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 cost that comes with it.
Check all possible places you might have placed them. If not, you'll need to contact someone. There are many alternatives to consider:
1. Contact Your Car Dealership
A car key is an extremely small piece of steel that allows you to open and shut your vehicle. It's not common to lose a car keys, however the good thing is that it's generally easy to replace. This guide will teach you how to swiftly and easily replace a standard car key or a smart key.
Smart keys are available for many newer vehicles. They are equipped with an electronic chip that is programmed to only work with that vehicle. You'll need to go to the dealership where you bought your car to get a new key if you have an "smart" key. The dealer must match the new key to your particular vehicle, so you'll be waiting a few days before you can drive again.
If you're lucky the dealer you go to will have the key in stock and be capable of pairing it with your car immediately. However, the dealer might charge you a fee for this service. You can also go to locksmiths to repair your car keys at a lower cost.
Check to see whether there are spare keys before you contact an agent or locksmith. Keep them in a safe place where you're unlikely to lose them. Look on the internet for keys that are used or a replacement from the aftermarket. These keys are often cheaper than purchasing a brand new key from the manufacturer.
Losing a car key can be very stressful, but it's not as difficult as many people believe. It's also not as costly as many people believe. You'll be back in the car in a flash if you know what to do, 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 an area for them, and make sure you put them there after you've used them. This will become a routine and make it easy to locate your keys should you lose them.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Whatever you may be, losing your car keys can be a terrifying event. It's one the three most commonly misplaced items, and can lead to panic and a frantic search for your car keys. This is not always a lost item and there are several ways to get the replacement of your car keys by insurance.
You can either try to locate your key by yourself or seek help from the dealership or your car manufacturer, depending on your specific situation. Some car dealers can make a new key for cars that are on their lot but it's usually more expensive than working with an expert locksmith. Based on your insurance policy and the type of vehicle you own, you might be able 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 check of your home and car for the keys. This will help you limit the search area and give you an idea of where to start. Remember to check all pockets as well as the seat and under any cushions. It's important to double-check your purse wallet, or backpack to ensure that keys are present. If you have a spare key, you can have it cloned by a locksmith or your car dealer to create an entirely new key without needing to alter anything inside the vehicle.
If you haven't 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 and might be able to locate the key, or inform you know that it has been returned. This is a great method to prevent your car from being stolen. Don't forget to check your phone for notifications about lost and found using apps such as Find My iPhone or iCloud. You can also use GPS tracking apps to find your car if it's turned in.
3. Contact the Manufacturer of Your Vehicle
A lost car key is likely to be one of the most frustrating and inconvenient things that you could lose, since it's almost impossible to open your car or drive without it. Don't be worried it happens to all. There are a number of simple ways to solve the issue.
If your vehicle was manufactured before 1981, you will typically find a replacement standard at a locksmith, or in some hardware stores. These keys are mechanical and do not require any additional technology such as transponders or chips. If you have the latest or most advanced key, it's likely to need to be replaced at the dealership or by an experienced locksmith. It could take longer, and you'll require proof of ownership to obtain the key.
The remote key is an sophisticated version of the standard metal key and requires a fob reader in order to operate. These kinds of keys are more difficult to replace, and range in price between $50 and $500 and that's why it's always best to have spare keys!
The most efficient way to replace the car key that you lost is to contact the dealership or an auto locksmith. They will be able to create a new key for you and are likely to be in a position to program your vehicle so that it is able to start and unlock with the press of one button. However it's not always possible when you don't have the original key to program it with.
If you've lost your car keys, attempt to trace your steps as much as you can. lost car keys replaced can use this to identify where your keys could be if you didn't find them before. It also saves your time as you don't have to search your house or vehicle in the future. You can also invest in a Bluetooth tracker that you keep on your keychain. This allows you to locate your keys by using an app on your smartphone.
4. Contact a locksmith
Car keys can be one of the most annoying things to lose. No matter how careful you are, it just takes an instant of distraction to lose your keys, and then you're stuck without the ability to travel! Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can follow to remedy this issue.
First and foremost, don't be anxious! It can be terrifying and overwhelming to lose your car keys, however you should remain calm and consider what you can do. Retrace your steps. What were they when they last left? This is a crucial step that can help you narrow your search. Look in your pockets and other hidden places. Additionally, it's important to check behind the driver and passenger seats, and in between them. Also, don't forget look over your bag or purse if you think you might have left them behind!
Call a locksmith if you are unable to locate your car keys. A professional locksmith can create a new key for your and wipe the old chip from your vehicle's system. This can be a much more cost-effective option than going back to the dealer, which is likely to charge a fee for their services.
You can also search online for replacement keys or key fobs at discounted prices. Based on the kind 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. Look around for a person who can program and cut the key so that it is compatible with your vehicle.
In the end, if you don't have an extra car key, it's worth investing in one. If you have a manual car it can be done by any locksmith who will make a replacement key on the spot. If you have an electronic key fob or smart key, or any other technologically advanced key you will have to contact your dealer to get a replacement.