Car Key Lost? Here's What to Do

We've all been there the moment you return home from work, ready to put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza, and binge watch your favorite TV show. Then you realize that the keys are missing. This can ruin a night.

Many of these issues can be easily fixed with some simple steps.

1. Call the police

Losing car keys is an unpleasant experience. The good news is, it can be accomplished quickly and cheaply depending on the type you have.

Transponder keys of the present day use a tiny computer chip that emits an electronic code that opens the doors, and then turns on the engine. They are more expensive than regular keys to replace because a locksmith will have to cut and program a new key to your vehicle. However, many insurance companies will pay for Car Key Lost the cost.

You can purchase a mechanical key to your car at a variety of hardware stores and locksmiths. These are less expensive than the latest alternatives, but it is recommended to have a spare in case.

You might have the remote lock/start, or smart key if you own a luxury vehicle. These are more difficult to replace than key fobs since they have to be towed back to the dealer in order to get their computer chip re-paired to your vehicle. The process could take several days and can cost as much as $500. Most insurance companies will pay for this cost, so be sure to check with your insurer to find out if are eligible.

2. Retract your Steps

We've all been through that moment when we reach in our bags or pockets to retrieve our keys but they're not to be seen. It can ruin your entire evening, especially if you're headed to a restaurant, or out to a movie with your loved ones. It's easy to get scared when you spot a lost car key, but it's essential to calm yourself down and try to retrace the steps.

The best way to do this is to start from the last location you've ever remembered having your key fob. You can then go through all the places you've visited since then. Take a friend along with you to assist you in the search. They might spot something that you missed. It is also important to check from different heights, as keys might be smashed in cracks or underneath the seat.

If you can't find your lost keys of car after retracing your steps, it's time to get in touch with a locksmith or the dealership. It may take longer than calling the police but it's likely to be quicker and less costly. Plus, you'll be able to use your spare key which is always a great thing to have around.

3. Call a locksmith

Often times when you lose your car keys it is recommended to contact an expert. This is because they can help you get out of a difficult situation. They can also help you to get your car keys back in working order.

This is due to the fact that they can use a specific tool to decode the code of the car. This is how they can use it to unlock the doors of your lost car key replacement. They'll need to be aware of certain things to be able to do this though. They will need to be able identify what type of vehicle you have and how many doors it has. They will also have to know the year model, make, and year of your vehicle.

It is also crucial to inform your insurance company about the loss of keys. This will help you avoid any theft of your vehicle in the future.

If you don't have a spare key, then you'll need to call the dealership to create new keys for your lost car key and program them to your vehicle's immobilizer system. To do this, you'll require proof of ownership and identity. This is typically done with an ID card and a V5C forms. If you do not have a spare key, it can be costly.

4. Find an extra key

There's nothing more difficult than losing your keys. It doesn't matter if you accidentally left them in a place or someone stole your keys the loss of your car key is always a frustrating experience. Thankfully, it's no longer as difficult as it was because of the technological advancements in automobiles. However, it's still important to have a spare key just in case something goes wrong with the one you've got.

Many modern vehicles are equipped with smart keys, which send a unique number to the lost car keys replacement's system to unlock or start the engine. This means that if you lose your smart key, you'll need to take your vehicle to a dealer and Car Key Lost provide proof of ownership before they can create a replacement. The dealer will also have to connect the key to your vehicle's immobilizer. This could take several days.

If you own a classic vehicle that has a standard key, you can simply call an locksmith to help unlock the door. The locksmiths can make you an entirely new key, without the original one, and might even reprogram the old key to work with the new key. If you have smart keys, however it's going to be much more difficult and expensive to get a replacement key, which is the reason having a spare is so important.