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How to Find a Car Key Lost If car keys get lost, it's a major problem. The cost of replacing them can be several hundred dollars, dependent on the type and features included. For traditional metal keys, you can usually get a replacement from the hardware or locksmith store. For smart keys, you'll need to locate your vehicle identification number (VIN) and visit a dealership to order an additional key and then have it connected to your car. Identifying Your Keys The loss of keys to your car is among the most stressful things that can happen to drivers. It can be confusing to know what to say when you can't locate your keys in your bag or pocket. It is best to remain calm and follow a step-by-step approach to find your keys. Start by identifying the type of car keys you own. You can get a copy of an electronic key that opens the locks from a locksmith at a reasonable price if you have one. You can also find an alternative from the dealer, but they are usually more expensive. The majority of newer cars come with the smart key, which triggers the car's sensor for keyless entry and ignition. They are less likely to lose because they have built-in features that keep an eye on where the key is. Keep your smart keys close at hand or you may find it difficult to locate. Be sure to check your usual hiding spots first, before moving to another place. Check in your coat pockets as well as in the shoes you're wearing and in any bags you've carried around throughout the day. You can also retrace your steps and walk back through the day to check if you lost your key. If you've exhausted your search options and can't find your car keys, you should call a locksmith or a dealership for assistance. If you can provide proof of ownership, they'll provide you with a replacement. If you own a car with no transponder chips, then you can also get a basic copy made at Home Depot. Even if you don't lose your keys frequently it's recommended to have a spare key on the go. There are a number of ways to do this, but most involve giving the duplicate to someone you trust, such as a family member. Another alternative is to purchase a Bluetooth key tracker that can be put on your keys and linked to an app that will show you where your keys are at any time. Making copies It's easy to lose a key, which is an essential part of your vehicle. Many car owners find themselves in situations where their keys are lost or don't work at the most difficult times. If it's at a gas station, or when loading groceries into the trunk, or after working for a long time, losing your keys can be extremely frustrating and inconvenient. The good news is that if have an additional key, it could help you in these instances. If you don't have an additional key you can easily and cheaply make a duplicate at many hardware stores or locksmiths. It's also recommended to keep an extra key in your wallet, just in case! Many people believe that they have to go to the dealer to get a brand new car key. But, this isn't always true. It is contingent on the kind of key you own, and how complicated it is. Most modern cars have keys that are more than metal blades. They also have chips inside them that need to be programmed to start the engine. These are not the types of keys that you simply cut at a self-service kiosk in the mall, and they do not typically work with any other key. The easiest method of making an exact copy of a key is to simply visit your local AutoZone and let an associate use a machine that can detect the contours of the key, then match it up to a blank key and cut it for you. This is a very simple procedure that will only take just a few minutes. Some places have a device that can program your key to fit the car model you have. Other places that could assist you with a car key copy include family owned hardware stores as well as big box home improvement stores and a few chain grocery stores. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that these copies are only good for ignitions and doors and not remote key fobs. It is recommended to speak with a locksmith in order to make a duplicate of the smart key or dealer chip key, as they can only be copied by a professional who has the right tools and machines. Finding an Replacement There are several alternatives to get a replacement car key when it's lost. You can go to the dealer which sells your car or visit an automotive locksmith. Each option will cost a different amount. It also depends on the type of key your car has. Certain cars have a simple, double-edged car key while others have more intricate keys. You can get a list of locksmiths for cars in your local area by conducting an online search. You should find an auto locksmith that is specialized and has an auto division. You can then contact them to request a quote for the production of a brand new key. Some companies have mobile units that can create keys in your area. This is extremely convenient when you have a conventional key that does not have a chip inside it. Many cars today have a key fob that is an electronic device that allows you to lock and unlock your car from a distance. The fob can also be used to start your engine as well as control some other features in your car. It is easy to lose. You can prevent this from happening by keeping an extra fob in your purse. The dealership can replace your lost keys to your car however, they can be costly. They might also charge a premium for this service, which is the reason many people opt to go with an automotive locksmith instead. Some of these firms specialize in repairing keys to cars. This is a cheaper alternative than going to dealers. If you have a smart key, you'll need to return your car to the dealership in order to have it replaced. The dealer will program your new key. This typically involves opening and closing doors and/or switching electronics and lights on and off. You will need to provide your car's VIN number, a photo ID and the other set of keys you have with you. Losing recommended site is always a source of frustration however, it can be even more so if you are on a tight schedule and you need to travel. There's no reason to panic, though. Be sure to search diligently for your keys, get a key-finder tag so that they are easier to find, and consider buying a spare fob so that this situation doesn't occur again. Getting Help Sometimes, we get distracted or in a hurry and end up losing our car keys. These incidents can be a source of frustration, whether you accidentally drop them in a river when fishing, or leave them in an eatery while eating. There are steps you can take to keep these types of situations from happening in the future and to minimize the damage when they do occur. Always keep a spare set of keys readily available. This will help you avoid the hassle of retracing your steps or paying for expensive locksmith services. You can also purchase a Bluetooth key-finder tag that can help you quickly locate your keys. These tags can be purchased online for a relatively affordable cost. Most hardware stores will cut a brand new mechanical key for customers who own older cars. Many cars are equipped with key fobs that have a lot of technology. If you lose them key fobs, they can be expensive to replace. If you have roadside assistance coverage and the insurance company will provide a locksmith to make a new copy. This may be less expensive than having a new key made at a dealer, depending on the type of keys you have. You can also contact the dealership that sold you your vehicle to find out if they are able to assist you in creating an entirely new key. It may cost more than hiring a locksmith, but it is more stress-free to work with a dealership you know. A locksmith could deprogram your old key to make it unusable. This can be a very risky procedure, so it's best to hire a professional to do this for you. Some locksmiths can do this without taking the key apart however, it's more common to have the dealership do it for you, so that you can be sure that it's done correctly.