to the dealership where you bought your car to obtain a new key if you own a "smart" key. The dealer must match the key to your car, so it's likely that you'll need to wait a couple of days before you're permitted to drive again.
If you're lucky, your car dealer will have the key in stock and be able to pair it to your car right away. The dealer might charge a premium to perform this service. You can also visit a locksmith to get your car keys replaced at a lower cost.
Examine if there are spare keys before you contact a dealer or locksmith. If you do, store them in a safe place in which they're not likely to get lost. Look for a used key or an aftermarket replacement. These are often sold at a lower cost than what the cost of buying an entirely new key from the manufacturer.
It's not as bad as people imagine. It's not as costly as people think. If you know who to contact for help, where to find a replacement key, and how to prevent the possibility of losing your keys again and you'll be back on the road in short time. A good way to ensure that you don't lose keys is to make an area for them, and then always place them there when you're done using them. This will become a routine and will ensure that, should you lose your keys they'll be a snap to locate.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Whatever you may be, losing your car keys can be a frightening experience. It's one of the top three items people lose, and it can send a person into a panic and a whirlwind search to locate their car keys again. It's not always a lost item and there are a variety of ways to have the replacement of your car keys by insurance.
You can either try to find your key by yourself or ask for help from the dealership or your car manufacturer, based on your situation. Some car dealers can create new keys for cars on their lot. However, it's generally more expensive than hiring locksmith. You might also be eligible to purchase roadside assistance for your car to cover the cost of a replacement key, dependent on the type of car and the insurance policy you have.
Before calling your insurance company, make sure you have done a thorough search of your home and vehicle for keys. This will help limit the search area and provide you with an idea of where to start. Check all pockets, under the seat, and in other places. Also, check your wallet, purse or backpack to make sure keys are still in there. You can have your spare key copied at a locksmith's or car dealer's shop to create a brand new key, without having to change anything in the vehicle.
If you've not found your keys after an exhaustive search, it may be time to contact police and report the missing car key. The police will file a lost-and-found report on your behalf. They might be able to locate the key, or let you know that it has been returned. This is a great method to prevent your car from being taken. Don't forget to check your phone for lost and found notifications via 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
Lost car keys are probably the most frustrating and inconvenient things you could lose as it's usually impossible to open your car or drive without it. Don't be worried it happens to everyone. There are a few simple solutions to fix the issue.
If your car was constructed before 1981, a common replacement key is available at a local locksmith or in some hardware stores. These keys are purely mechanical and don't require any additional technology such as transponders or chips. If you have an older key that's high-tech, it may require replacement by a locksmith dealer. It could take longer, and you will require proof of ownership to obtain the key.
The remote key is a more sophisticated version of the standard metal key, and requires a fob reader to operate. These keys are harder to replace and cost anywhere from $50 to $500. It's best to always have a spare.
Contacting the dealership or a locksmith is the most efficient option to replace your lost car key. They can create a key for you and program it so that it will start and unlock your vehicle with a single button press. This is not always possible if the original key is not accessible to program.
When you have lost your car keys, attempt to retrace your steps the best you can. You can use this to determine where your keys may be if you haven't found them already. It also saves you time by not having to search your house or vehicle in the future. In addition, you can invest in an Bluetooth key tracker to put on your keychain, which will let you locate your keys on an app on your smartphone.
4. replacement lost car keys with a locksmith
Losing car keys is a stressful experience. You can lose your keys at any time, no matter how careful you may be. Thankfully, there are some easy steps you can take to address this issue.
First first, don't get stressed! It can be terrifying and overwhelming to lose your car keys, however you should stay calm and think about what you can do. Begin by retracing your steps. What was the last place they went? This is an important step to help you narrow your search. After that, go through your pockets and other hiding spots you may have used. Additionally, it's important to look behind the driver and passenger seats, as well as between them. Don't forget to also look over your purse or backpack in case you suspect you might have left it behind.
If you're still struggling to locate your car keys, it's time to call an expert locksmith. A locksmith can make an entirely new car key and take out the old chip. This is a less expensive alternative to returning to the dealer, who will charge an extra fee.
Another option is to look for discounted replacement keys / key fobs on the internet. You may be able to buy an aftermarket key for less than what you would spend to purchase new keys. Find a locksmith who can program and cut the key to ensure it is compatible with your vehicle.
If you don't have a spare key for your car, it is worth investing in one. Any locksmith can make a replacement car key for you, if you own a manual car. However, if you have a smart key, key fob or another key that is more technologically advanced you'll have to contact the dealer to have a replacement made specifically for you.