How to Replace a Lost Car Key
Car keys that are lost are a nightmare for anyone to handle. There are ways to reduce the stress and cost associated with this.
First, make sure you've inspected every spot you could possibly have put them. If not, you'll need to contact someone. There are several options to choose from:
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 normal to lose your car key. The good thing is that it's simple to replace. This guide will teach you how to swiftly and easily replace the standard car key or a smart key.
Many modern cars come with keys that are designed to be "smart." This means they contain an electronic chip that has been programmed to work with a particular vehicle. You'll have to visit the dealership where you bought your car to purchase a new key if you own an "smart" key. The dealer will have to match the new key to the specific vehicle, which means you'll have to wait for a couple of days before you're able to drive again.
If you're fortunate the dealer you choose to work with may have the key available and be able to pair it with your vehicle immediately. The dealer may charge a fee for this service. You can also visit an locksmith who will replace the car key at the price of a lesser amount.
Check to see whether there are spare keys before contacting an expert locksmith or dealer. Store them in a location in which you're not likely to lose them. Also, think about looking for a used or aftermarket key replacement online. These keys are often cheaper than buying a new one from the manufacturer.
It's not as difficult an issue as some people believe. It's also not as costly as many people believe. As long as you know who to call, how to find an alternative key and how to avoid future losses, you'll be back on the road in short time. One way to avoid losing your keys is to designate an area specifically for them and then put them there after you've finished using them. This will become a routine and make it easy to locate your keys if you lose them.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
The loss of your car keys can be an incredibly frightening experience for anyone, regardless of how careful you are. It's among the top three most misplaced objects that people lose and can send a person into panic and a mad search to try to find their keys to their car. It's not always a lost case, and there are many ways to get the replacement of your car keys by insurance.
Depending on your situation, you can try to locate the key on your own or call the dealership and your manufacturer for assistance. Some car dealers will create new keys for cars that are on their lot. However, it's usually more expensive than using a locksmith. Based on lost keys and the kind of car you own, you may be eligible to make use of your roadside assistance to cover the cost of the replacement key.
Before calling your insurance company, ensure that you have done an exhaustive search of your home and vehicle for the keys. This will help you find the right place and help you decide where to start your search. Remember to check every pocket as well as the seat and under any cushions. Also, check your wallet, purse or backpack to ensure the keys are still 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 change anything inside the vehicle.
If you are still unable to locate your keys, it may be time to call the police. The police will file a lost-and found report on your behalf. They might be able to locate the key, or inform you know that it has been returned. This can be a great way to avoid the possibility of having your car stolen. Don't forget to check your phone for notifications of 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 in the event that it's been turned in.
3. Contact the manufacturer of your car
Lost car keys are probably one of the most frustrating and annoying things that you could lose, because it's nearly impossible to open your car or drive without it. However, don't panic It is a common occurrence, and there are solutions to can get it fixed quickly and easily.
If keys lost was constructed before 1981, a common replacement can be found at a local locksmith or in some hardware stores. These keys are mechanical and don't require any additional technology such as transponders or chips. If you have an older key that is high-tech and requires a replacement, it will need to be replaced by a locksmith dealer. This may take longer, and you will need to provide proof of ownership to get the key.
The remote key is an advanced version of the traditional metal key that requires a fob reader in order to operate. These types 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!
The easiest method to replace your lost car key is to call the dealership or an auto locksmith. They can make a key for you and program it to start and unlock your vehicle with a single button press. However it's not always possible in the absence of the original key to program it.
If you've lost your car keys, try to trace the steps as 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 home or vehicle in the future. You can also invest in an Bluetooth tracker that you can keep on your keychain. This allows you to locate your keys with an app on your smartphone.
4. Contact a locksmith
Losing car keys can be a frustrating experience. Whatever you do, no matter how diligent you are, it only takes a moment of distraction to lose your keys and you're without the ability to move! There are a few simple steps you can follow to get rid of this issue.
First of all, don't panic! It can be frightening and overwhelming to lose your car keys, however you should remain at peace and think about what you can do. Start by retracing the steps. Where were they last? This is a crucial question because it can help you narrow your search. Check your pockets and other hiding places. Also, look behind and between the passenger and driver's seats. Also, don't forget look over your bag or purse in case you suspect you may have left them in the car!
Call a locksmith if you cannot locate your car keys. A locksmith can create new keys for your car and take out the old chip. This can be a much cheaper alternative than going back to the dealer, which will likely charge a fee for their services.
Another option is to look for discount replacement keys or key fobs on the internet. Depending on the type of key you have you may be able to buy an aftermarket version for less than what it costs to purchase an entirely new key from the manufacturer. Find a locksmith who can program and cut the key so that it can be used on your vehicle.
If you don't already have a spare key for your car, it is worth investing in one. If you have a manual vehicle it can be accomplished by any locksmith who will create a new key on the moment. However, if you have an electronic key, key fob or other key that is more advanced in technology, you will need to contact the dealership to have a new one made specifically for you.