If you lost your car keys, the best idea is to search for it in all places where you could leave it. Also, search it on your way. It may have fallen out of the pocket just recently. It will be a good idea to try and remember when was the last time you saw the key or was holding it in your hands.
The cheapest option in this case is to find the car key. One more option is to get the second key which is probably somewhere at your home. The most expensive option will be to call for help. There are a lot of locksmiths working in your area, and they will be more than glad to help you.
Traditional key with no remote control and keyless entry
If you have the car with traditional key that both opens the doors and starts the engine, you are lucky enough. To make this kind of key is easier than all those remote-control fobs and chips. It will be much cheaper if you can get the second key. The locksmith will then be able to copy it and produce the new key which will be just like the one you lost.
If you don't have a second key or you can't get it right now, you can still call any locksmith and ask for help. These people know what to do, and they can produce a new key for your car in less than an hour. You won't even need to move the vehicle.
Remote-control fob
In older cars there were keys with keyless fob that could open and close the car. Also, sometimes vehicle's immobilizer was connected to the fob, so even if you managed to open the car without the fob, you wouldn't be able to start the engine.
For this reason, locksmiths have special equipment that is capable of copying fobs. So you'll get the fob with the same functions as your previous one.
Keyless entry chip
The majority of modern cars have keyless entry option and engine start/stop button. So you basically have no metal key in this case, but the little plastic box with electronics inside. Once you come up to the door, the car lets you in because you have this key in your pocket. You can't start the engine if the key is outside the car. Read more in Wikipedia about this kind of keys and locks.
This is probably the most expensive option to copy. If you have this type of key, it would be a very wise idea to have a second copy and to place it somewhere you could easily get it from in case of emergency. If you lost the key, locksmiths will still be ready to help you, but not all of them.
In short, the professional locksmith will have all the equipment to program the empty key and to give it all the functions of the key that you lost. Of course, you will have to show the car documents and your ID before the locksmiths opens the vehicle and gives you the new key.
I lost my car key and have a copy - how to get one more key?
If you have the copy and you can use the car, then you should probably go to your local dealer and ask what to do. Usually, they will offer you to order the second key. Sometimes dealers may send you to a certain locksmith they have agreements with.
I lost my car keys - how to prevent my car from being stolen?
If you are afraid that someone can find the key and use it to steal your vehicle, a couple of things should be done. For the simple metal key, it's easier to just buy new locks for your vehicle and to ensure safety. For keyless entry, you may ask the locksmith or service station worker to rearrange the access combinations so that the old key didn't work anymore.
If you suspect that the key was stolen, call to police. If your car is stolen after that, the fact that you called to police will be a winning reason in any talks with insurance company.
I lost my car key inside the car and I can't find it
If you have keyless entry, your car will still open and start if the key just lies somewhere inside the car. But the trouble is that anyone can come and open the vehicle, start it and drive away. So you have to find it.
We prepared the most usual places where you can look for the key:
- the shelf in the front part of the car, usually somewhere near the radio - just dig deeper;
- the niche under armrest - there is usually quite a lot of space for losing the key;
- glovebox - you could search for something and automatically drop the key there;
- under your seat - one of the most popular places to lose basically anything in the car;
- in the trunk - you could take something from the trunk or put something in it and automatically drop the key there;
- outside the car near wipers - you could drink coffee or eat a sandwich and drop the key there to forget about it.
If you are sure that the key is somewhere in the car, don't call a locksmith and don't pay for copying another key. Better check all the niches and shelves in the vehicle and find it.
I lost my car keys - how to get into the car?
Unfortunately, getting into the car will be a big problem if you lost your keys. And also, it won't be a very useful thing to do, because you won't be ably to start the car. And even if you somehow manage to start it, the immobilizer won't allow you to drive.
Cars with keyless entry won't allow you to get in. You could only break the window if it's a total emergency. Cars with simple locks may be unlocked, for example, if one of the windows is slightly open. Just reach the inside lock system with any stick or even with your hand and open the door.
All other ways to get into the car will mean bad damages to your car. Better call for assistance.
About the authors
The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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