Lost Car Key With No Spare? Here's What to Do

We are often unable to locate keys to our car when we're exercising. It is essential to keep a spare Car key spares key in an accessible location.

You will need to know certain details about your car before you can call a locksmith, or the dealer you purchased your car. This includes the VIN number of your vehicle.

Check your surroundings

It doesn't matter if you're heading home after running or catching your friend for a cup of coffee, forgetting your keys is a common occurrence for the most of us. When it happens, don't panic. Instead, retrace your steps. You may need patience, depending on the location you dropped your key.

It could be time to call a locksmith if you're unable to locate your keys. However, first, gather the necessary information needed by a professional to assist you. This includes the make and model of your vehicle, as well as a description of the type of car key you lost. Modern cars usually use a remote key fob or a transponder key, which differ from the older standard keys.

Start by examining your pockets. If you're at home, look in your backpack, purse, or whatever bag you left to store keys in. You can also check the areas that are messy, such as desks or tabletops. Then, go over your day in your mind. Did you look in your pocket for something else and knock keys out? This is more frequent than you think. You may be able to pinpoint the exact location of the keys at the end. If not, then you can move on to the next step.

Make sure you check the vehicle

Not too long ago when a car keys were lost, it was not a problem - provided you had a spare. Locksmiths could create the replacement key quickly and easily. However, nowadays things are more complicated. Car keys are more complex and expensive to replace if they get lost.

You'll first need to determine what type of car keys spare key you own. There are two main types: traditional keys and keyless fobs. Traditional keys are mechanical and have to be placed in the ignition lock cylinder to start your vehicle. Fobs, on the other hand emit an electronic code which is confirmed by the vehicle's ECU when you use the key how to get spare key for car open or start the engine.

If you have an old-fashioned key and you're in a position to call a locksmith right away to get a new one. If you've lost a keyless device, you'll need to go to your dealer of the brand to have a new one programmed for near your vehicle. It can take a while and near you'll require proof (registration or title). The dealer will also have to erase the existing chip in the car's system and then pair it with a new chip.

Call a locksmith

Sometimes, even the most careful of us will forget a vehicle key. We've all been there when you're running an errand that's quick, and you're slamming the door before reaching for your purse or wallet to pay for your shopping trip. Then, you find that your keys are missing. This is a common occurrence which could cause you to be late for an appointment or delay your departure to work.

Keep the spare key in a secure place to ensure that you don't need to go through the usual places. If you've spent a lot of time searching through your purses, pockets and the toy box of your toddler for your keys but have in search of them, it might be time to call the experts.

Car locksmiths can make new car keys for modern vehicles, but they'll require the VIN number and proof of ownership to be able to do this. This information can be found on the driver's side doorpost or stamped onto a metal plate located on the inside of the drivers side dashboard.

Dealerships are also able to replace lost car keys, but they may not have the latest technology to program the key fob of your specific vehicle. A locksmith in your car has all the tools needed to complete this task on the spot. They can also utilize trackers from the aftermarket to help you locate your car keys that are missing.

Contact the dealer

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing your keys for your car or loosing them was not a huge issue. You could contact your local dealer and find an exchange. As cars became technologically advanced, so did their keys, and replacing them now could cost some cash, especially if don't have an extra.

You can get your key replaced by a dealer, but you'll need them to program it to your vehicle and give you the new key that is based on your VIN. It's not always a sure thing, and it can also cost quite a bit, depending on the policies of your dealer as well as the amount that the key costs.

Another option is to call a locksmith. They will usually make an alternative key for your car without the original key, or at the very least assist you with getting into your car. They will usually cost significantly less than the dealership and often will be how much is a spare key for a car more convenient as they come to you.

You could even visit a hardware store that has an employee-manned code-cutting machine, but again they may need to be in a position to provide you with the key's information that is usually found on your vehicle or in your owner's manual. It's also not a guarantee as they'll need to program the keys for your vehicle. This could take several days.