What to Do When You Lose Your Car Keys

If you've lost your car keys, you're not alone. While you can't usually control when you lose items, knowing how to navigate the loss is helpful.

This article outlines several steps that may help you replace or recover your lost car keys. That includes the required items to help the process go smoothly. It also delivers tips to help you avoid losing your car key in the future.

Ways to Find Your Lost Car Key

Before replacing your lost car keys, consider taking the following actions to locate them.

Take a beat and breathe. Finding your missing car key will require a systematic search and a focused mind.
Retrace your steps. Avoid glancing at each location. Thoroughly empty your bags and clear each space so you can confidently move on to the next location without backtracking.
Look between, under and around busy areas. Your lost car key could have slipped between or under your seats. It also could have dropped into your trunk, or if you were at a store, it could have fallen off the counter during checkout.
Ask those with or around you. If you are or were with someone else, it's possible the individual mistakenly grabbed your key without realizing it.
Visit customer care. If you are at a store, you can ask the cashier or a customer service representative if anyone turned in your item. If not, asking them to make a store-wide announcement wouldn't hurt.

How to Get a Car Key Replacement

Identify Your Missing Car Key Type

Before contacting a car key replacement service, ensure you know which key type you need. This information will help the business determine if and how quickly its team can help you.

Mechanically cut key: This no-tech traditional key has a grooved shaft at its edges. It can easily be replicated anywhere that cuts keys, such as a key kiosk, hardware store or locksmith.

Laser cut key: This no-tech traditional key contains grooves on both sides, which make it more secure than a mechanically cut key. You can get this key type cut at a hardware store, dealership or locksmith.

Transponder key: While this model's shaft is like the laser cut key, it contains a tech element that must be programmed for your vehicle to operate. It can be cut and programmed at a dealership or locksmith.

Key fob, switchblade or smart key: These tech-dependent car keys deliver keyless entry capabilities. They also occasionally include a hidden physical key component. While you may be able to purchase your replacement car key at a hardware or autobody store, it must be programmed by a dealership or locksmith.

Tibbe key: Automakers such as Ford and Jaguar often use these cylindrical keys created for added security. Because the design is complex, you'll need to contact a dealership or locksmith for a replacement.

Automotive Locksmith

Going to a locksmith is often the most economical and fastest way to get your car key replacement. However, be aware that tech-dependent keys can still cost hundreds of dollars.

Contact an automotive locksmith with the following details and documents to ensure you get the fastest service:

Make, model and year of your vehicle
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Car registration and/or title to prove you own the vehicle

Depending on the locksmith and your vehicle, some may be able to create your replacement car key using its VIN. They can give you the key once you provide them with your proof of ownership.

Auto Dealership

Dealership car key replacements typically cost more than going to a locksmith. Some even require you to tow your vehicle to their location before replacing your key.

When going to a dealership, you will need the same items required by a locksmith:

Make, model and year of your vehicle
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Car registration and/or title to prove you own the vehicle

Hardware Store, Automotive Store or Key Kiosk

Tech-dependent keys can cost hundreds of dollars from locksmiths or dealerships. But you can often lower your expenses by purchasing an unprogrammed car key at a hardware or automotive store. Once purchased, you can take the item to a locksmith or auto dealer for programming.

Mechanically cut keys can often be made on the spot by hardware or automotive stores. The key kiosks found at grocery stores can also make them.

Tips to Avoid Losing Your Car Keys

While no method is guaranteed, the following tips can help you maintain access to your vehicle in the future:

Ritualize your key placement behaviors. For example, always place them in the same spot at home and on the go.
Get a Bluetooth tracker and attach it to your key ring.
Digitize your car's lock and ignition with a remote smartphone system.

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This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice. You should contact a professional for advice specific to your situation.