Lost Car Keys? Here is What to do?
Well, if you have lost car keys, trust me, you are not the only one who has been in such a situation. But, there are some things, other than panicking, to do when you are struggling to find them. Would replacing car keys be a good idea? Or should I look for a lost car key replacement near me? What is the best solution? Here, the FixOne team has elaborated the best possible solution.
So, let’s get started.
What To Do If You Have Lost Car Keys?
If you have lost car keys, trust me, it feels like a sudden halt in your daily life routine, but it does not have to be a disaster; you have to deal with it vigilantly and quickly.
Firstly, don’t panic and stay calm and then follow these steps.
1. Retrace Your Steps
Once you have restored your breath, start retracing your steps and remember where you used or saw your keys last. Go through the common places, check your ignition, pockets, bags, sofa, under the cushion, or any other possible place where it could be. It happens often that the keys are simply misplaced rather than truly lost. If you fail to find it here, try revisiting every location you have visited recently.
2. Check If You Have a Spare
If you have previously made a spare key, that’s great, as now is the time to use it. Search your spare key in its designated spot or ask family members or friends if they have one.
3. Secure Your Vehicle
If your lost keys had any identifying information—such as a tag with your name or address—it is essential to protect your vehicle from potential theft. Hence, if you can’t find your keys, consider relocating your car to a safer spot, or the best way is to temporarily disable your vehicle by disconnecting the battery or steering lock until you get access to your car by rekeying it or the fob is deactivated.
4. Contact a Professional Automotive Locksmith
Look for the lost car key replacement near me if everything fails and you don’t have a spare car. The modern car locksmiths like FixOne will help you with all types of car lock systems, whether it is traditional metallic car keys, transponder keys, or push-to-start fobs. They will fix it all after identifying your ownership of it.
Tip: Locksmiths are cheaper and faster than dealerships.
5. Consider Calling the Dealership
You may need to seek assistance from a dealership if your car features advanced security systems or requires proprietary equipment to program a key. Here, your dealership may be the best (or only) option to prevent any damage. However, keep in mind that dealerships typically charge more, and you may need to tow your vehicle to their location, which adds to the overall cost.
6. Reprogram or Deactivate the Lost Key
For cars with transponders or keyless entry systems, it is essential to have the lost key deactivated first. This prevents unauthorized entry to your vehicle. Once the new key is made and you have access to your car again, your service provider will deactivate the older key, and it will no longer work.
7. Replace and Duplicate the Key
Now, here is what we recommend. Once you have received a replacement key, consider having a second spare made immediately for future emergencies. Keep and secure it in a safe place or give it to someone you trust.
8. Invest in a Bluetooth Key Tracker
This is the modern way to secure lost car keys: attach a Bluetooth key tracker (like Tile or Apple AirTag) to your keyring. These devices immediately sync with your phone and allow you to track your keys via GPS or Bluetooth, making it much easier to find them if they are lost again.
How to get a replacement car key without the original?
If you have lost your car keys and don’t have the original, you don’t have to worry; you can still get a replacement with a few essential steps.
1.Get Your Vehicle Information
In order to get a replacement car key without having an original one, it is essential to have the basic information, such as writing down the car make, model, year, and vehicle identification number. Other than that, also keep your valid ID.
2. Contact a Professional Automotive Locksmith or Dealership
Yes, dealerships can replace your car keys, but let’s be honest, they often charge more and take more time. However, on the other hand, the certified automotive locksmith, like FixOne, will make a new key on-site, usually at a low cost compared to a dealership.
3. Key Programming (if required)
The modern vehicles often require programming for transponder chips or key fobs. The automotive locksmiths have the right tools and equipment to cut and program new keys without the original, ensuring they work seamlessly with your vehicle’s ignition and security system.
4. Deactivate the Old Key
If you have lost car keys, before you call the automotive locksmith, it is recommended to deactivate the old key to protect against theft. It is wise to have the lost key’s code deactivated so it can’t be used if found by someone else.
5. Get a Spare Key
To prevent situations like that in the future, once your new key is ready, consider making a spare to avoid inconvenience.
What to do if you lose your car keys push to start?
Most of the time, it’s the key fob that is lost more than the actual key. However, no wonder losing a car key for a push start button is no less than frustrating, but there is no need to be hard on yourself. In order to get back, the first thing to do is recall the last moment you had it, and then begin by tracing the common areas you were in.
If you fail to find your lost car keys and you don’t have a spare key either, deactivate the old fob and contact a professional automotive locksmith service like FixOne, who will be there to assist you within 30 to 60 minutes. Before we return you to the car, we will confirm your ID and verify your ownership.
What is the Lost Car Keys Replacement Cost?
When you are about to calculate the lost car keys replacement cost near me, keep in mind that it will be determined by the type of vehicle, its model, and its lock system. However, the average cost of car key replacement is
| Key Type | Lost Car Keys Replacement Cost |
| Basic Metal Keys | $10 to $50 |
| Transponder Keys | $75 to $200 |
| Remote Key Fobs | $100 to $250 |
| Push-to-Start smart keys | $150 to $500+ |
Keep in mind that dealerships usually charge more because their pricing includes towing. However, FixOne offers an upfront and final cost that may also include programming fees, key cutting, and labor. The final amount is given to you before we begin the restoration.
The cost may be higher for luxury cars.
How to Replace Car Key Fob?
Replacing a car key fob is not as difficult as it looks, as it is a simple process, but it all depends on your vehicle’s make, model, and the type of fob you need.
In order to replace the car key fob, here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Identify Your Key Fob Type
Before you begin, identify the type of your key fob, whether it is a built-in key or a smart key/push-to-start system. The replacement process and cost vary depending on the technology.
2. Gather Essential Information
The next thing is to gather all the essential information related to your vehicle. This includes your vehicle’s make, model, year, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It is usually found on the dashboard or inside the driver’s door frame. For the owner authentication, show proof of ownership, like your ID and vehicle registration.
3. Choose a Replacement Option
Now, here you have the option to get your car key fob replaced through
- Your Dealership: It could be reliable, but usually more expensive, and may require a visit to their location.
- Professional Locksmith: Here, companies like FixOne, the professional automotive locksmith, offer an on-site key fob replacement and programming, which is often at a lower cost than dealerships.
- Online Purchase + Locksmith: In this way, you can buy the fob online first and then hire a locksmith who can program it. However, most of the time, there are chances that not all the vehicles are compatible with it, so you might lose a few bucks.
4. Programming the New Fob
Many key fobs require programming to work with your car. Here, only a dealership or a certified locksmith can do this by using special tools and equipment. However, in some cases, such as with older vehicles, you can perform DIY programming by pressing a series of buttons — check your owner’s manual.
5. Test the Fob
Once the car key fob is programmed, test the new fob to ensure it locks, unlocks, and starts your vehicle without causing any inconvenience. Ensure that all functions, including panic and trunk release, function properly while the locksmith is present, so that any errors can be corrected.
6. Get a Spare
To avoid situations like these in the future, it is recommended to prevent hassle, consider getting a second key fob made while you are at it. This will be a more cost-effective solution than panicking and starting the process all over again later.
Pro Tip: Professional automotive locksmiths like FixOne.ca often offer mobile services and can cut, program, and test your new fob on the spot. It will save you time, money, and a trip to the dealership.
Plan Wisely.
Tips to Avoid Losing Car Keys
Once you have replaced and gotten new car keys, it is obvious that nobody wants to lose them again. Hence, instead of taking it casually, it is recommended to plan a secure getaway to avoid future inconvenience. For that, here are a few steps to follow to prevent such situations.
1. Designate a Key Spot at Home
Don’t change the spot of your keys; always keep them in the same place, such as a bowl, hook, or tray near the entrance.
2. Use a Key Finder or Bluetooth Tracker
This is the most convenient way to find your lost car keys: attach a device like a Tile or Apple AirTag to your keychain. These will keep a track of your key by syncing it with your phone and can help you locate your keys within seconds.
3. Keep a Spare Key
Always have a duplicate key stored in a safe place, like with a trusted family member or in a hidden lockbox. This can save you in an emergency, replacing car keys costs, and other situations.
4. Use a Lanyard or Bright Keychain
A large or brightly colored keychain makes your keys more visible and less likely to get lost. Plus, they are easier to find in bags or cluttered spaces.
5. Avoid Putting Keys in Unusual Places
Don’t set them down in random spots, such as kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, or gym bags. Be intentional about where you place them.
Why FixOne for Replacing Car Keys?
Not a single, but many reasons are there to choose FixOne when you have lost car keys or any other keys. Our trained and certified locksmiths are ready to serve your request on time. Whether your car requires a spare set of keys or you need to reprogram it, our exceptional team will handle it all.
For emergency situations, our mobile locksmith team will be at your location within 30 to 60 minutes for replacing car keys in no time.
Note: Since this is something linked to security, in order to replacing your car keys, we have to look for your ID just to be sure that the vehicle belongs to you.
Want to hire us?
Contact us at
📞 +1 437 886 2555
📩 info@fixone.ca
