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 cost related to this.
Examine all possible places where you could have put them. If not, you'll have to contact someone. There are a variety of options to choose from:
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
A car key is a tiny piece of metal that allows you to open and shut your vehicle. It's not common to lose a car keys, but the good news is that it's generally easy to replace. This guide will teach you how to quickly and easily replace a standard car key or an electronic key.
A lot of newer vehicles come with keys that are designed to be "smart." This means that they have an electronic chip that has been programmed to work with a particular vehicle. If you own a smart key, you'll need to go to the dealer where you purchased your car in order to obtain the replacement key. The dealer will need to match the key to your car, so it's likely that you'll need to wait a few days before being able to drive again.
If you're lucky the dealer you go to will have the key in stock and be in a position to pair it with your vehicle immediately. The dealer might charge a fee to perform this service. You can also visit a locksmith to get your car keys replaced at a cheaper price.
Find out whether there are spare keys before you contact an agent or locksmith. Store them in a location that you aren't likely to lose them. Also, consider looking for a used or aftermarket replacement key on the internet. These keys are usually cheaper than buying a new key from the manufacturer.
The loss of a car key can be very stressful however, it's not as bad as many people believe. It's not as expensive as many people think. You'll be back in the car in a flash if you know whom to call, how to find a replacement and how to avoid future loss. One of the best ways to avoid losing your keys is to designate an area to store them in, and then put them there after you've finished using them. This will become a routine and make it easier to find your keys in case 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 cautious you are. It's one the three most frequently lost items, and can lead to panic and a frantic search to locate your car keys. However, this doesn't mean it's a lost cause and there are a variety of ways to get your car key replacement provided by insurance companies or other sources.
Depending on your situation, you can try to locate the key yourself or contact the dealership and your car manufacturer for help. Some dealers can make a new key for cars that are on their lot but it's usually more expensive than working with locksmiths. Based on your insurance policy and the kind of vehicle you own you may be eligible to make use of your roadside assistance to cover the cost of the replacement key.
Make sure you search your home and car thoroughly for keys prior to you call your insurer. This will help you limit the search area and give you an idea of where to begin. Be sure to check every pocket as well as the seat and under any cushions. Also, look through your wallet, purse or backpack to make sure the keys are there. You can have your spare key cloned by an auto dealer's or locksmith's shop to create a brand new key, without having to alter anything in your vehicle.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, it could be time to notify the police. 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's been returned. This is a great method to protect your vehicle from being taken. Also, don't forget to look on your phone for lost and found notifications via apps like Find My iPhone or iCloud. You can also make use of GPS trackers to locate your car, if it has been abandoned.
3. Contact the Manufacturer of your car
The loss of a car key is likely to be one of the most annoying and frustrating things you could lose as it's usually impossible to open or drive your car without it. Don't worry it happens to all. There are a few simple solutions to resolve the problem.
If your car was built before 1981, you can usually find a standard replacement at a locksmith or even in some hardware stores. These keys are purely mechanical and don't require any additional technology like transponders or chips. If you have an older key that's high-tech the key may require replacement by a locksmith or a dealer. This procedure may take longer and you'll have to provide proof of ownership before you can receive the key.
The remote key is an sophisticated version of the standard metal key that requires a fob reader to operate. These keys are harder to replace and cost between $50 and $500. It is recommended to always have an extra.
Calling the dealership or locksmith is the easiest option to replace your lost car key. They will be able to create a new key for you, and most likely, they'll be able to program it to your vehicle, allowing it to start and unlock with the press of one button. However it's not always possible if you don't have the original key to program it.
When you have lost your car keys, try to trace your steps as best you can. You can use this method to identify where your keys could be if you don't have them previously. It will also save your time as you don't have to search your house or vehicle in the future. Additionally, you can purchase an Bluetooth key tracker to put on your keychain, which will let you locate your keys via an app on your smartphone.
4. Contact a Locksmith
Losing car keys is a stressful experience. Whatever you do, no matter how diligent you are, it just takes an instant of distraction to lose them and you're without the ability to move! Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to fix this problem.
First of all, don't panic! Losing your car keys can be a scary and overwhelming experience, but it's crucial to stay at peace and think about what you can do. Begin by retracing your steps. Where were replacing lost car keys last? This is a crucial step as it can help to narrow down your search. Examine your pockets and other hidden places. Also, check behind and between the passenger and driver's seats. Also, don't forget check your purse or backpack if you think you might have left them behind!
Call a locksmith in case you cannot locate your car keys. A professional locksmith will be able to create a new key for you and erase the old chip from your vehicle's system. This is a cheaper solution than returning to the dealer for the dealer a premium.
You can also look online for replacement keys or key fobs for sale at a discount. Depending on the kind of key you have you may be able to purchase an aftermarket version for less than what it would cost to get an entirely new key from the manufacturer. Be aware that you'll require someone who can cut and program the key prior to it being able to be able to work on your car and so make sure you look around.
In the end, if you don't have a spare car key it's worth investing in one. Any locksmith can easily create a replacement car key for you if own a manual car. If you own a smart key, key fob, or another key that is more technologically advanced, you will need to contact the dealership to have a new key made specifically for you.