What to Do if You Lose Your Key Fob?
Losing your keys can be an absolutely terrifying experience. It causes so much trouble in our lives that, in some cases, it is enough to send some of us into a complete panic. There are simply few things more frustrating than not being able to use your vehicle, especially when there’s somewhere you really need to be.
Thankfully, this once-harrowing ordeal doesn’t have to be the end of the world for you. In today's blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about what to do if you lose your key fob.
What to Do if You Lose Your Car Keys and Have No Spare
If you have lost your keys and, in the worst-case scenario, do not have a spare, the first thing that you should do is look for your keys. You have probably already tried this first step, but try it again.
Enlist help searching for the keys; your friend or roommate may have a different perspective than you do, and it never hurts to have an extra set of eyes on hand. Consider that car keys have been found in very strange places. You may also need to consider that your key fob may have been stolen.
Key fobs have value even if they don’t start anything. This means some thieves will steal them. Having just half a dozen or so key fobs to recycle can put easy money in your pocket. In some neighborhoods, this is a serious problem.
What to Do if You Lose Your Car Key Fob
The problem with a lost car key fob is that there isn’t much you can do except replace it. So if you have lost your car key fob and are wondering if you can start your car, the simple answer is no.
Depending on the make and model of your car and its system, there are several ways to start a car if you have the key fob and it is dead or not working. Of course, not having the key fob altogether is another issue entirely. In that case, there is no real way to start the car without causing some damage to the vehicle.
If you have lost your only key fob, your best options are:
- Call a key fob locksmith.
- Go to the dealership where you purchased the car and get a replacement.
- Visit an autobody shop and get a replacement key fob.
- Go the DIY route and buy a replacement key fob and program it yourself.
Key Fob Locksmith
Locksmiths of any kind aren’t cheap. Their time generally costs between $50 and $200 for a visit. Also, depending on where you live, there may be a charge for traveling to you if that is necessary.
Locksmiths are also not a ready-service that is available anytime. Instead, they are skilled professionals who will schedule you in after serving clients they have already scheduled. If you need someone right away, emergency locksmiths for key fobs cost even more.
Car Dealerships and Auto Body Shops
Auto body shops and car dealerships can get you back on the road by providing you with a replacement key fob for your vehicle. However, this price varies pretty dramatically and will likely depend on your relationship with the business.
For example, if you go to the dealership where you purchased the vehicle originally, they may be able to provide you with a replacement key fob at a lower cost. In addition, some auto body shops give a discount for turning in your old key fob with the replacement.
Additionally, you should consider that this service is likely, at base, cheaper at an auto body shop than it will be at a car dealership.
DIY Key Fob Replacement
You can replace a key fob on your own. However, you will need to purchase a new key fob that matches your vehicle. This can cost anywhere from just $20 at some stores to up to $200 from a car dealership.
You will need to pay to have the key fob programmed, or you can do it yourself. Auto body shops can cost between $50 and $200 for this service. Doing it yourself will save you a lot of money, but the process can be frustrating and time-consuming.
Are Lost Car Keys Covered by Insurance?
You should check your insurance coverage to see if lost car keys or lost key fobs are covered. In many cases, they are covered by your policy. However, this depends on the specific policy.
Keep in mind that if you believe they were stolen, you still need to report this to the police. You will need the report number for the insurance company to pay for the replacement key fob.
Preventing Lost Car Key Fobs
The best way to prevent losing your car keys is by keeping them in your pocket. Also, make sure that you have a safe and routine place to keep them when you are at home.
If you have problems keeping a hold of your key fob and want to avoid this issue in the future, there are great apps available that can help you locate your lost key fob.
What to Do with Old Key Fobs
Of course, as soon as you take care of this situation, no matter which method you choose, your old key fob will likely suddenly appear. So, what do you do with the old key fob now that you don’t need it? The best thing you can do is recycle it.
You can get in touch with a reputable company like We Buy Key Fobs, and they will buy old key fobs from you. For people who have quite a few of them, this can be a good way to get some of the value back from now useless key fobs. This is especially true if you happen to be a business with lots of old key fobs like a car dealership, salvage yard, auto body shop, or tow service.
We Buy Key Fobs is easy to work with. Their process is simple and completely transparent. All you have to do is upload a clear picture of your key fobs for a quote, print out your label, and send them in. So don’t let those key fobs get any dustier; send them in today!
