How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Anyone who has lost their car keys know how difficult it can be. Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize the stress and expense associated with it.
First, make sure you've checked every place you could possibly have put them. If not, you'll need to contact someone. There are many options for you to consider:
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
A car key is a small piece of metal which allows you to unlock and start your vehicle. It's common to lose your car keys. The good thing is that it's easy to replace. This guide will show you how to swiftly and easily replace a standard car key or smart key.
Smart keys are available for many newer vehicles. They contain an electronic chip programmed to function only with the vehicle. If you've got a smart key, you'll need to go to the dealer where you purchased your vehicle to obtain the replacement key. The dealer will have to match the key to your car, so it's likely that you'll have to wait for a few days before you're able to drive again.
If you're lucky that your dealer has the key on hand and be able pair it up with your vehicle immediately. The dealer might charge a premium to perform this service. You can also go to locksmiths to get your car keys replaced at a lower cost.
Find out whether there are spare keys before you contact an expert locksmith or dealer. If you do, keep them in a safe place where they're unlikely to be lost. You might consider looking on the internet for a used key or a replacement from the aftermarket. These keys are usually cheaper than purchasing a brand new key from the manufacturer.
It's not as dire as people imagine. It's not as expensive as people think. You'll be back in your car in no time if you know what to do, whom to call, how you can get a replacement and how to avoid future loss. To ensure that you don't lose your keys, a great plan is to set up a specific spot for them and always put them there after you use them. This will become a habit and make sure that if you lose your keys they'll be easy to find.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Whatever you may be you are, losing your car keys can be a frightening experience. It's among the top three things that people lose, and it can put people in a panic and a whirlwind search to try to find their keys to their car. However, this doesn't mean it's a lost cause and there are numerous ways to get your car key replacement covered by insurance or other sources.
You can try to find your key by yourself or seek assistance from the dealership or your vehicle manufacturer, depending on your situation. Some car dealers can create new keys for cars on their lot. However, it's generally more expensive than hiring a locksmith. You may 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.
Be sure to look through your car and home thoroughly for keys before you call your insurer. This will help you limit the search area and give you an idea of where to start. Make sure to look in all pockets as well as the seat and under any cushions. You should also examine your purse, wallet or backpack to ensure the keys are still there. If you have a spare key, you can have this cloned by a locksmith or your dealer to make an entirely new key without needing to alter anything inside the vehicle.
If replacement lost car keys are still unable to locate your keys, it might be time to contact the police. The police could make a lost and found report on your behalf. They may also be able to locate the key or inform you that it was turned in. This can be an excellent way to avoid getting your car stolen. Also, don't forget to look on your phone for lost and found notifications from apps such as Find My iPhone or iCloud. You can also use GPS trackers to locate your car if it's been abandoned.
3. Contact the Manufacturer of Your Vehicle
It's frustrating to lose your car keys as it's almost impossible to drive or open your vehicle without it. However, don't panic it happens to everyone, and there are solutions that can solve the issue quickly and easily.
If your car was constructed prior to 1981, a standard replacement key is available at a local locksmith or in some hardware stores. They are purely mechanical and don't require any additional technology like transponders or chips. If you have an older key that is high-tech the key may need to be replaced by a locksmith or dealer. This may take longer, and you'll require proof of ownership in order to receive the key.
The remote key is an sophisticated version of the traditional metal key and requires a fob reader in order to operate. These kinds of keys are more difficult to replace and they can cost from $50 to $500 and that's why it is always advisable to have spare keys!
Contacting the dealership or a locksmith is the quickest option to replace your lost car key. They can design keys for you and program it so that it will start and unlock your car with a single button. This is not always possible when the original key is not accessible to program.
If you've lost your car keys attempt to trace your steps as much as you can. You can use this to determine where your keys may be if you didn't find them previously. It also saves you time by not having to search for your house or vehicle in the future. In addition, you can purchase an Bluetooth key tracker to put on your key chain, which will allow you to locate your keys on an app on your smartphone.
4. Contact a Locksmith
Car keys are one of the most frustrating things to lose. No matter how vigilant you are, it just takes a moment of distraction 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 first, don't be anxious! Losing your car keys can be a terrifying and frightening experience, but it's important to remain at peace and think about what you can do. Start by retracing the steps. When was the last time you had them? This is a crucial aspect to help you narrow your search. Check your pockets and other hiding places. It is also important to be sure to check behind the passenger and driver seats as well as between them. Don't forget to also check your backpack or purse if you suspect you may have left it in the car.
Contact a locksmith if are unable to locate your car keys. A professional locksmith can create an entirely new key for you and remove the old chip out of your vehicle's system. This is a more cost-effective solution than returning to the dealer for a premium.
Another option is to look for discount replacement keys or key fobs online. Depending on the type of key you have you may be able to buy an aftermarket version at a lower cost than what it would cost to get a new key from the manufacturer. Be aware that you'll need to have someone who can cut and program the key before it will work on your vehicle, so be sure to look for a suitable alternative.
Finally, if you don't have a spare car key, it's worthwhile to invest in one. Any locksmith can easily make an alternative car key for you if are driving a manual vehicle. However, if you own an electronic key, key fob, or other key that is more advanced in technology, you will need to contact the dealership to have a replacement created for you.