How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Anyone who has lost their car keys knows how stressful it can be. There are ways to minimize the stress and costs related to this.
Check all possible places you might have placed them. If you're not sure, contact someone. You have several options to choose from:
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
A car key is a small piece of metal which allows you to open and shut your vehicle. It's not uncommon to lose your car key. The good news is that it's simple to replace. Whether you're dealing with a regular key or a high-tech smart one this guide will show you how to get back on the road in a matter of minutes.
lost keys for car no spare come with keys that are designed to be "smart." This means they contain an electronic chip programmed to work with a specific vehicle. If you've got an electronic key, you'll need go to the dealer where you bought your car to obtain an alternative key. The dealer must match the key to your vehicle, 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 dealer may have the key in their inventory and be able to pair it with your car immediately. The dealer may charge a premium to perform this service. Alternatively, you can visit locksmiths who can repair your car keys for the price of a lesser amount.
Examine if there are spare keys before contacting a dealer or locksmith. Store them in a location in which you're not likely to lose them. Look for a used key or an aftermarket replacement. These keys are often cheaper than purchasing a brand new key from the manufacturer.
It's not as dire as people imagine. It's also not as costly as people think. You'll be back in the car in no time if you know who to call, where to find a replacement and how to avoid future losses. To ensure that you don't lose your keys, a smart strategy is to designate the location for them and always put them there after you've used them. This will become a habit and will ensure that, should you lose your keys, they'll be a snap to locate.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
However careful you may be, losing your car keys could be a frightening experience. It's one of the top three most lost items people lose and can send a person into a panic and a whirlwind search to try to find their car keys again. However, this doesn't mean it's an unsolved issue, and there are many ways to have your car key replacement insured by insurance or other sources.
You can either try to locate your key on your own or seek assistance from the dealership or your vehicle manufacturer, based on your specific situation. Some dealers have the ability to create a new key to cars on their lot, but it's typically 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 pay for the replacement key.
Before you contact your insurance provider, ensure you have done an extensive check of your home and car for the keys. This will help limit the search area and give you an idea of where to start. Remember to check all pockets along with the seat and under any cushions. Also, look through your wallet, purse or backpack to ensure the keys are there. If you have a spare key, you can get it copied by a locksmith or your dealer to make the new key without having to alter anything inside the vehicle.
If you're still not able to locate your keys after a thorough search, it may be time to call the police and report the missing car keys. The police will file a lost-and found report on your behalf and could be able to locate the key, or inform you know that it's been returned. This is a great way to protect your vehicle from being taken. 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 tracking apps to locate your car if it's been taken away.
3. Contact the Manufacturer of your car
A lost car key is probably one of the most annoying and frustrating things you could lose because it's nearly impossible to open or drive your vehicle without it. However, don't worry - it happens to everyone, but there are solutions that can solve the issue quickly and easily.
If your vehicle was manufactured before 1981, you can usually find a standard replacement at a locksmith, or in some hardware stores. These keys are purely mechanical and do not require additional technology such as chips or transponders. If you have an older key that's high-tech the key may require replacement by a locksmith dealer. This could take longer, and you will require proof of ownership in order to receive the key.
Many of the latest vehicles on the market now come with remote keys that is also referred to as a "fob." These keys are much more advanced than traditional keys made of metal and require a specific fob reader to operate the vehicle. These kinds of keys are more difficult to replace and can range in price between $50-$500 which is why it's always best to have a spare!
Calling the dealership or locksmith is the quickest option to replace your lost car key. They can make keys for you and program it to start and unlock your vehicle with a single 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, attempt to retrace your steps as best you can. This will help you determine where they might have gone if they're not already located and could save you the time of needing to search your entire home or vehicle in the future. You can also invest in a Bluetooth tracker that you can keep on your keychain. This will let you locate your keys by using an app that you can install on your smartphone.
4. Contact a Locksmith
Car keys can be one of the most annoying things to lose. Whatever you do, no matter how diligent you are, it only takes a moment of distraction to lose them and you're without the ability to travel! Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to fix this problem.
First first, don't be anxious! It can be scary and stressful to lose your car keys, however you must remain calm and consider what you can do. Start by retracing the steps. When was the last time you had them? This is an important step to help narrow your search. Examine your pockets and other hidden places. Also, look behind and between the passenger and driver's seats. Also, don't forget look over your bag or purse if you suspect that you may have left them in the car!
If you're unable to locate your car keys, you need to call a locksmith. A locksmith can make an entirely new car key and take out the old chip. This is a cheaper alternative than going back to the dealership, who will likely charge a premium for their services.
Another option is to look for discounted replacement keys / key fobs on the internet. You might be able to purchase an aftermarket key for less than you would spend to purchase new keys. But, remember that you'll need to have someone who can cut and program the key before it will be able to work on your car So, make sure to look for a suitable alternative.
If you don't have a spare key for your vehicle It is a good idea to invest in one. If you own a manual vehicle, this can be easily done by any locksmith who can create a new key on the moment. If you own a key fob, smart key or other technologically advanced keys, you'll be required to contact the dealership to get an alternative.