You step out to your driveway, about to get into your car for work, but then it hits you; your keys are gone. They aren’t in your pockets or anywhere in the home; did you leave them in the car? At this moment, you will be panicking, not knowing what to do, but that’s what we are here to help with.
What to do when you lose your car keys. Here is a small guide of 8 steps you can take if you lose your car keys so you can find a replacement and be on your way in no time!
What to Do If I Lost My Car Keys?
Now, what to do if you lose your car keys? Instead of worrying, take the following steps if you lose your car keys.
1. Try Not To Freak Out
Now, this is a rookie mistake that most people make, and it’s not your fault. Losing your car keys is a big deal! But the more time you spend freaking out means lesser time to actually solve the issue at hand. This is why, no matter how hard it may be, try not to freak out and keep your head clear. Your best shot at finding your key or getting a replacement soon is to remain calm and focused.
2. Look For Your Spare Keys
The second step is also pretty basic. After getting control of your emotions, you need to start retracing your steps and look for any possible locations where you may have dropped your car keys. Look in the usual spots you place them after getting home. While you are at it, look for your spare key if you have any at home. Most people tend to have a spare in case their main key goes missing.
However, if you believe your car keys were stolen, try to get the locks replaced for your car. If you have a smart key or a fob, reprogram it so no one can use the old keys.
In the scenario you don’t have a spare key, follow the remaining steps below:
3. Check If You Have Key Insurance
If you lost your car keys and did not have a spare key at home, you will have to get a new car key. Car keys can be quite cheap to make if you have a traditional, mechanically cut key, but finding a new replacement can be a bit more expensive if you have a higher-end transponder key or fob key. It also depends on the car you have; older vehicles and more luxury vehicles will demand more.
Take the example of an Audi, the price range for the replacement of one Audi key can cost you up to $400, and that is excluding programming. Reprogramming a key will cost you more (sometimes up to $100).
Putting this all in perspective, you will definitely want to check if your car insurance covers lost keys. Unfortunately, not all car insurance companies will cover lost keys; some may allow for replacement and reprogramming charges if your keys are stolen. It’s always better to check it out, though!
4. Have Your Key Replaced Without a Spare Key
Well, the next question is, “can I get a car key replaced without a spare key?”
The answer is yes, you can!
Not everyone has spare keys to their cars at home, so you aren’t the first to try and get a key replaced without the original. There are a few ways in which you can get your car keys replaced, i.e., you can either contact your local dealership you purchased the car from, or you can hire a locksmith to replace your car keys.
Both options are excellent, each for their own reasons. Local dealerships, for example, can help provide services for all types of cars and will get the job done right; however, they will cost you a lot more. Similarly, hiring a locksmith can be more cost-effective, but some locksmiths are not equipped to replace all types of car keys. If you have a smart key or fob, you may need to look for a professional locksmith.
That being said, weigh your options and choose the one best suited to your situation.
5. Figure Out Your Car Key Type
The next step in getting your car key replaced is figuring out the type of car key you owned. Without this critical information, you won’t be able to get a replacement. Traditionally, car keys would come in the standard cut and size (similar to your typical house keys), but modern vehicles come paired with more technologically enhanced keys.
There are 7 types of car keys:
- Mechanically cut / Traditional keys
- Laser-cut keys
- Transponder Key
- Fob key
- Switchblade Key
- Master Key
- Smart Keys
A fob key or a transponder key will cost you a lot more than a traditional key; some fob keys may cost you up to $600, including reprogramming. Comparatively, a traditional mechanically cut key will cost you nearly $1-$50.
6. Gather Your Vehicle Information
The next step is to gather your vehicle information if you plan to get your car keys replaced. Your car key goes with your car, after all. The information you gather will help you find the right key replacement for you. The last thing you want is to invest your money in a key that doesn’t fit into your car.
Some basic information you will need includes the make of the car, the model of the car, the year, car registration, and your VIN. A VIN number, also known as a Vehicle Identification Number, is sort of like your car’s very own fingerprint; it is a 17 character code unique to each vehicle.
7. Get Your Car Key Replaced
As mentioned earlier, you can have your keys replaced in two ways; the first involves contacting your local dealership and the second is hiring an auto locksmith (who makes car keys) to get replacement car keys.
a. Contact Your Local Dealership
Reach out to the dealership you purchased your vehicle from. If you have all the necessary information at hand, a dealer can have your keys replaced without the original in 15-30 minutes (for a fob key), and this includes reprogramming. However, they can be a bit costlier. As mentioned earlier, a standard fob key replacement can cost you up to $500. On the other hand, mechanically cut keys may take a while longer, around 1-2 hours. They won’t cost you as much; however, most can easily be replaced for as much as $50.
Most people don’t usually go for local dealerships; they prefer locksmiths unless they have a key that a locksmith can’t replace. The reason is that local dealerships themselves will usually hire a locksmith to get your replacement car keys. By hiring a locksmith of your own choosing, you can cut down on costs by a considerable margin.
b. Hire an Auto Locksmith
The final step is hiring a locksmith to get your replacement car keys in the case that you choose not to have your keys replaced by your local dealership. A professional locksmith will get your keys replaced at half the price without compromising quality.
Most locksmiths will also be able to reprogram your fob keys or smart keys. The average cost for having your car key replaced can be up to $350 at a locksmith, while traditional mechanically cut keys will be much cheaper.
But then again, you need to hire a professional to do the work for you; only they have the necessary tools and expertise to have your keys replaced the right way!
