How To Outsmart Your Boss Car Key Lost
How to Find a Car Key Lost
Car keys are a huge problem when they're lost. Replacing keys can cost several hundred dollars depending on the type of key and what features are included.
You can usually get an alternative for traditional metal keys at the hardware store or locksmith. For smart keys, you'll need find your vehicle identification number (VIN) and then visit an auto dealer to purchase the new key and have it linked to your vehicle.
Identifying Your Keys
The loss of your keys to your car is among the most stressful events that can happen to a driver. If you reach into your bag or pocket and can't find keys, it's difficult to figure out what to do. It's best to remain calm and follow a step-by-step approach to locate your keys.
Begin by identifying lost keys of car keys that you have. If you have a conventional mechanical key that operates the locks, you can ask a locksmith to create duplicate keys at a low price. You can also get an alternative from the dealer however, they tend to be more expensive.
The majority of newer cars come with a smart key which activates a sensor in the car to allow keyless entry and ignition. These keys are more resistant to theft, since they come with a built-in feature that monitors where the key is. If you own a smart key, it's important to try and keep it close at all times or it could be difficult to find.
Be sure to check your usual hiding spots first, before moving to a new location. Check your coat pockets as well as shoes and bags you've carried with you throughout the day. You could also consider walking back through your day and going back to find the places you may have misplaced the key.
If you've exhausted all of your search options and can't locate your car keys, it's time to call a locksmith or a dealership for help. They'll be able to make a new key for you, provided that you can prove ownership. If you have a car without transponder chips, you can also get a basic copy created at Home Depot.
It's always a good idea to have an extra key on hand even when you don't lose keys often. It's possible to do this in a few different ways one of which is to give the duplicate key to a family member or trusted friend. Another option is to invest in the Bluetooth key tracker. It can be placed on your keys and connected to an app that can show you where your keys are at any time.
Making a Copy
A key is a crucial component of a car and it's easy to lose. keys lost are in situations where their keys are lost or stop working at the most inconvenient times. Whether it's at the gas station, while loading groceries into the trunk, or after an exhausting day at work the loss of keys can be very stressful and inconvenient.
The good thing is that if you have an extra key, it can help you in these situations. If you don't, you can make a copy of your keys quickly, easily, and inexpensively at most locksmith stores or hardware stores. It's also an excellent idea to keep an additional key in your wallet, just in case!
Many people are under the impression that they have to go to the dealership to get a new car key. However, this is not always the case. The complexity of the key and the kind you are using will determine how it works.
Modern cars have keys with more than just blades of metal. They also have chips that need to be programmed to allow the car to start. These are not the type of keys you can get cut at the self-service kiosk at the mall. They also don't work with other keys.
The most efficient method to create a key copy is to simply visit your local AutoZone and ask an associate to make use of a machine that can discern the contours of the key, then match it up to the blank key and cut it for you. This is a simple process that takes only some minutes to complete. Some places have a tool that can program your key to fit the car model you have.
You can also get a copy of your car key at family-owned hardware stores, big chain of home improvement stores, and even some grocery stores. It is important to note that these copies are only suitable for the doors and ignitions of your car and not for remote keys. It is recommended to contact an expert locksmith to duplicate a smart key, or a dealer's chip. These keys should only be created by a professional who has the right tools and equipment.
Replacement
You have a few options if you lose your car keys. You can either go to the dealership where the car is sold or to an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost you a different amount. It also depends on the kind of key you have. Certain cars come with a simple double-edged car key, while others are more complex.
You can locate a list of car locksmiths in your area by doing an online search. Look for one that specializes in automobiles and, ideally, has an auto division. Contact them for a quote on making an original key. Some have a mobile unit that can come to your location and create an exact key right there. This is very convenient if you have a traditional key that doesn't have a chip in it.
Many cars today have key fobs that are a small electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your vehicle from the distance. The fob can also be used to start the engine and control other functions in your car. A fob can be easily lost. You can avoid this by keeping an additional fob in your pocket.
The dealership can replace your car keys for you however, they can be expensive. They might also charge an additional fee for this service, which is why many prefer to go with an auto locksmith instead. Certain locksmiths specialize in replacing keys to cars, which could be a less expensive alternative to going to the dealer.
If you own a smart key, you will need to return your car to the dealership in order to get it replaced. They will have to program the new key into your vehicle. This usually involves opening and closing doors, and/or switching electronics and lights on and off. You will be asked for the VIN number of the car, a photo identification and any other keys you have.
It's a pain to lose your car keys, but more so when you are on a an extremely tight schedule. There's no reason to panic, though. Make sure you look for your keys in a thorough manner and get a key-finder label to make them easier to find and also to think about buying an additional fob to avoid this occurring again.
Finding Help
We could lose our keys to our cars when we are distracted or not paying attention. When you drop keys in the water while fishing or leave them at a restaurant while you're out for a meal, these types of accidents happen and can be a hassle to manage. There are steps you can do to avoid this happening again and to limit damage should it happen.
One of the most important ways to protect yourself is to ensure that you always have a spare key on hand. This will save you the hassle of retracing your steps or paying for costly locksmith services. Another option is to invest in a Bluetooth-based key-finder tag that can help you find your keys that have been lost quickly. They can be purchased online at a fairly affordable price.
For those with older cars which use mechanical keys, it's possible to have a new one made at a variety of hardware stores for a few dollars. However, many cars today use key fobs that have a lot of technology built in. They can be costly to replace if you lose them.
If you have roadside insurance, your insurance company may provide a locksmith with the cost of creating an exact copy. This may be less expensive than making a new key at a dealer, depending on the kind of keys you have.
You can also contact the dealership where you purchased your car to inquire if they are able to assist you in creating a new key. This can be more expensive than working with a locksmith, however it could also be less stressful to deal with a dealer you trust.
The last alternative is to hire locksmiths reprogram the old key, so that it no longer works. It's best to let a professional take care of this task as it can be very risky. Certain locksmiths can do this without taking off the key, but it's generally better to let a dealership do it to make certain it's done right.