Although it is something you would rather not consider, anyone could lose their car keys. Regardless of how cautious you are, all it takes is one moment of forgetfulness to send yourself into a panic and anxiety spiral.
If you’ve never lost your car keys before, you might be surprised to find out that car keys are the third-most misplaced item.
There are times when you’re out running a quick errand and realize you left them in the car. Sometimes, after a long day at work, you arrive home and drop your keys somewhere you can’t find them the following day. None of these situations are desirable, but they do occur. Additionally, it’s critical to be organized.
What should you do, then, if you find yourself in a situation where you’ve misplaced your keys?
Retrace Your Steps
Tracing your steps backwards is the first step in recovering lost keys. Even though it seems simple, this can be difficult to accomplish when you’re in a panic.
It’s crucial to recall the last time you recall seeing your keys when retracing your steps. Where were you and what were you doing? You can find your starting point by asking yourself what you did after that.
Perhaps you left them on the table at the restaurant you just left, or perhaps you left them in your car as you drove home. Before making any unfavorable calls, it’s imperative that you backtrack in order to give yourself a place to start.
But it’s time to call an auto locksmith if you’ve really misplaced your keys. You can quickly resume driving with the aid of these experts. However, there are a few essential pieces of information you’ll need to have, so let’s find out what you need to make this process go as smoothly as possible.
Understand the Different Types of Car Keys
To make sure that the process of finding or replacing car keys goes smoothly and without a hitch, it is crucial to understand and be aware of the variations in types of car keys. You must let your locksmith know so that they can enter easily, but even before you call, you must determine which locksmith can assist you given the kind of key you’ve lost.
Traditional Car Key
You guessed it: a traditional car key is, well, traditional. These keys have a traditional appearance and feel, and to operate, you simply insert them into the ignition and turn them to turn the key.
Transponder Key
The head of a transponder key differs from a standard key, which is similar in other ways. An electrical component that frequently has buttons to lock and unlock your car, open the trunk, and activate an alarm is located at the top of the key.
A chip that is required to start the vehicle is also part of this electrical component.
Key Fob With Switchblade Key
Remote fobs with spring-loaded key mechanisms that fold into the fob like a switchblade are one example of these keys. They can lock and unlock the vehicle. With this dual system, the vehicle can be accessed remotely and has a more modern, minimal key that collapses for transportation.
Smart Key
The term “keyless ignition” is frequently used to describe smart keys. They are used as an alternative to real keys. When used, drivers can remotely unlock their vehicles and start them with a push-button system instead of having to turn on the ignition.
Can a Locksmith Make a Car Key Without the Original?
If it’s a conventional key, an expert locksmith ought to be able to make you a duplicate without the original. You’ll need to get in touch with the dealership to have a new device made if your car uses transponders, smart keys, or fobs.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Car Key?
Given the numerous varieties of car keys that are currently offered, there is no set cost for a replacement car key.
For traditional keys and fobs, the price is relatively low compared to the more complex keys – ranging from $50 to $1002. However, you can avoid these costs by programming fobs yourself or at the dealership.
Transponder key replacement can run you about $200, but prices vary depending on whether you go through a dealer or a locksmith.
Switchblade keys are even pricier, averaging closer to $3003 to replace.
Smart keys must be replaced at the dealer because they must program the device and the vehicle. Depending on the location, the dealership, and the car, this could run you anywhere from $200 to $500.
Contact a Locksmith Near You
You can call a local locksmith now that you have all the knowledge you require. Finding the right locksmith should be easy now that you are confident you have looked everywhere, know what kind of key you have, and are comfortable with the cost and scope of the work.
How to Prevent Losing Your Keys
Get a Key Tracker
An innovative, new way to locate your keys, wallet, and other items is with key trackers. These devices operate by connecting to an app on your phone via an intangible signal that is transmitted between various devices.
Popular key trackers include Tile4, Apple AirTag5, Chipolo6 and Cube7 .
Create a Designated Spot for Your Keys
You can quickly and easily make sure you never lose your keys by making a hanging key holder by the door or a key bowl on a nearby table. Dropping or hanging your keys as you enter the room can quickly become a part of your routine. And each time you set out on a journey, it will always be the first place you look.
Invest in a Lanyard Or Key Holder
An additional easy solution to help you keep track of your keys is a lanyard or other portable keyholder. Because of the noise it makes, the length of the attachment, and other factors, a long lanyard, chain, or trinket on your keys can make them more difficult to lose. As you are more likely to forget the feel of the keys in your pocket or purse, adding weight and bulk to your keychain will also make it more difficult for you to lose it while you are out.
Get a Spare Key
By making a duplicate or requesting a spare, you can also make sure that a lost key won’t slow you down. After all, accidents do occur and things occasionally just vanish. You can avoid wasting time, money, and energy by having a spare key so that you can avoid going backwards and calling a locksmith.
How Much Will Replacement Car Keys Cost?
Depending on the vehicle you drive, replacing your car keys could run you anywhere from $70 to $3000. Your replacement keys will cost more the more high-tech features your car has. To find out how much a replacement will cost you, call your neighborhood dealership or locksmith.
Car Key Battery Replacement
Although the battery in a car key can last for two to five years, the batteries in your key fob could run out at any time, rendering your car immobile. Thankfully, replacing the battery in a car key is easy and can be done at home, by a local locksmith, or at a car dealership.
What If My Car Keys Are Locked Inside My Car?
You have exhausted all possible avenues of search, gone back a distance, and wasted time. You’ve discovered your car keys, which is good news. The bad news is that they are confined to your car. What do you do?
Call a locksmith, your vehicle assistance company, or even the dealership to request assistance. These experts have the knowledge to assist you in the process.
We recognize that you might be pressed for time and that, in some cases, breaking your car window may be the only option to get to your keys inside the car. Your car window needs to be replaced as soon as possible in this situation.
