What To Do If You Lost Your Car Keys?

Losing your car keys can be a stressful and frustrating experience, especially when you’re in a hurry. Did you know that about 26% of Americans misplace their car keys at least once weekly?

With so many people experiencing this problem, knowing what steps to take is essential when you find yourself in this situation.

Are you wondering what to do if you’ve lost your car keys? Should you call a locksmith or your car dealership? Or is there a way to avoid the hassle altogether?

In this article, we’ll explore the best options for replacing your lost car keys and provide you with some useful tips to prevent this problem from happening again.

Read on to learn more about the solutions available to you and how to avoid the inconvenience of losing your car keys.

Table of Contents

What To Do If You Lost Your Car Keys

Losing your car keys can be a frustrating and stressful experience, but there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue quickly and efficiently. Here are some things to do if you have lost your car keys:

Check thoroughly: Before panicking, check where you might have misplaced your keys. Retrace your steps and search in all your house or office rooms.

Inform your insurance company: It’s essential to inform your insurance company of the incident in writing. This is because the chances of your vehicle getting stolen with the lost key are high. If you don’t inform the insurance company of the lost key, claim rejection is possible if the vehicle is stolen later.

Use spare keys: If you have a spare key, this is the best time to use it. Spare keys can be a lifesaver in such situations. If you don’t have a spare key, consider getting one made as soon as possible.

Don’t use unauthorized keys: Using unauthorized keys may lead to a breach of warranty by the car manufacturer. Keys designed locally may open the lock temporarily, but it is not advisable to use those keys, which can also be used to steal the vehicle. These unauthorized keys may also damage your car’s lock if not operated properly.

File F.I.R.: In many cases, people ignore the need to inform the police and file for an F.I.R. in case of lost keys. It’s crucial to take immediate action and inform the police and file a First Information Report for the same, stating the place and time of the incident. This report should be shared with the insurance company for processing any claim related to vehicle theft.

Resolve your type of car key: If you lose the existing key to your car without any spare, you might have to think a little more about what kind of key you want in your hand to avoid such incidents in the future. Choose the right type for your car, whether a traditional transponder, a key with FOB, or a smart key.

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How Many Types of Keys Are There?

Dealing with a tough situation like losing your car keys somewhere can be a complete disaster, depending on whether or not you are mentally prepared for the situation. You can do so many things that I have already mentioned above.

However, you need to know the types of keys used for locking and unlocking various car locks. Knowing these types will help you apply the right steps and unlock your vehicle without hassle.

According to our research, there are almost five types of keys, ranging from traditional to advanced. Let’s take a closer look at each type and learn how to recover them from loss:

Traditional Keys: You probably have a traditional key if you own an old car. If you ever lose your car keys, the simplest solution is to have a locksmith create a new key. Since old cars are purely mechanical, their keys rarely break.

Transponder Keys: These keys are similar to traditional ones but more advanced. The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) recognizes when the right key is pressed, starts the car’s engine, and you can drive away. If you lose a transponder key, you can call a locksmith who is an expert with such keys. They have spare keys with the same chips your car can be tuned with, but they charge more than a traditional car key.

Key with Fob (Frequency Operated Button): These keys have an external fob attached. You can still get inside your car using the key if you lose a fob. If you lose a key, call a locksmith to help you out. If you lose the key and the fob, you can still call a locksmith and get going with the key. You can buy a fob later on.

Keys Attached to Fobs: Many automakers use folding key fobs when making their car models. If you lose this type of key, you can either get into the car using a spare key or take it to the nearest dealership, where they can make a spare key (fob) for you. These types of keys are mostly used by Hyundai cars.

Smart Key: Almost all cars today come with keyless entry and push-button start. Without a key, you may be unable to start the engine or unlock the doors. That’s why we always recommend keeping a spare in your glove box!

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Final Words!

Losing your car keys can be a frustrating experience, but with the right knowledge and steps, you can quickly recover your lost key and avoid any inconvenience in the future.

From traditional keys to smart keys, different types of keys are available, and each type requires a different approach to recovery. Following the steps outlined in this article, you can recover your lost key and return to the road in no time.

Remember to inform your insurance company, use spare keys, and avoid using unauthorized keys to prevent any potential damage to your car. If there is still something on your mind and you want to discuss it don’t forget to drop us a comment below!

Thanks for Reading!

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